Determinism vs. Free Will in Their Eyes Were Watching...

Laura Lecarreaux May 4, 2005 LIT 233/Section 09 Professor Carbonell Â…but she dont seem to mind at all. Reckon dey understand one ‘nother. A womans search for her own free will to escape the chains of other people in Zora Neale Hurstons Their Eyes Were Watching God. In the continuing philosophical debate of free will versus determinism, the question arises as to whether or not free will exists. Do people really have the capability of making decisions on their own? OR Is life already determined, and whatever we do is (and always was) the only thing that we could have done at that time, conditions being what they were? Given the circumstances in Zora Neale Hurstons Their Eyes Were Watching God, I would argue that, while free†¦show more content†¦Hurston makes her reader believe that, at times, Janie does have free will, but her life is already planned out. With enough knowledge of Janies character, the reader could predict the outcome of the story, or even what might have happened to Janie later on had Hurston not ended where she had. It is almost imaginable that Janie has not changed much in the end of the story and will continue her old ways of depending on a person for support and protection. The plan for Janies future begins with her lack of having real parents. Hurston builds up a foundation for Janie that is bound to fall like a Roman Empire. Janies grandmother, whom she refers to as Nanny takes the position as Janies guardian. The problem begins here for Janie because her Nanny not only spoils her, but also makes life choices for her. Nanny is old, and she only wants the best for her grandchild, for she knows that the world is a cruel place. Nanny makes the mistake of not allowing Janie to learn anything on her own. When Janie was sixteen years old, Nanny wanted to see her get married. Although Janie argued at first, Nanny insisted that Janie get married. Yeah, Janie, youse got yo womanhood on yuhÂ… Ah wants to see you married right away. (Page 12). Janie was not given a choice in this decision. Her Nanny even had a suitor picked out for her. JanieShow MoreRelatedNaturalism Literary Period2601 Words   |  11 Pagesnaturalist movement was important due to the introduction of themes involving popular appr ehension during this time period including; man vs. nature, man vs. society, sex trade, wasted potential due to uncontrollable forces, and man’s animalistic features such as basic instincts. Naturalism is a literary movement that developed into a literary style consisting of determinism, objectivity, and pessimism, all in efforts to portray the humanistic perspective in themes and characters. 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