"I have the nerve to walk my own way, however hard, in my search for reality, rather than climb upon the rattling wagon of wishful illusions."
This is a quote from a letter written by Zora Neale Hurston. It clearly expresses her boldness in the face of persecution, and her willingness and desire to overcome her perceived minority status.
I think that this quote, while meant to express Hurston's own life and experiences, can also be applied to Janie's life and experiences. In the beginning of Their Eyes Were Watching God, Janie does in fact seem to be riding on the "wagon of wishful illusions," but as the story of her life progresses she is seen to mature beyond that sentiment.
Although Janie does not lose sight of her dreams, as her life progresses she incorporates reality into her quest for happiness. When she is married to Joe, in particular, she is seen to actively choose to keep a part of herself hidden away; this, to me, shows not weakness or Joe's domination over her, but an inner strength, or the "nerve to walk her own way." Janie becomes smart enough to strive toward her dreams within the confines of her reality, which ultimately allows her to strike her own path through life.
Works Cited:
Boyd, Valerie. "About Zora Neale Hurston." Zora Neale Hurston. Ed. Sonnet Media LLC. Estate of Zora Neale Hurston and HarperCollins, 2007. Web. 15 Mar. 2011.
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