Journal #4

There are many patterns extending through the book. But I will only talk about three right now. During the rereading of the book, I've been paying close attention to the many motifs throughout.

The first pattern is Hurstons repetition of the word and the concept of Janie's hair. In the beginning, Hurstson uses Janie's hair to show her youth. Because her hair is down her back, she is seen as young and wild almost to the towns people. Throughout the book the image of Janie's hair changes. Now, her hair is being seen as an object of desire for men and it makes Jody jealous. I think that Janie's hair illuminates her sexuality and her women hood. I also think that as the book continues, that the image of her hair will continue to change.

The second pattern is the use of the word eyes. Hurston is constantly talking about peoples eyes. I think that maybe it is used to show that it is the most important sense we have and everything we think and do comes from our eyes. This also plays into judgement. The townspeople see Janie at the beginning and judge her. Judgment only comes from what people see.

The third pattern is the repetition of the word tree. Hurston uses the image of trees in many different ways. At first she uses trees to show the change in Janie and how she is growing and blossoming. Another image we see is that trees are something that Janie strives to be. She sees the tree fully mature and she wants to be like that. She says that she wants to be a pear tree. The last image is that the tree is used as a safe place. People can sit under the tree and feel safe. Maybe the tree also represents home.