Gender Roles and Feminism in "Their Eyes Were Watching God"
Their Eyes Were Watching God, written by Zora Neale Hurston and published in 1937, follows the life of a young woman named Janie. Throughout the novel we witness Janie search for love and, in turn, develop her individuality. In the book Janie is expected to live her life in accordance with traditional values and how others expect her to. Hurston's depictions of the various relationships that Janie experiences provides a critique of gender roles in society. Mr. Killicks and Jody do not see Janie as her own person, but instead as an extension of themselves. To these men, Janie is only defined by her relationship with them. In these relationships Janie is held to strict standards, expected to act submissive, obedient, and silent. This is seen in Jody's treatment of Janie. When Jody becomes mayor of Eatonville and buys the store he boosts Janie's social standing, seemingly giving her status and a sort of independence. However, this is a facade, as Jody takes away Janie’s power