An Epic Search Essay Example

beyond the monotony of her life. Consequently, her daily existence becomes devoid of fulfillment as she is constantly seeking something beyond her present circumstances. Day by day, her desire to leave Logan intensifies as she yearns for love. When she finally escapes with Joe, she acknowledges that her old beliefs will be useful but new words must be created and expressed to truly articulate her journey.Joe comes to Eatonville, Florida with the goal of becoming a prominent figure in the community. He believes that in an all-black town, he will have a better chance of achieving his ambition compared to a predominantly white town. However, despite his aspirations, Joe imposes the values of white people on the townspeople, especially on his wife Janie. Hurston highlights the irony of Joe's predicament, noting that he exercises control and authority over Eatonville similar to how white people have complete institutional control over America. This dynamic becomes another obstacle in Janie's ongoing search for fulfillment. Eventually, their marriage falls apart, leading Janie to realize the need for new thoughts and words. While she continues her search, Joe passes away, marking a significant moment in her journey. As she develops a relationship with Tea Cake, her love for him becomes the strongest yet. Janie expresses to her friend Pheoby that Tea Cake has taught her a whole new way of communicating. It seems like Janie's search is approaching a peaceful resolution. However, it is far from over as Tea Cake falls ill after being bitten by a rabid dog and suspects that Janie wants to leave him for a lighter-skinned man. To ease his fears, Janie suggests that maybe someone

had put a curse on him.In "Ah'll see can't Ah find some mustard seed whilst Ah's out" (166), Janie's quest to discover her true identity, separate from the beliefs she was raised with, correlates to larger concerns that are significant for her entire race. Nanny's notion of Janie living a carefree existence on a porch symbolizes whiteness, thereby degrading the lives of other women and diminishing their racial connections. Janie's straight hair becomes entwined with whiteness, and due to societal hierarchy, her hair represents a source of power that her first two husbands strive against. Only at the end, when Janie finally lets down her hair and denounces Nanny's vision, does she break free from the same constraints that continue to trap others in personal stagnation. Hurston skillfully weaves together these significant issues of her generation in a single compelling novel, while simultaneously depicting one woman's struggle with them.