“Circles and Circles of Sorrow”: The Generational Effects of the Patriarchy on Black Women in the Woman-Centered Novels of Morrison and Hurston

Abstract

Black women’s literature provides lessons for interpreting the contemporary world around us. This project studies the novels of black women whose romantic and familial relationships challenge stereotypes of black womanhood. In this study I look at Sula by Toni Morrison and Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston to understand how generations of trauma and healing are passed down from mothers and daughters. The women in my project challenge patriarchal stereotypes of womanhood such as “the good wife,” “the obedient daughter,” “the homewrecker” and “the mule,” the criminal. Because black women are one of the most overlooked groups, these novels provide knowledge on surviving difficult romantic relationships that produce insecurity or dominance. As a young black woman in high school and in the early years of my college career, it was rare that the main characters of the novels I read were by a woman of color. Then I took my first African American literature class and I was instantly hooked. I went on to enroll in numerous classes surrounding works of black life. I picked up a minor in Global Black Studies and enrolled in Professor Rodney's Toni Morrison class. Through this class as well as the African American literature class I discovered my love for Toni Morrison and Zora Neale Hurston. These authors presented a pattern when it came to the treatment and views of the black woman. The black woman is seen as “a mule” in many social circles. She is seen as an instrument of labor or for men’s desire. Sometimes she is assumed to be small, thoughtless, and obedient but both authors create characters that break away from the stereotypes and gender norms. Morrison and Hurston dream up unconventional characters like Eva, Hannah, Sula, Helene, and Nel from Sula and Nanny, Leafy and Janie from Their Eyes Were Watching God. It is through these characters that both authors question, comment, and critique the ideals of the patriarchal societies and ideals that worm their way into their daily life. The women introduced in both novels experience trauma passed down from generation to generation that is caused or stems from that of the patriarchy. This trauma comes from living under and conforming to those ideals. At the same time, breaking from these rules is not easy. In their attempts to gain their independence as women, characters must often sacrifice something within themselves to arrive at a new place of understanding. In the spirit of black feminist writers like Morrison and Hurston, I wanted this project to be readable by all. I chose to write in a casual voice because I want my target audience, whether educated or not, to understand the views of everyday black women and to see the challenges they face by everyday men and men in power. Their everyday stories show how, regardless of education, there is a way to break away from these views for oneself.