Laine - Figurative Language Assignment by https://padlet.com/lainem1/dslkxay8v0pinqxv A depiction and analysis of Hurston's language and imagery en-us 2021-01-12 22:40:49 UTC 2026-02-06 05:41:58 UTC hello@padlet.com “There is a basin in the mind where words float around on thought and thought on sound and sight. Then there is a depth of thought untouched by words, and deeper still a gulf of formless feelings untouched by thought” (24). Metaphor lainem1 https://padlet.com/lainem1/dslkxay8v0pinqxv/wish/1080992129 This metaphor illustrates the distinction between Nanny’s more digestible thoughts which consume the majority of her attention and her more suppressed and troubling ideas. Basins are large open containers which typically hold free flowing water. They invoke a sense of peace as water glides out of them with ease. Gulfs are deep bodies of water that are almost completely surrounded by land. The dark and unexplored waters at the ocean floor elicit a frightening and mysterious feeling.
Nanny’s brain is characterized as a basin, alluding to a vast space open to the flow of harmless thoughts; however, her worrisome thoughts are submerged in a deep body of water, representing the unknown. At surface level, Nanny has been concerned with finding Jannie a husband as this would provide her with legal protection and general safety. However, after Janie expresses her dissatisfaction in her marriage, Nanny is confronted with her unprocessed fears about her impending passing and the uncertainty of Janie’s future after her death. Nanny has maintained a one track mind that marriage ensures safety in order to distract from the fact that she will soon be unable to protect Janie.

]]> 2021-01-12 22:44:47 UTC https://padlet.com/lainem1/dslkxay8v0pinqxv/wish/1080992129 “These sitters had been tongueless, earless, eyeless conveniences all day long. Mules and other brutes had occupied their skins” (1). lainem1 https://padlet.com/lainem1/dslkxay8v0pinqxv/wish/1151704664 Hyperbole and Metaphor]]> 2021-02-02 03:23:58 UTC https://padlet.com/lainem1/dslkxay8v0pinqxv/wish/1151704664 “Nanny’s words made Janie’s kiss across the gatepost seem like a manure pile after a rain” (13). lainem1 https://padlet.com/lainem1/dslkxay8v0pinqxv/wish/1151705856 Simile]]> 2021-02-02 03:24:46 UTC https://padlet.com/lainem1/dslkxay8v0pinqxv/wish/1151705856 “Logan with his shovel looked like a black bear doing some clumsy dance on his hind legs” (31). lainem1 https://padlet.com/lainem1/dslkxay8v0pinqxv/wish/1151707016 Simile]]> 2021-02-02 03:25:36 UTC https://padlet.com/lainem1/dslkxay8v0pinqxv/wish/1151707016 “They tried hard to hold it in, but enough incredulous laughter burst out of their eyes and leaked from the corners of their mouths to inform anyone of their thoughts” (37). lainem1 https://padlet.com/lainem1/dslkxay8v0pinqxv/wish/1151707799 Hyperbole]]> 2021-02-02 03:26:10 UTC https://padlet.com/lainem1/dslkxay8v0pinqxv/wish/1151707799 “She had no more blossomy openings dusting pollen over her man, neither any glistening young fruit where the petals used to be” (72). lainem1 https://padlet.com/lainem1/dslkxay8v0pinqxv/wish/1151708714 Metaphor]]> 2021-02-02 03:26:43 UTC https://padlet.com/lainem1/dslkxay8v0pinqxv/wish/1151708714 “The spirit of the marriage left the bedroom and took to living in the parlor” (71). Personification lainem1 https://padlet.com/lainem1/dslkxay8v0pinqxv/wish/1151710229 Over the course of Joe and Janie’s marriage, their relationship has grown loveless and perfunctory. Bedrooms encapsulate an air of intimacy and romance. They are rooms where couples often express care for each other and spend quality time together. While bedrooms are private and personal spaces, parlor rooms are social settings, used to entertain guests. After seven years of marriage, Janie reflects upon the growing tension and discontent within their relationship and she realizes that their affection and devotion has deteriorated. Their marriage is continued out of convenience and not commitment. Through their marital status, they maintain a socially acceptable appearance and prestige within the community. The people of Eatonville view Joe and Janie as a unit, held in esteem as they exude success. Even though their relationship lacks affection, they sustain a married semblance in public to preserve their social standing. ]]> 2021-02-02 03:27:48 UTC https://padlet.com/lainem1/dslkxay8v0pinqxv/wish/1151710229 “For the first time she could see a man’s head naked of its skull. Saw the cunning thoughts race in and out through the caves and promontories of his mind long before they darted out of the tunnel of his mouth” (77). lainem1 https://padlet.com/lainem1/dslkxay8v0pinqxv/wish/1151710924 Hyperbole]]> 2021-02-02 03:28:18 UTC https://padlet.com/lainem1/dslkxay8v0pinqxv/wish/1151710924 “He had crawled off to lick his wounds” (81). lainem1 https://padlet.com/lainem1/dslkxay8v0pinqxv/wish/1151711509 Metaphor]]> 2021-02-02 03:28:44 UTC https://padlet.com/lainem1/dslkxay8v0pinqxv/wish/1151711509 “What need has Death for a cover, and what winds can blow against him? He stands in his high house that overlooks the world” (84). lainem1 https://padlet.com/lainem1/dslkxay8v0pinqxv/wish/1151712443 Personification]]> 2021-02-02 03:29:20 UTC https://padlet.com/lainem1/dslkxay8v0pinqxv/wish/1151712443 “She sent her face to Joe’s funeral, and herself went rollicking with the springtime across the world” (88). Metaphor lainem1 https://padlet.com/lainem1/dslkxay8v0pinqxv/wish/1151720388 While Janie physically attends Joe’s funeral, she is not emotionally present and her mind is thinking of the future. Spring is the season of bloom, emerging warm, and growth after a period of slumber and frigidness. It is symbolic of rebirth and a new stage in life. As rollicking is a very free and lively motion, traveling across the world conveys a sense of liberation, exploration, and new possibilities. This metaphor expresses the contrast between Janie’s outward appearance and her inner feelings. Externally, Janie is solemn and mourning; however, she recognizes an internal shift as she is no longer under her husband’s control. In their marriage, Joe constrained Janie to the sole role of a subservient wife. When she went against his submissive and voiceless expectations, he penalized her through physical and verbal abuse. At his funeral, she is secretly reveling in her new found autonomy. Furthermore, she is characterized as going across the world because her mind is exploring all of the possibilities that her future holds. ]]> 2021-02-02 03:34:47 UTC https://padlet.com/lainem1/dslkxay8v0pinqxv/wish/1151720388 "The town had a basketful of feelings good and bad about Joe's positions and possessions, but none had the temerity to challenge him" (50). lainem1 https://padlet.com/lainem1/dslkxay8v0pinqxv/wish/1161616280 Metaphor]]> 2021-02-04 01:30:46 UTC https://padlet.com/lainem1/dslkxay8v0pinqxv/wish/1161616280 "Here he was just was pouring honor all over her; building a high chair for her to sit in and overlook the world and she here pouting over it" (62). lainem1 https://padlet.com/lainem1/dslkxay8v0pinqxv/wish/1161625076 Metaphor]]> 2021-02-04 01:35:27 UTC https://padlet.com/lainem1/dslkxay8v0pinqxv/wish/1161625076 Suzanne's comments suzannem7 https://padlet.com/lainem1/dslkxay8v0pinqxv/wish/1181935692 2021-02-09 13:18:06 UTC https://padlet.com/lainem1/dslkxay8v0pinqxv/wish/1181935692