In a society where women's voices are often silenced, literature emerges as a powerful tool for bringing their stories to light. Virginia Woolf famously stated, "For most of history, Anonymous was a woman," pointing out how women's narratives have frequently been overlooked in the archives of literature. Yet, authors such as Zora Neale Hurston refuse to let these voices go unheard. In her novel "Their Eyes Were Watching God" and in the feminist theory section of "Critical Theory Today" by Lois Tyson, the exploration of female empowerment takes center stage, offering insights into the complexities of gender dynamics and societal expectations. Against the backdrop of the Jim Crow era in the rural South, Hurston's narrative follows Janie Crawford,
…show more content…
Hurston vividly depicts Janie's inner turmoil, stating, "She knew now that marriage did not make love. Janie’s first dream was dead, so she became a woman" (Hurston 24). Through this quote, Hurston exposes Janie's realization that love cannot be forced within the confines of marriage. This awakening marks a crucial moment in Janie's journey towards self-discovery and agency as she confronts societal norms and asserts her own identity and desires. Furthermore, in "Critical Theory Today," Tyson argues that marriage, often seen as the ultimate fulfillment for women, is deeply rooted in patriarchal norms, a notion Janie resists by rejecting this ideal and pursuing her own path to …show more content…
When Janie leaves Logan and later marries Joe Starks, she boldly declares, "Two things everybody's got tuh do fuh themselves. They got tuh go tuh God, and they got tuh find out about livin' fuh themselves" (Hurston 38). Janie's statement underscores her rejection of societal expectations dictating her life choices and emphasizes her commitment to independence and self-discovery. Through this declaration, Janie establishes herself as a woman determined to carve out her own path, challenging the patriarchal structures that previously confined her within predefined roles. Here, feminist theory can be used to further delve into Janie's assertion of autonomy, highlighting how her actions disrupt traditional gender roles and reject the idea that women's identities should revolve solely around men. Janie's journey serves as a powerful example of female empowerment and resilience in the face of societal
Hurston vividly depicts Janie's inner turmoil, stating, "She knew now that marriage did not make love. Janie’s first dream was dead, so she became a woman" (Hurston 24). Through this quote, Hurston exposes Janie's realization that love cannot be forced within the confines of marriage. This awakening marks a crucial moment in Janie's journey towards self-discovery and agency as she confronts societal norms and asserts her own identity and desires. Furthermore, in "Critical Theory Today," Tyson argues that marriage, often seen as the ultimate fulfillment for women, is deeply rooted in patriarchal norms, a notion Janie resists by rejecting this ideal and pursuing her own path to …show more content…
When Janie leaves Logan and later marries Joe Starks, she boldly declares, "Two things everybody's got tuh do fuh themselves. They got tuh go tuh God, and they got tuh find out about livin' fuh themselves" (Hurston 38). Janie's statement underscores her rejection of societal expectations dictating her life choices and emphasizes her commitment to independence and self-discovery. Through this declaration, Janie establishes herself as a woman determined to carve out her own path, challenging the patriarchal structures that previously confined her within predefined roles. Here, feminist theory can be used to further delve into Janie's assertion of autonomy, highlighting how her actions disrupt traditional gender roles and reject the idea that women's identities should revolve solely around men. Janie's journey serves as a powerful example of female empowerment and resilience in the face of societal