Their Eyes Were Watching God: Novel And Film Adaption Comparative Analysis
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Tori Parker
EN 350
Dr. Manora
10/8/14
“Their Eyes Were Watching God:
Novel and Film Adaption Comparative Analysis” Zora Neal Hurston’s most popular novel tells the story of an African-American woman who matures while experiencing emotional growth during her quest for a purposeful life and deep ache for love. In 2005, a film adaptation of Their Eyes Were Watching God was released, generating adverse affects on many. Even though the equally loved and criticized film stayed true to the plot, many agree that it fails to accurately represent events throughout the novel by omitting highly significant parts. Multiple aspects at the beginning of the film and novel are extremely different. The pair tree, which is highly symbolic in the novel, is only shown once in the film. Also, racial discrimination and the trial are neglected from the film. Not to mention, Janie states the title three times in the adaptation, even though the implication of the title is more accurately portrayed in the novel. Additionally, there are minor modifications, like the existence of certain characters and what Janie says to her second husband before his death. Despite the differences of the novel and film, Janie gains wisdom and experiences the true meaning of life and love through her many …show more content…
The most prevailing conflict is summarized by the quote, “The wind came back with triple fury, and put out the light for the last time. They sat in company with the others in other shanties, their eyes straining against crude walls and their souls asking if He meant to measure their puny might against His. They seemed to be starting at the dark, but their eyes were watching God,” (Hurston, 160). The storm can be described as a metaphor for the power of God and nature. Janie and Tea Cake now seem to understand their lack of complete control in life and God’s true power. There is less of an understanding of the essential conflict, man vs. nature, in the
Tori Parker
EN 350
Dr. Manora
10/8/14
“Their Eyes Were Watching God:
Novel and Film Adaption Comparative Analysis” Zora Neal Hurston’s most popular novel tells the story of an African-American woman who matures while experiencing emotional growth during her quest for a purposeful life and deep ache for love. In 2005, a film adaptation of Their Eyes Were Watching God was released, generating adverse affects on many. Even though the equally loved and criticized film stayed true to the plot, many agree that it fails to accurately represent events throughout the novel by omitting highly significant parts. Multiple aspects at the beginning of the film and novel are extremely different. The pair tree, which is highly symbolic in the novel, is only shown once in the film. Also, racial discrimination and the trial are neglected from the film. Not to mention, Janie states the title three times in the adaptation, even though the implication of the title is more accurately portrayed in the novel. Additionally, there are minor modifications, like the existence of certain characters and what Janie says to her second husband before his death. Despite the differences of the novel and film, Janie gains wisdom and experiences the true meaning of life and love through her many …show more content…
The most prevailing conflict is summarized by the quote, “The wind came back with triple fury, and put out the light for the last time. They sat in company with the others in other shanties, their eyes straining against crude walls and their souls asking if He meant to measure their puny might against His. They seemed to be starting at the dark, but their eyes were watching God,” (Hurston, 160). The storm can be described as a metaphor for the power of God and nature. Janie and Tea Cake now seem to understand their lack of complete control in life and God’s true power. There is less of an understanding of the essential conflict, man vs. nature, in the