Essay On The Character's Journey In Young Ju And Their Eyes Were Watching God

In literature, a character’s journey is almost always characterized by a change in the status quo that presents a problem and the character’s reaction that presents a solution. However, that solution is not always successful as some characters choose to be proactive and take action while others hesitate. Compared to Young Ju and The Hunger Artist, Janie most successfully adjusts to different environments by placing a strong emphasis on individuality while she takes action. In Zora Neale Hurston’s Their Eyes Were Watching God, Janie learns from and matures in her marriages, growing to become a strong and independent woman. Her journey begins when she marries Logan, who wants Janie as a domestic helper; however, this is not the “marriage lak when you
When he “suddenly [finds] himself deserted,” the Hunger Artist signs himself over to a circus, where his fasting becomes more and more extreme in order to gain attention (331). However, his popularity does not improve, and his fasting becomes a habit rather than an art: “no one counted the days, no one, not even the artist himself” (333-334). His behavior and thoughts show that the Hunger Artist is very prideful; this pride prevents him from adjusting to his new environment. The Hunger Artist clings on to hope like Young Ju and Janie, however, when he realizes that he is deserted, he cannot change. At the end, the Hunger Artist dies, “but in his dimming eyes remained the firm though no longer proud persuasion that he still continuing to fast” (334). Although his pride is gone, the Hunger Artist is powerless to change course. In a way, his pride and hunger for fame becomes the cage that he is presented and dies in. Thus, he is less successful than both Young Ju and Janie, as he does not achieve his goal and instead, sends himself into a downwards