Final answer:
In Zora Neale Hurston's 'Their Eyes Were Watching God', the spirit of Joe Starks and Janie's marriage dies as Joe's controlling nature increases and Janie's need for self-expression is suppressed, resulting in a loveless union.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Their Eyes Were Watching God, the spirit of Joe Starks and Janie's marriage deteriorates over time. Initially, their relationship seems promising, but as Joe becomes more controlling and power-driven, Janie feels increasingly stifled and silenced. Janie's need for self-expression and autonomy clashes with Joe's need for control, leading to a cold and loveless marriage. The spirit of their marriage dies long before Joe does, manifesting in the absence of real communication and emotional connection between them.
Zora Neale Hurston, through her celebrated novel, presents characters like Janie who seek self-liberation amidst challenging circumstances. Hurston's narrative showcases the struggle for identity and personal power within the confines of relationships and societal expectations.