Zora Neale Hurston’s Portrait of a Preacher in Jonah’s Gourd Vine Essay Example

culture is quickly impacted and overshadowed by the mechanization and faster pace of the northern regions. Similar to the influence of the north, Pearson's presence overwhelms the community.

In the beginning, John discovers his talent for compelling public speaking, which ultimately becomes a disadvantage. His attractiveness and skillful words prove to be harmful, as he gains power and women at a rate that overwhelms him and his community.

The lack of growth is the cause of both John and his congregation's spiritual and social stagnation. This situation can be likened to the biblical tale of Jonah and the gourd vine. To address this issue, John could have enhanced himself and his church community by embracing the secular aspects of daily life. By doing so, they would have obtained a greater comprehension of their roles and position in the wider framework of residing in Florida.

Similar to Jonah, John also had a desire to receive recognition for himself. In the Bible, it is stated that Jonah was not willing for God to save Nineveh, a strong city in Assyria during 721 B.C. Nineveh had committed the offense of disregarding God's decrees, yet God was prepared to bestow mercy upon them if they repented. Despite God's instruction for Jonah to serve the Ninevites, Jonah was dissatisfied with his task.

God questions Jonah's anger towards Him for showing mercy to Nineveh, asking "Doest thou well to be angry?" (Jonah 4:4, KJV). Jonah sulks to a location east of the city, and God provides a gourd to grow and provide shade over Jonah's head, offering relief from his distress.

The gourd that brought Jonah

great joy is removed by God in Jonah 4:6 (KJV), serving as a lesson. God allows a worm, symbolizing sexuality, to devour the vine and a strong east wind to blow even harder, causing intense heat on Jonah's head (Jonah 4:8, KJV). Consequently, Jonah now desires death.

God admonishes Jonah for his anger over the removal of the gourd vine. "You had compassion for the gourd, which you did not work for or create," God says (Jonah 4:10, KJV). Similar to John, Jonah prioritized his own interests rather than appreciating the blessings he received or the spiritual needs of those around him.

Physical gratification motivates both men. John seeks pleasure through engaging with women and exerting his power as a leader, even if it harms others. Jonah desires comfort for his bare head, without offering assistance to others in their moments of need.

As John becomes more popular, he struggles to maintain a balance between the morality he preaches and his pursuits and engagements beyond the church.

According to Rita Dove's foreword to Jonah's Gourd Vine, Zora Neale Hurston's novel implies that rapid growth without effort or reflection must be carefully managed. It is important for those who quickly gain favor or prestige to consider how to handle their increasing influence and popularity without compromising their moral values.

The initial chapters of the novel depict John's early schooling, providing an ideal foundation for discussing his remarkably swift progress.

Having a strong desire to meet young girls on the other side of the creek, he departs from his mother and stepfather, Ned Crittenden. Due to his youth, he hasn't developed

the ability to contemplate the significance and outcomes of his decisions.

Upon reaching the other side, his excitement about the formal education offered to him grows, but his initial focus remains on the potential number of girls residing in the vibrant new vicinity of the Big Creek. He continues to eagerly indulge in carnal desires, placing less importance on his religious beliefs or academic pursuits (12).

John's disregard for his education and other aspects of his life causes him to quickly lose balance.