Author Zora Neale Hurston's storytelling techniques convey the townspeople's disapproval of Janie's choices about the men in her life, and the empowerment that the security of the night brings them to openly judge Janie. The reader understands the judgement Janie faces throughout the novel because of trying to make choices that will make her happy, and the intricate relationship between a Janie and her environment because of her lighter skin tone, as well as the fundamental differences that exist between women and men in the novel.
The imagery in this passage helps to convey the the disapproval Janie faces, but also entitlement of the townspeople to judge to Janie's actions. Janie has come back to her town after being gone with Teacake, and "The sun was gone, but he had left his footprints in the sky. It was the time for sitting on porches beside the road. It was the time to hear things and talk." The imagery details how once the light of the day is gone, the town becomes comfortable to express their thoughts. It's tradition and a part of daily life to sit and discuss the happenings of everyone, and it's a habit to express and form opinions in the security and safety that night provides. The passage continues, saying that "They became lords of sounds and lesser things. They passed nations through their mouths. They sat in judgement." Furthermore, the continued use of imagery shows how not only do the townspeople feel more comfortable to communicate, they actually feel more bold and righteous, the sun setting has empowered them to judge freely. They feel high and mighty by exercising their opinions and judgements, as if they are a judge issuing a verdict in court. When they see Janie, they remark " 'What she doin' coming back here in dem overalls? Can't she find no dress to put on?" The townspeople criticize her outward appearance, they deem the clothes she wears as unworthy, by criticizing her appearance behind her back they're attempting to exert power over her.