Journal #4

The passage is the long paragraph on page 84.

Hurston uses short, simple sentences in the beginning of the passage. This syntax shows that death is simple, easy, and unavoidable. She also uses certain words that give the passage a deeper meaning. Hurston capitalizes Death which gives it more power and meaning. Death is this all powerful being that can not be stopped. "He stands in his high house that overlooks the world. Stands watchful and motionless all day with his sword drawn back, waiting for the messenger to bid him come."(84). Hurston uses "high" and "overlooks" to show that he is more powerful than everyone else. She also uses "sword drawn back" to give Death more power. The tone is the passage is upset and afraid. Janie is worried that Jody is dying. She remains hopeful that he will live but knows that he will not make it. This makes the reader feel simpathetic towards Janie and her situation and makes the reader like Jody more. Before it seemed that she didn't want us to like Jody but now she writes his name as Jody instead of Joe to give him a more familiar connection with the reader. She does this to show that people near death should be treated well. Hurston uses alliteration when she writes "He stands in his high house that overlooks the world" (84). The repitition of "h" really close together seems sharp which gives Death a view of being hard and powerful.