Their Eyes Were Watching God

Secondary Characters’ effects on Janie Their Eyes Were Watching God, by Zora Neale Hurston, is a classic novel depicting the struggle of a young African-American woman throughout her life. Hurston portrays Janie, the main character of the novel, as a confused woman trying to find love in her life. In her search of love and happiness, Janie journeys through three husbands, two of which she finds little joy but rather grief and anguish. In her …

…her biggest transformation, from a sad, unwilling, and depressed girl to a strong, happy, and free-spirited woman. These changes occur because of the people she meets along the way. Every time she meets a new character, her attitude about life changes and eventually her lifestyle is completely altered. Nanny, Logan Killicks, Jody Starks, and Tea Cake all play crucial roles in transforming Janie into the person she has become at the end of the novel.