Their Eyes Were Watching God is a 1937 novel by Zora Neale Hurston It is widely celebrated as a seminal work of modern African-American literature. The novel follows protagonist Janie Crawford on her journey to self-discovery while she faces the oppression of her society. Their Eyes Were Watching God is an exploration of a variety of themes such as race, gender, identity, and freedom.
The novel offers a wealth of material to discuss and analyze, and is an excellent choice for essay topics. Here are five of the best examples of topics for an essay:
1.The Effects of Oppression in Their Eyes Were Watching God: This essay topic would explore the various ways that oppression impacts Janie Crawford, the protagonist of the novel. Through analyzing the physical and psychological oppression that she faces, this essay could explore how these forces shape her character and her journey.
2. Themes of Freedom in Their Eyes Were Watching God: Throughout the novel, Janie embarks on a journey to find true freedom. This essay could explore themes such as personal growth, social freedom, and spiritual freedom as they are depicted in the novel.
3. Exploring Gender Roles in Their Eyes Were Watching God: This essay could analyze the role that traditional gender roles play in the novel. It could explore how the characters' views on gender shape their interactions and relationships with each other.
4. The Role of Race in Their Eyes Were Watching God: This essay topic could explore how racial issues are portrayed in the novel. It could evaluate the characters' understanding of race, and how they navigate a society that is deeply divided along racial lines.
5. Examining Identity in Their Eyes Were Watching God: This essay topic could examine Janie's struggle to find her true identity in the novel. It could discuss how her identity is affected by her race, gender, and society, and how these forces shape her journey to self-discovery.
These essay topics offer a variety of ways to explore and analyze the themes of Their Eyes Were Watching God. By engaging with these topics, students can gain a greater understanding of the novel, as well as develop their critical thinking and writing skills.