Essay Comparing The Great Gatsby And Their Eyes Were Watching God

When paired correctly, two separate things can take on an entirely different meaning than when standing alone. Apples and cheese, while both delicious on their own, can create an extraordinary flavor together. As quoted by Remy from Ratatouille, “Each flavor was totally unique. But combine one flavor with another and something new is created.” This idea can apply to pieces of literature as well. By interlacing two works, their similarities and differences can strengthen the overall takeaway from both novels. At first glance, The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald and Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston couldn’t be more different. Yet, after properly dissecting the novels, is it apparent that they actually share many thematic
All of her life Janie is told what to do by other people. Her grandmother and first two husbands limit her independence and force her to conform into roles that she does not want to fill. She is coerced into marrying an old man, performing laborious tasks, and dressing a certain way. Yet despite Janie’s history of being oppressed by her surroundings, she uses her past experiences to shape who she becomes. Janie reflects on her change in independence, stating, “Ah done lived Grandma’s way, now Ah means to live mine” (110). Unlike Gatsby, Janie is willing and ready to move forward in her life. She understands her past, and turns it into a driving force behind her desire for independence. Hurston highlights Janie’s willingness to move on from past events, showing readers that it’s important to overcome adversity and to grow from it. This novel was iconic during the feminist movement of the 1970’s, primarily because of Janie’s sense of independence and freedom as a woman. Hurston’s message of overcoming prior adversity and growing stronger resonated with women in the 70’s. Since then, this novel has inspired individuals to speak up and find their voice, no matter what has happened before