Styles and Tones Explained of Their Eyes Were Looking at God “The ships at a distance have on board every man's wish. ” (p. 1, par. 1) and so begins the powerful story of Janie Crawford, as well as the author's menagerie of different styles and tones. These tones and styles set the stage for Zora Neale Hurston's major themes, all of which were strongly introduced and championed throughout the novel. Hurston's themes vary from sexism to dialogue and religion; which, in its day, were extremely cautious questions for the United States and even a few other countries. However, his approach to these issues, while strong, is quite different from that of similar novelists of the period. His unusual way of describing issues throughout this book gives his writing a sense of mysterious intellect; so much so that you won't fully understand it until you've finished the entire novel. This first paragraph, for example, “The ships far away have on board every man's wish. For some, they come with the tide. For others, they sail forever on the horizon... Now, women forget all those things they don't want to remember, and remember everything they don't want to forget... Then they act and do the things accordingly. (p. 1 par. 1) Two important writing elements come into play in this first paragraph; probably the most important being Hurston's first use of the word "horizon" which recurs again and again as the novel persists. The second important element is the beginning of Hurston's views on sexism; which, of course, bears no resemblance to the usual view of "equality" that his era boasts about. No, it starts right at the beginning by describing the crucial differences between men and women. She continues to describe, through every relationship Janie has, that men and women need...... middle of paper ... receiving tributes is cruel. All gods dispense suffering without reason. Otherwise, they would not be worshipped.... Demigods are worshiped in wine and flowers. True gods need blood” (p. 145, par. 1), depict extremely sinister images of the Lord our God. However, this ordeal that “God” put them through only strengthens Janie’s character even more; this happens because of the deep love between her and Tea Cake. Although they find it difficult to overcome difficulties; the sense of identity that Janie subsequently receives stays with her and helps her maintain her inner peace with nature. This inner peace is what Janie means when she says she has been "on the horizon and back" (p. 191, par. 4) as she finishes her story in Pheoby. Thus, she feels that she has flourished in her life; peace with God, nature, all the people around her and especially herself.