God and Religion

The conflict between the Methodists and the Baptists has divided the town into factions, with each side aligned with either Jim or Dave. That there is fundamentally little difference between sides is not apparent to either group. Both are Protestant and both believe in one God, and yet, each side is prepared to battle over which religion is superior. The argument and near-violent confrontation that opens Act II, scene 2, illustrates the ridiculous nature of the conflict.

Human Condition

Hurston and Hughes use black vernacular English to illustrate a type of black comedy. But the play's reliance on the common language of the people also reveals a great deal about the inhabitants of this small village. These people know one another intimately. They know each other's business and they feel free to comment upon their neighbor's private lives. Gossip is a big force in their lives. There...