Journal #4

Page 84

Syntax: In this passage, Hurston had all the sentences about the same length which gives the passage a good flow of sentences. She doesn't make them too complex nor too simple. This way she helps structure the passage in a way as to make each sentence flow with the next and make it easier to follow along.

Word Choice: Hurston's word choice helps depict the characters thoughts through out the novel. The use of "ten immensities away" shows the reader how far apart Jody and Janie are growing. She uses it this way to also show how hard it is for Janie to talk to Jody even though they have been married for a long time. This also shows how long it took Janie to get to that point where she is able to face Jody without being too weak.

Tone: This passage has a restrained tone. This is because Janie seems to be determined to have a good talk with Jody in the beginning, but then she gets restrained and begins to get nervous and worried about talking to her own husband. But then later in the end of the passage, she realizes that she has to talk to him even though it will be something hard to do.

Sound Devices: "Something stood like an oxen's foot on her tongue [...]." This sentence has the assonance of the word 'o' in it that helps make it sound like a rhyme. It also makes the sentence sound heavy in a way as to make us feel how hard it is for Janie to face Jody and talk to him.