If I were to analyze this novel I would first of all focus on the language that Hurston uses. She uses a heavy Southern vernacular when she writes the dialogue of the characters in the novel and normal standard english when she describes what is going on in the novel. This is similar to how Twain uses the way that the characters talk in order to describe the novel and give the characters more personality and life. The tone of this novel is didactic. It is a narrative short story that tries to express the complexity and dangers of communication itself. By creating the characters of Elijah and Walter, the two men who discuss what is occurring in the novel, the author shows how dangerous talk is because it can act as the spark which many times spurs human action. The novel also criticizes the social construct of criticism and gossip. Another topic which I would go into is the role which women play in spunk. For the men in the shop and for both Joe and Spunk, Lena is just an item. They treat her as if she were some type of prized bitch (dog) and dehumanize her. Also, the whole notion of weddings and marriages and commitment is played with in the story. The characters do not show that they believe in many of the laws that govern matrimonial relationships such as fidelity and they use weddings in order to cover up and fix the way that people look at them. An example of this would be how Spunk and Lena were going to get married because they were tired of people treating them in a weird way. I believe that through the plot and the use of dialogue, Hurston is able to create a story which teaches a lesson about morals.
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