Dionysianism In Lucy's Their Eyes Were Watching God

Lucy Honeychurch threatens her own happiness greatly. She constantly battles within because she is composed of Apollonianism and Dionysianism principles. The contrast between honey and church in her last name represents her constant struggle between the two forces. The beginning of her last name, honey, taste sweet like the Dionysianism way of indulging one’s self. Then, the second half of her last name, church, represents a formal place thought of as strict or proper like the Apollonianism way of order and structure. Also, her first name, Lucy, is Latin for Lucius meaning giving light. The conflict seen in Lucy’s last name can also be seen in Lucy’s choice of men. Now Lucy must shed light onto her relationships with George Emerson and Cecil Vyse …show more content…
To begin, his name shows Dionysianism forces. The name George Emerson suites an average or working man. This is Dionysianism because he pays no attention to society’s standards. He dismisses the acceptable career by working for the railroad. In addition to, Mr. Emerson enjoys the outdoors through bicycling or wanting to walk home. He lives in the moment and sees the unrefined beauty in nature. George plays with his food on his plate by drawing a question mark he shows Lucy. George indulges himself in fun and nature making him Dionysianism instead of measuring up to what society demands. Also, George Emerson’s first kiss and second kiss with Lucy both show Dionysianism features. The first kiss is in a barley field with the adornment of nature all around. The kiss bursts with passion and excitement, which fulfills the part of Lucy that is Dionysianism. The second kiss surprises Lucy because George steals a kiss from an engaged woman. George’s desires drives him to do what he wants demonstrating Dionysianism through his recklessness. George Emerson fulfills the half of Lucy that is driven by Dionysianism; on the other hand, Cecil Vyse feeds Lucy’s Apollonianism