Analysis Of Their Eyes Were Watching God By Hurston

Mary Helen Washington critics the feminist opinions on Hurston’s writing in Their Eyes Were Watching God. The article discusses the feminist viewpoint on the main character, Janie. In the book, Janie is portrayed as being forced into the “female” role by her male counterparts. The feminist opinion, however, is that Janie isn’t the Leave It to Beaver wife, but instead a strong female character who knows what she wants in life. Washington analyzes Hurston’s words and believes that Janie isn’t the face of the feminist movement. Throughout the book Washington sees Janie being pushed down by her husbands and believes that Hurston is trying to leave a message for her audience about women during that time period. Women in the 1800’s were seen as lesser being than men and Hurston wants to portray that typical stereotype to change opinions on women. Janie was a strong character, but she still was beaten down by all the men around her. Washington’s makes a point in the article that Janie is the embodiment of the typical woman in the 1800’s. While feminists point out that women are not being heard “there are critical places …show more content…
In order to be the face of the feminist movement Janie needs to be heard instead of silenced. Washington claims that their are critical points in the novel where Janie’s voice needs to be heard, but instead is covered up by her male counterpart. Hurston ignores Janie’s thoughts and feelings in order to display someone else's even in significant points in her life. The feminist opinion is that Janie is strong enough to be pushed down and get back up again, yet according to Washington every time Janie falls she gets back up because of a man. Washington makes the point that Janie could be the ideal feminist, but instead is overshadowed in Hurston’s writing by other male