Journal #3- Their Eyes Were Watching God ch. 5-6

1. "They bowed down to him rather, because he was all of these things, and then again he was all of these things because they bowed down"(50). -paradox
2. "She got up without a word and went off for the shoes. A little war of defense for helpless things was going on inside her. People ought to have some regard for helpless things. She wanted to fight about it"(57). -characterization
3. "Sam Watson, you'se mah fish"(75). -euphemism
4. "Daisy, Ah'll take uh job cleanin' out the Atlantic Ocean fuh you any time you say you so desire"(69). -hyperbole
5. "Dat's whut makes up strong man lak Big John de Conquer. He was uh man wid salt in him"(66). -allusion

In the first quote, the paradox that is used creates a deeper understanding of how the two ideas are intertwined.   The fact that one is the result of the other develops a common theme of success due to assertion and taking action.  Janie wanted a better life and got one because the townsfolk admired Jody's charisma and allowed him to make changes that benefited the town with almost no opposition.  The fact that the people now "bowed down to him", so to speak, is just as significant to the fact that the citizens allowed Jody to run the town and make changes.


For the second quote, the use of characterization through Janie's thoughts really progresses her development and our understanding of her as a reader.  We can now see that she is no longer happy like she thought she'd be with Jody. She feels ignored, and more than that she feels indignant, as though she deserves some attention for the wrong doings that have been done to her.  It creates tension, leaving the reader wondering when her anger will boil over and if so, how it will affect other characters in the story along with the plot itself.