Journal #7

Analysis of Literary Techniques:

1) Alliteration: “‘He’s a whirlwind among breezes,’ Jeff Bruce threw in. ‘Speakin’ of winds, he’s de wind and we’se de grass’” (49).

Hurston uses alliterations on many occasions throughout the novel. By using the repetition of the letter "w" it reiterates the power that the wind has, which mirrors Jody. "W" has a hard sound which provides another example of the strength that Jody has over the town of Eatonville. Alliteration helps to develop Jody's character as a leader and as someone that others see as powerful.

2) Imagery:“Joe’s funeral was the finest thing Orange County had ever seen with negro eyes. The motor hearse, the Cadillac and Buick carriages; Dr. Henderson there in his Lincoln; the hosts from far and wide” (88).

The use of imagery helps to bring the scene or passage to life and create a mental picture. In this instance, Joe's death is an intense and somewhat dramatic moment and by creating a picture in our head we can envision what is really happening. Death is a harsh reality, and Hurston helps to portray that by using imagery.   

3) Metaphor: “She was a rut in the road” (76).

Hurston uses a metaphor in the case to show that Janie is aging. Hurston does not blatantly tell us that Janie is getting old, but decides to use a metaphor. By doing this, the reader is more engaged because the passage is unique and different. The objective was not only to keep the reader from being bored, but to be visually appealing to the reader.