"So Janie began to think of Death. Death, that strange being with the huge square toes who lived way in the West. The great one who lived in the straight house like a platform without sides to it, and without a roof. What need has Death for a cover, and what winds can blow against him? He stands in his high house that overlooks the world. Stands watchful and motionless all day with his sword drawn back, waiting for the messenger to bid him come. Been standing there before there was a where or a when or a then. She was liable to find a feather from his wings lying in her yard any day now. She was sad and afraid too. Poor Jody! He ought not to have to wrassle in there by himself. She sent Sam in to suggest a visit, but Jody said No. These medical doctors wuz all right with the Godly sick, but they didn't know a thing about a case like his. He'd be all right just as soon as the two-headed man found what had been buried against him. He wasn't going to die at all. That was what he thought. But Sam told her different, so she knew. And then if he hadn't, the next morning she was bound to know, for people began to gather in the big yard under the palm and china-berry trees. People who would not have dared to foot the place before crept in and did not come to the house. Just squatted under the trees and waited. Rumor, the wingless bird, had shadowed over the town." (pg.84, Hurston)
- Death is personified as a seemingly all powerful bird. This is emphasized when Janie explains that he has no need for sides of a house or a roof, because he cannot be hurt.
- The bird is described in such a way that makes him seem omnicisient.
- Death is repeated all throughout the passage, with a capitalized "D".
- First Death is described vaguely, slowly growing in detail later on in the passage.
- Janie using a nickname for Joe and narrarating the passage shows her growth of control of her life and dreams.
- Another demonstration of Janie's growing control is her decision to suggest doctors to Joe.
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