Writers use different styles, techniques, and devices to convey a multitude of thoughts and feelings. Objects are used to symbolize various ideas, and inanimate objects are sometimes given human-like characteristics. Symbolism, personification, alliteration, similes, and metaphors all enhance the literature in which they are incorporated. In Their Eyes Were Watching God, Zora Neale Hurston uses a variety of literary devices; however, Hurston's use of hair to symbolize sexuality is a prevalent theme throughout the novel.
Hair is used to symbolize sexuality many times throughout the novel. It is not only used by the narrator, Janie, but also by other characters in Janie's story. Nanny uses hair to symbolize rape when she is telling Janie about her childhood. Nanny tells how her master "made me let down mah hair for de last time" (17). This tells us about her forced rape without using such a harsh expression. Various people see Janie's hair as a sexual object. She uses her hair to attract Joe Starks as he is walking down the road; She "made her heavy hair fall down, so he stopped and looked hard" (27). Joe was attracted to her hair, and this compelled him to stop and ask for a drink of water. .
Some people would have a sexual urge to just touch Janie's hair. When she worked in the store, Joe "caught Walter standing behind Janie and brushing the back of his hand back and forth across the loose end of her braid" (55). This shows his secret sexual longing for Janie. Tea Cake also had a strong desire to touch Janie's hair. Tea Cake even tells Janie, "ah ain't been sleepin" so good for more"n uh week cause Ah been wishin" so bad tuh git mah hands in yo" hair" (103). This symbolizes Tea Cake's desire to have Janie sexually, not just to touch her hair. .
The ability to control Janie is symbolized using her hair. Joe forced Janie to "keep her head tied up" when she was at the store (49). This was thought to be for her protection form other men, but it was also a way of Joe exerting his power over Janie.