Language Interpretation and Appreciation

"All things concerning death and burial were said and done. Finish. End. Nevermore. Darkness. Deep hole. Dissolution. Eternity. Weeping and wailing outside. Inside the expensive black folds were resurrection and life. She did not reach outside for anything, nor did the things of death reach inside to disturb her calm. She sent her face to Joe's funeral, and herself went rollicking with the springtime across the world. After a while the people finished their celebration and Janie went on home" (88).

Hurston uses a genius touch of irony to transform the death of Joe into a festivity. She starts out the passage using somber words such as "darkness", "black", and "weeping". However, the reader realizes that these are not words of mourning, but rather of celebration. This is actually the end of "darkness", because Janie is now free of her husband. Hurston puts up Janie's "calm" face as a facade, behind which is in fact a joyous celebrating. Rather than weeping, Janie is "rollicking with the springtime", a time of verdant rebirth. Hurston suggests that Janie's body, clothed in somber "black folds", should really be dancing at this "celebration". The townspeople don't seem sad at all, as the Elks band is playing a funeral song rather pompously and happily as well. Janie is tired of the years of silently listening to Joe. She is willing to don a veil for the last time at his funeral, but she has really been free ever since his death. She doesn't have to tolerate his overbearing demands anymore, and she is free to live life on her terms. She is done with her grandmother's advice, because even though her grandmother meant to give Janie a happy life, Janie was never happy in comfort and luxury. Janie has to trade her freedom for this comfort, and she would very much rather break free and suffer a little for true happiness.

All in all, Hurston uses word choice excellently by using grim words such as "stone", "steel", "end", and "deep hole" to make Joe's funeral seem like a somber event. However, reading more carefully reveals a joyous celebration and a rebirth freedom.