Purpose of similes in their eyes were watching god |
Borrowed from: The Spruce
Strengthening characterization
Through similes such as “Did marriage compel love like the sun the day?” and “It was a lonesome place like a stump in the middle of the woods,” Janie’s lack of choice in her future is reinforced to readers. These literary devices are examples of indirect characterization through a third person point of view, yet still illuminates her thoughts and feelings. These also portray a sense of rhythm to the reader while allowing them to understand Janie as a character better and showcase Hurston's progressive ideals through Janie's thoughts. |
Imagery
During the novel, many excerpts offer readers more understanding of the dialogue and set up the coming scene. These snippets from the text contain sensory language in the form of figurative language that allows for an experience beyond the words on the page. Imagery is shown through quotes such as: “They have got that fresh, new taste about them like young mustard greens in the spring…” Even if you have never had mustard greens, this is such a vivid image that you can picture what effect the women in context have on the town. Hurston's rhythmic writing style is reinforced through the conveying of imagery. This language clarifies expression of ideas and helps to not detract from the central purpose of the novel.
During the novel, many excerpts offer readers more understanding of the dialogue and set up the coming scene. These snippets from the text contain sensory language in the form of figurative language that allows for an experience beyond the words on the page. Imagery is shown through quotes such as: “They have got that fresh, new taste about them like young mustard greens in the spring…” Even if you have never had mustard greens, this is such a vivid image that you can picture what effect the women in context have on the town. Hurston's rhythmic writing style is reinforced through the conveying of imagery. This language clarifies expression of ideas and helps to not detract from the central purpose of the novel.
Building Suspense and
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"In Their Eyes Were Watching God, Miss Hurston has fulfilled the early promise of her first books. Her writing is of the essence of poetry, deeply communicative, possessed of a primitive rhythm that speaks truly to the consciousness even before thought can form." |
Maggie Bell- Their Eyes Were Watching God