Nature Themes in Hurston’s Novels, Their Eyes Were Watching God and Ser

Nature Themes in Hurstons Novels, Their Eyes Were Watching matinee idol and Seraph on the SuwaneeNature themes resound throughout Hurstons Their Eyes Were Watching God and Seraph on the Suwanee. Perhaps two of the most notable instances where the lush Florida aspect augments the novels plot lines are the guide scenes, in which Janie kisses Johnny Taylor beneath the pear tree in Their Eyes Were Watching God (p. 10-12) and Arvey loses her virginity to Jim beneath the mulberry tree in Seraph on the Suwanee (p. 37 & pp. 50-53). Close readings of the two passages reveal sexually charged language. In Their Eyes Were Watching God, the pear trees cutting brown stems and the snowy virginity of bloom are referenced, possibly emphasizing Janies naivet in her dealings with love and passion (she sees no harm in the kiss, maculation her grandmother views it as an omen of Janies soon-to-be-lost innocence) and Janies own inability to have children, regardless of any sexual awakening she may exp erience. The scene is in any case rife with mentions of the pollinating bees, a symbol of fertility. Jani...