Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston

GENERAL
1. This novel is about a black woman after the emancipation's relationships with three different men, each of which treated her differently, and how she grew as a person because of them.





2. The theme of the novel is about how men and women, although different creatures, are made to exist in harmony.



3. The tone is one that is repressed. Janie, the protagonist, oftentimes yearns to be free but stays quiet inside her own mind instead of speaking against the men repressing her.


CHARACTERIZATION
1. Every time the author uses characterization it is through Janie's point of view. In which case, most of the male characters are idealized. The first husband treats her like a worker, the second treats her like a statue, and the third finally treats her like a person. The flaws are outlined in the first two while the third one is portrayed as the perfect man.


2. When Janie is being described the voice becomes a lot softer. Not unsimilar to when you look in the mirror you make yourself see the better  parts of you.




3. Is the protagonist static or dynamic?  Flat or round?  Explain.

Janie is a dynamic character. Through her different relationships she goes from innocent little girl to jaded woman to someone who has freed themselves. She changes her entire persona at least three times.