What is the significance of the title "Their Eyes Were Watching God"?

The title "Their Eyes Were Watching God" holds significant weight in relation to the theme of self-discovery and empowerment, which is the correct interpretation. Throughout the novel, the protagonist, Janie Crawford, embarks on a profound journey that ultimately leads her toward empowerment and an understanding of her own identity. The phrase suggests a yearning for a higher understanding and connection with a divine presence, reflecting Janie's search for love, independence, and self-fulfillment.

In the narrative, the eyes of her community are often focused on her and her relationships, symbolizing societal scrutiny and expectations. However, Janie's journey is characterized by her quest for emotional authenticity and personal freedom, culminating in her realization of her own value and desires. This search is not merely about romantic love but about finding her voice and asserting her individuality in a world that often tries to define her.

While themes of religion, societal critiques, and the pursuit of love do exist within the story, they serve more as subtexts or components of Janie's overarching path toward self-realization. The title encapsulates her intimate relationship with her own life experiences and the divine gaze she seeks, which ultimately reinforces the theme of self-discovery and personal power.