African-American/Folkloric Influence
In chapter six, there are occurrences at the store which portray the ancestral and cultural behaviors of the citizens of Eatonville. It is clear that the characters set aside time “to sing, dance, play games and, most important, to tell stories…” (Great American Writers 757). This aspect can be noticed through the dialogue and dominate actions of the characters. Some of the men tease and ridicule Sam for his treatment of his mule saying “ dat mule so skinny till de women is usin’ his rib bones fuh uh rub-board, and hangin’ things out on his hock-bones tuh dry” (Hurston 49). This demonstrates the exaggeration and story-telling of the black community. The eventual death of the mule leads much of the town to its funeral where the tale-telling continues; personification is used and gives a flock of buzzards’ voice and emotion towards the dead animal: “[The parson] Peered into [the mule’s] nose and mouth. Examined it well from end to end and leaped upon it and bowed, and the others danced a response. That being over, he balanced and asked: “What killed this man?” The chorus answered, “Bare, bare fat”” (Hurston 58). The birds play a role in exploring folklore and portraying the death of this mule without the use of people. In a way, the birds represent the people, or more specifically, the men. Now, the mule’s life plays as yet another tale to be told by the townspeople for “the yaller mule was gone from the town except for the porch talk…” (Hurston 58). The mule has become a part of the black folklore, to be passed down just as all the other tales have.
This almost foolish behavior can be noticed again when Daisy comes by the store. She sparks a desire inside the men which leave them longing for her. Dave and Jim find themselves in a game, each competing for Daisy’s acceptance and approval: ““Daisy, don’t let Jim fool you wid his talk. He don’t aim tuh do nothin’ fuh yuh. Uh lil ole steamship! Daisy, Ah’ll take uh job cleanin’ out de Atlantic Ocean fuh you any time you say you so desire.” There was a great laugh and then they hushed to listen” (Hurston 65). While the intentions of these man may be to steal Daisy’s heart, their second motives for acting this way is to entertain the townspeople and onlookers. They are the performers and this is their show; their way of amusing the crowd while playing a game. One critic believes that Hurston emphasizes “the community’s rhetorical rituals. The characters tell tales, play games, use proverbs, and sing songs that their ancestors have passed on to them…” (Great America Writers 758). This is very apparent in the daily activities of the characters and how they spend much of their days at the general store, exchanging words, and ideas. Folkloric elements seem to be evident in daily life for the people, causing it to hold much importance, and influence the town.
Emily Ward
