In Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston, Hurston leaves part of the title ambiguous and therefore open to interpretation. Throughout the novel, characters mention or allude to God, or a “god.” The multiple meanings of the word “God” allow the word “their” to have multiple meanings. This pronoun in the title refers to both Eatonville residents and African Americans due to their respect for Joe Starks and God, respectively, both of whom are higher authorities. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay In the novel, the people of Eatonville watch over Joe because of his godlike nature. The townspeople are shown to stare at Joe when he publicly snubs Janie after she is asked to give a speech. The townspeople recognize Joe's godlike personality, which he has manifested through the development of Eatonville, and for this reason, they fear him. Their reluctance to criticize Joe for not letting his wife speak, even though they would like to hear it, shows the power he has accumulated. Plus, no one objects to Joe's humiliation of Janie because they're all too busy watching Joe and what he has to say. Therefore, when he says that Janie should not speak, they simply accept his statement and continue to listen to their "god". It also shows how moldable the minds of city dwellers are. By simply being a leader, Joe is able to take power and focus on himself, even though Joe has not yet done much to help the town. Because Joe is the only character to demonstrate leadership qualities, he quickly gains their support, submission, and attention. Joe's power and the townspeople who watch over him are also shown during the assembly to install the street light. Joe's obsession with power leads him to buy a lamp post for the town and hold a ceremony for it. In doing so, Joe wins the town's heart and, therefore, power. If the city considers the lamp post as a kind gift, it is in reality only a tool in its ascension to the “throne” of the city. Joe's true agenda is demonstrated by how he chooses to go about delivering his gift to the people. Instead of just taking it out of its box and placing it on a pole, Joe chose to first display the lamp for all to see, then have an elaborate celebration to show people everything he did for them. Joe's desire to be the town's god is also demonstrated when he recounts how the "sunmaker," God, makes the sun rise in the morning and sets it down in the evening. Joe acts this way in order to make the town realize that he is their all-powerful leader and that he actually possesses the divine ability to control light and darkness. By purchasing the light, Joe gives the “sun” to the city and thus acts like God. Through this celebration and what the community considers a kind gift, Joe is able to attract the attention of the entire community and make them want to see him speak at the ceremony and observe his actions in general . Joe's ability to lead allows him to gain ultimate power and thus command the full attention and allegiance of the people of Eatonville. The title of the novel may also refer to the African Americans of the Everglades, particularly Janie and Tea Cake, when they are forced to look to God after having no other options. When "Ole Massa is doing his job now" as the storm rolls through the Everglades, Janie, Tea Cake and Motor Boat begin to question God, because the time is.