Their Eyes Were Watching God Mule Of The World Quote
Their Eyes Were Watching God is a novel by Zora Neale Hurston, published in 1937. The novel tells the story of Janie Crawford, an African-American woman who experiences love and loss in the early 20th century. One of the most famous quotes from the novel is the "Mule of the World" quote, which appears in Chapter 6.
What is the "Mule of the World" quote?
The "Mule of the World" quote is a metaphor for the way that black women were treated in the early 20th century. In the novel, the character Joe Starks refers to Janie as "the mule of the world", saying that she is meant to work hard and carry the burdens of others. He sees her as a tool to help him achieve his own goals, rather than as a person with her own desires and needs.
Later in the novel, Janie rejects this metaphor and asserts her own identity, saying "Ah done been tuh de horizon and back and now Ah kin set heah in mah house and live by comparisons." She refuses to be defined by others and instead asserts her own sense of self.
What does the "Mule of the World" quote mean?
The "Mule of the World" quote is a powerful metaphor for the way that black women were treated in the early 20th century. They were seen as being only good for hard work and as tools to help others achieve their goals. This metaphor captures the dehumanizing and oppressive nature of this treatment.
The quote also highlights the way that black women were denied their own sense of identity and agency. They were not seen as individuals with their own desires and needs, but rather as objects to be used by others.
Why is the "Mule of the World" quote important?
The "Mule of the World" quote is important because it highlights the way that black women were treated in the early 20th century. It shows how they were denied their own sense of identity and agency, and were instead seen as tools to be used by others.
The quote also shows the power of language and metaphor to shape how we see ourselves and others. By rejecting the "Mule of the World" metaphor, Janie asserts her own sense of self and refuses to be defined by others. This is an important lesson for all of us, regardless of our race or gender.
Conclusion
The "Mule of the World" quote from Their Eyes Were Watching God is a powerful metaphor for the way that black women were treated in the early 20th century. It highlights the dehumanizing and oppressive nature of this treatment, and shows the importance of asserting our own sense of identity and agency. This quote is an important reminder of the power of language and the need to challenge oppressive metaphors and ways of thinking.