Quote From Their Eyes Were Watching God
“Ships at a distance have every man’s wish on board.” This is the opening line of Zora Neale Hurston’s novel, Their Eyes Were Watching God. The book, first published in 1937, is a classic of African American literature. It tells the story of Janie Crawford, a black woman growing up in the South in the early 1900s, and her search for love and self-fulfillment.
The Significance of the Quote
The quote, “Ships at a distance have every man’s wish on board,” is significant because it sets the tone for the entire novel. It suggests that people often look to distant places or objects for fulfillment, rather than finding it within themselves. This is a theme that runs throughout the book, as Janie searches for love and happiness in her relationships with men.
The image of a ship at a distance is also symbolic. It represents the idea that something desirable is just out of reach, and that it takes effort and perseverance to reach it. Janie’s journey to find love and self-fulfillment is like a voyage on a ship, with many obstacles and challenges to overcome.
Janie’s Search for Love
Janie’s search for love is the central theme of the novel. She is married off at a young age to Logan Killicks, a man who is much older than her and whom she does not love. She then runs away with Joe Starks, a charismatic man who becomes the mayor of the town they settle in. However, their relationship is marked by Joe’s controlling behavior and his desire to make Janie conform to his expectations.
It is only when Janie meets Tea Cake, a younger man who is more attuned to her desires and needs, that she finds true love. However, their relationship is also marked by tragedy, as Tea Cake becomes ill and dies.
The Significance of Janie’s Journey
Janie’s journey to find love and self-fulfillment is significant because it represents the struggle of black women in the South during the early 1900s. Janie is a strong, independent woman who refuses to be defined by the expectations of the men in her life or the societal norms of her time.
Her journey is also symbolic of the larger struggle for equality and self-determination that African Americans faced during this period. Janie’s quest for love and self-fulfillment is a metaphor for the struggle of African Americans to achieve equality and freedom.
The Legacy of Their Eyes Were Watching God
Their Eyes Were Watching God is a seminal work of African American literature. It is a powerful and moving story of one woman’s quest for love and self-fulfillment, set against the backdrop of the Jim Crow South.
The novel has had a profound impact on the literary world, inspiring generations of African American writers and readers. It is also a testament to the resilience and strength of African American women, who have faced adversity and discrimination throughout history.
Conclusion
“Ships at a distance have every man’s wish on board.” This quote from Their Eyes Were Watching God is a powerful metaphor for the human desire for fulfillment and self-actualization. Janie Crawford’s journey to find love and self-fulfillment is a testament to the strength and resilience of African American women, and the novel as a whole is a powerful work of literature that continues to inspire and move readers today.