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Their eyes were watching god:

What is the importance of the concept of horizon? How does Janie
manage to widen/reach her horizons? What is the significance of the
hovel's final sentences in this regard?

User Zennehoy
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Answer:

In "Their Eyes Were Watching God," the concept of horizon represents the limits of one's knowledge, experience, and aspirations. The horizon is both a literal and metaphorical boundary that defines a person's worldview and possibilities.

For Janie, the concept of horizon is significant because it represents her desire for personal growth and self-discovery. At the beginning of the novel, Janie's horizon is limited by her experiences as a young, black woman in a rural Southern community. She is expected to conform to traditional gender roles and marry for social and economic security, rather than for love or personal fulfillment.

However, throughout the novel, Janie manages to widen her horizons by pursuing her own desires and breaking free from societal expectations. She defies convention by leaving her first two marriages and pursuing a relationship with Tea Cake, a younger man who represents a different way of life. Through her relationship with Tea Cake, Janie experiences new adventures, travels to new places, and gains a new perspective on life.

The significance of the hovel's final sentences lies in the way they encapsulate Janie's journey towards self-discovery and personal freedom. In the final scene, Janie sits in her old, rundown house, surrounded by memories of her past. However, despite the decay and neglect of her physical surroundings, Janie's horizon has been widened by her experiences and her newfound sense of self. She has achieved a level of self-awareness and personal fulfillment that transcends her material circumstances, and she is at peace with herself and her journey.

Overall, the concept of horizon is a powerful symbol in "Their Eyes Were Watching God," representing the limits and possibilities of personal growth and self-discovery. Janie's journey towards widening her horizons is a central theme of the novel, and the hovel's final sentences serve as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of personal experience and self-awareness.

User Ghostff
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