Their Eyes Were Watching God

    Valerie Boyd writes that Their Eyes Were Watching God is a “transcendent tale of a black woman’s journey of self-discovery.” Boyd focuses on Janie’s three marriages as catalysts for Janie’s growth and her ultimate “self-realization and independence.” Yet critics of the novel often voice their opinions that Janie’s character is an oversimplified means of reinforcing social constructs of a “woman’s place.” Consider these two plausible interpretations of Janie’s characterization. Then, write an essay that defends, challenges, or qualifies the interpretation of Janie as a strong, feminist character.