Journal 6: Stylic choices in the passage of Death

Passage on page 84:

Death, that strange being with the huge square toes who lived way in the West. The great one who lived in the straight house like a platform without sides to it, and without a roof. What need has Death for a cover, and what winds can blow against him?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. Been standing there before there was a where of a when or a then.She was liable to find a feather from his wings lying in her yard any day now. She was sad, and afraid too. Poor Jody! He ought not to have to wrassle in there by himself. She sent Sam in to suggest a visit, but Jody said No. These medical doctors wuz alright with the Godly sick, but they didn't know a thing about a case like his. He'd be alright just as soon as the two-headed man found what had been buried against him. He wasn't going to die at all. That was what he thought. But Sam told her different, so she knew. And then if he hadn't, the next morning she was bound to know, for people began to gather in the big yard under the palm and china-berry trees. People who would not have dared to foot the place before crept in and did not come to the house. Just squatted under the trees and waited. Rumor, that wingless bird, has shadowed over the town."

Analysis:

1. Not only in this passage but throughout the whole book it seems as though death not only represents the end of a life but also the birth of a new one.

2. Death is also personified as a figure rather then a event."He stands in his high house that overlooks the world."

3. The author compares emotions to elements of nature throughout the book. She compares death to feathers and birds. "She was liable to find a feather from his wings lying in her yard any day now"

4. It seems as though the buzzards funeral ceremony for the mule is much more sincere and orderly then that on the people ( the buzzards are waiting for theit leader )

5. Death also marks changes in Janie's life and things that she overcomes. For example soon after marrying Joe he passes away.

6. "Rumor, that wingless bird, has shadowed over the town.", not onle does Hurston compare death to animals and objects but she also expresses different feelings through them aswell.