Stepto argues that the narrative structure of "Their Eyes Were Watching God," where Janie narrates her experiences to Pheoby, creates a false sense of empowerment regarding her voice. He believes that Hurston's choice to tell Janie's story in the third person undermines her authority and strength as a speaker. This perspective highlights the complications in how Janie's story is presented and suggests that the perceived empowerment might be superficial.

In contrast, Alice Walker passionately asserted that women have the autonomy to decide when and how to express themselves, even if such decisions diverge from societal expectations. Her stance underscores a deeper understanding of feminine voice and agency, emphasizing that finding one’s voice isn’t merely about speaking out, but also recognizing moments when silence may be more powerful. This conversation reveals the complexities surrounding female expression and control within the narrative.