Once again Hurston uses language and communication to reinforce a deeper meaning to Janie’s journey. As I have stated in an earlier post Hurston uses two intertwining voices to add depth to the story at hand. Now, Hurston uses Janie and Jody’s relationship to show the importance of communication. Janie was forced to live in a world of silence during her marriage to Jody. Every bit of anger, tension, and sadness was kept inside eating away at her sanity. She wanted to scream yet “no matter what Jody did she said nothing” (Hurston 76). The lack of communication in this relationship ultimately led to its demise.
In the same sense the lack of communication can be positive. By Jody shutting Janie out she was able to discover herself. She knew what to say and when to say it. When Jody was on his deathbed although he avoided her, she went in and told him everything she thought. He was weakened even more by this and eventually passes away. She was finally able to release her hair while at the same time releasing the tension and sadness ultimately setting her free. Janie’s character is now stronger than ever after gaining this new sense of herself and the power behind her words.
I completely agree with your points about the usage of language and communication. As we see throughout the beginning of the novel, Janie does not stand up for herself very much. She allows her life be dictated by her Nanny and keeps her opinions quiet and inside while married to Jody. However, Janie's silence ultimately gives her strength and teaches her how to be herself and live independently.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you points above. The usage of the language and communication gives a deep meaning on Jody's relationship and the importance of it. The lack of communication in their relationship really added to its demise.
ReplyDeleteI like how you noticed Hurston's use of language and communication to reinforce a deeper meaning to Janie's Journey. When Jody shut Janie out, I don't believe it was the worst thing that has happened to Janie because she found herself and realized she didn't want to be unhappy with him. She was ultimately glad that she was free after this whole event.
ReplyDeleteI like the point you bring up about the communication Janie had in her marriages. Communication can be a big factor in relationships that can essentially make or break them. Janie was clearly silenced in her marriages due to the fact that she is a woman and back then women were taught to only speak when spoken to and keep to themselves.
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