Relationships between characters often give us a peek into the overall message that a book is trying to get across. This is is especially obvious between the parents and children in As I Lay Dying. This dynamic is mirrored through the implicit parental relationship between Janie and Pheoby in Their Eyes Were Watching God. The decaying relationship between Addie and Darl in As I Lay Dying represents the deterioration of the Bundren family as well as the pessimistic nature of the book, while the fulfilling relationship between Janie and Pheoby represents the growth of the characters as well as the optimistic nature of the book.
Darl’s and Addie’s relationship begins in a seemingly stable place in the novel, with Darl being perceived as conflicted …show more content…
The relationship between Janie and Pheoby has evolved since Janie started this story, and it's clear from the way that their exchange changes. The initially curious Pheoby is now fulfilled by Janie’s story, learning and growing in a similar, but less nuanced manner as Janie. While Pheoby may not experience all of this growth during Janie's story, Janie’s motherly advice and installation of values are setting her on a journey of her own. This idea of a personal journey leading to emotional growth and fulfillment is evident throughout the novel, and the fact that this relationship sets Pheoby off on another journey is a continuation of the novel's message. The first passage of the book is also revisited in this conversation with Janie’s mention of the shores and how everyone’s journey is different. While it may be an instant parallel, Pheoby’s intention to have same take Sam fishing clearly is a unique “shore” to reach. While Tea Cake does take Janie fishing, the meaning of it to them is different than the meaning of it to Pheoby, thus fitting the metaphor of the shores. Pheoby and Janie are a non-traditional daughter and mother relationship, and the growth in the novel is also non-traditional, taking many forms, but ultimately leading to …show more content…
The development of Addie’s character through her monologue leads to the realization that her relationship with Darl isn’t as stable as it seems, while Darl setting the fire shows that their relationship ultimately leads to disaster. The major themes that are shown through their relationship require a little more reading into, but they are clearly there. Conversely, the element of growth that runs throughout Hurston’s novel is shown quite openly throughout Janie and Pheoby’s relationship. They directly discuss Janie’s growth, and Janie encourages Pheoby to find her shore. Their whole discussion at the beginning and end of the novel is meant to foreshadow and conclude Janie’s journey, so the themes are evident throughout their relationship.
The look we get into the stories themes through these parent relationship varies. Whether it is an evolving and partial look, like through Addie and Darl, or a Direct and complete look, like through Janie and Pheoby, we still see more of the author's intention when we take a closer look. Through whatever means, Addie and Darl show us Faulkner's theme of tragedy and pessimism, while Janie and Pheoby show us Hurston’s theme of Growth and
Darl’s and Addie’s relationship begins in a seemingly stable place in the novel, with Darl being perceived as conflicted …show more content…
The relationship between Janie and Pheoby has evolved since Janie started this story, and it's clear from the way that their exchange changes. The initially curious Pheoby is now fulfilled by Janie’s story, learning and growing in a similar, but less nuanced manner as Janie. While Pheoby may not experience all of this growth during Janie's story, Janie’s motherly advice and installation of values are setting her on a journey of her own. This idea of a personal journey leading to emotional growth and fulfillment is evident throughout the novel, and the fact that this relationship sets Pheoby off on another journey is a continuation of the novel's message. The first passage of the book is also revisited in this conversation with Janie’s mention of the shores and how everyone’s journey is different. While it may be an instant parallel, Pheoby’s intention to have same take Sam fishing clearly is a unique “shore” to reach. While Tea Cake does take Janie fishing, the meaning of it to them is different than the meaning of it to Pheoby, thus fitting the metaphor of the shores. Pheoby and Janie are a non-traditional daughter and mother relationship, and the growth in the novel is also non-traditional, taking many forms, but ultimately leading to …show more content…
The development of Addie’s character through her monologue leads to the realization that her relationship with Darl isn’t as stable as it seems, while Darl setting the fire shows that their relationship ultimately leads to disaster. The major themes that are shown through their relationship require a little more reading into, but they are clearly there. Conversely, the element of growth that runs throughout Hurston’s novel is shown quite openly throughout Janie and Pheoby’s relationship. They directly discuss Janie’s growth, and Janie encourages Pheoby to find her shore. Their whole discussion at the beginning and end of the novel is meant to foreshadow and conclude Janie’s journey, so the themes are evident throughout their relationship.
The look we get into the stories themes through these parent relationship varies. Whether it is an evolving and partial look, like through Addie and Darl, or a Direct and complete look, like through Janie and Pheoby, we still see more of the author's intention when we take a closer look. Through whatever means, Addie and Darl show us Faulkner's theme of tragedy and pessimism, while Janie and Pheoby show us Hurston’s theme of Growth and