Journal #8

Part 1: I think Hurston settled on the title she did because it has a strong connection throughout the book but actually comes into play near the end. So the whole time reading the book the reader can make connections to it, and then near the end it creates a powerful impact. Also it connects to the cover art of one of the editions (not sure which) but it shows god coming out of the sky and a lake below with a storm brewing and god holding lightning bolts so it further strengthens the theme in the book of power and how to achieve freedom. Which I think is incredibly important because Hurston has a lot of the male characters die who have power over Janie and yet god who has ultimate control and can't die remains in power so the humans watch him with their eyes. It alters my reading of the novel by adding a religious aspect which brings up all of the connotations I have about religion and that affects me entire reading of the book.

Part 2: Hurston could have chosen the title The Animals of the Muck and this would be similar to Hurston's original title because it comes up later and still relates to power in the sense that the animals display different levels of power and foreshadow when power is out of their control and when it isn't. This would have a different effect than the actual title because this title focuses more on nature, so in a way the religious aspect is not as important. This title impacts the importance of nature throughout the novel, so all of Hurston's imagery would become more important, however in a sense if one believes that god created nature then Hurston's original title already does that and more. Also this title would affect how the reader views the novel because it shifts from religion to nature so all of the connotations the come about with nature will now be more relevant than connotations with religion.

Part 3: The title of my paper is "A Boardwalk and Clams". I think this is the strongest possible title because it serves several purposes. This first is that it sets the tone for nature, by mentioning clams nature becomes the focus rather than religion like in Hurston's novel. The opening of the pastiche is all about nature so the reader knows to take it as important because the title is about nature. The second purpose it serves is that clams is another name for money so it sets up the setting of the boardwalk and the money that flows on it so while making nature of importance is also tells about the setting of the story and informs the reader that money will be part of the conflict of the pastiche. Also clams are mentioned more than once both as creatures and money so the title relates throughout the novel to the reader can make connections to it.