Description of Subjugated Woman in ZoraNaele Hurston’s “Their Eyes were Watching God”: A Feminist Analysis

Abstract

This study aims to explore the subjugated woman in male dominant society in ZoraNaele Hurston’s novel “Their Eyes Were Watching God”. “Their Eyes Were Watching God” has become the most widely read and highly acclaimed novel in the canon of African-American Literature. One of the most important and enduring books of the twentieth century, “Their Eyes Were Watching God” brings to life a Southern love story with the wit and pathos found only in the writing of ZoraNeale Hurston. The novel follows the fortunes of Janie Crawford, a woman living in the black town of Eaton, Florida. This study spotlights how women live under social restrained destiny; where they suffer letdown, thwarting, dismay and mocking. Subjugation against women which transcends all natural, ethnic and class boundaries. Women are mistreated by patriarchy financially, politically, socially and mentally. Where there is patriarchy, the woman is the other. She's objectified and marginalized, characterized just by her distinction from “ale standard”. All women’s activist movement specifically advances social change and women’ equality. A woman is not considered an equal, but rather the other, and thus inferior to a man. All these problems and incidents are dangerous for women’s identity. The research deals with major aspects of hegemonic masculinity, and violence against women. This research will study the threats to female identity in the light of Lois Tyson’s feministic views.