Exploring the Evolution of Female Empowerment: A Study of Gender Dynamics in Hurston's Their Eyes Were Watching God

Abstract

This research scholar article employs a post-structuralist feminist framework by Judith Butler to critically analyze the evolving portrayal of women's roles in Hurston's seminal novel, "Their Eyes Were Watching God" (1937); through a deconstructive theory, the study explores how Janie Crawford, the central character, evolves from a state of imposed silence to a position of empowered self-expression. The analysis delves into the complex interplay of power, identity, and behavior received by societal norms that shape Janie's transformative journey. By scrutinizing the intersections of race, class, and gender, this research illuminates the intricate dynamics of female agency within a patriarchal context. Furthermore, it highlights Hurston's adept use of language and narrative techniques to challenge and reconceptualize conventional gender norms. This examination not only deepens our comprehension of the text but also contributes to broader discussions on the contingency of gender roles within both literature and society. Ultimately, this study contends that "Their Eyes Were Watching God" stands as a compelling testament to the potential for women to transcend stifling norms and find their voices amidst societal constraints.