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- 9 years ago
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John JonesHere's where the title originates. From the book:"They sat in company with the others in other shanties, their eyes training against crude walls and their souls asking if He meant to measure their puny might against His. They seemed to be staring at the dark, but their eyes were watching God." This narrative occurs while Janie and Tea cake are at Lake Okeechobee waiting for the water to come. The flood which results from the rising water sets up a dramatic ending to the entire story.
BethThis is a line in a dramatic scene in the story, but it also speaks to the way most of the characters didn't understand that the main character had claimed her place in the world as a young woman and her choices were made from a deeply spiritual place (although she wouldn't have said it that way.)
TerrylsIt’s a fatalistic acceptance that what happens to them is in God’s hands. They are in a hurricane and may die. The question then becomes do they sit passively or do they struggle to save themselves? Different characters answer that question in different ways and have different outcomes. It can also be taken as belief that a natural event such as a hurricane is a direct and deliberate act of God. This is a great question for bookclubs or discussion groups-asking how readers interpret the title for themselves.
Andrew RubleFate and self-determination are important themes within the story. "Their eyes were watching God" is another way of saying, "They were watching closely in order to predict fate", or
"Their eyes were watching nature unfold."
MelissaLike John Jones said, it's a line in the book. It kind of shows how the hurricane is out of their control, all that they can do is wait to see what God has planned for them next. Throughout the novel, nearly everyone tries to take power away from God, but now it's a reversal, God is taking power away from them.
Yassy KnightIt's a common phrase that the main character uses. She says, " I'm watching God" throughout the movie version. *note: I have yet to read the book, I haven't purchased it yet.
ColetteI had the same question and appreciate everyone's answers (I listened to the book and must have missed the line quoted).
miathe title implies that nothing is earned by Janie in the book: her happiness and sorrow is all God's doing. Her eyes then look to God, wondering what he'll bring into her life next.
JackPage 160.
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