Final answer:
Joe Starks in 'Their Eyes Were Watching God' speaks primarily for himself, representing themes of self-discovery and power. Zora Neale Hurston's work celebrates African-American culture and focuses on internal character development.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Their Eyes Were Watching God, Joe Starks, also known as Jody, is a pivotal character who speaks primarily for himself. As the ambitious man who becomes the mayor of Eatonville, he symbolizes the theme of self-discovery and power dynamics in relationships. Through his interactions with the novel's protagonist, Janie Crawford, Hurston explores Janie's journey from a young girl to a self-actualized woman. Unlike her contemporaries, Hurston's work, particularly in Their Eyes Were Watching God, celebrates racial pride and African-American culture while focusing on her characters' personal growth and strength derived from within, rather than overtly political or racial themes.