Stepto was quite convinced {and convincing} that the frame story in which Janie speaks to Pheoby creates only the illusion that Janie has found her voice, that Hurston's insistence on telling Janie's story in the third person undercuts her power as speaker. While the rest of us in the room struggled to find our voices, Alice Walker rose and claimed hers, insisting passionately that women did not have to speak when men thought they should, that they would choose when and where they wish to speak because while many women had found their own voices, they also knew when it was better not to use it.
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,...
