Considering our discussion, how could Wallace’s theory apply to Their Eyes Were Watching God ? In what ways could this novel specifically develop empathy and emotional intelligence, as well as contribute to the self-awareness of the reader? Challenge yourself to make connections to Hurston’s purpose in how she crafts Janie’s journey of self-discovery “tuh de horizon and back”. In the commencement speech "This is Water" by David Foster Wallace, he discusses the importance of an education, specifically a liberal arts degree on the everyday life of an adult. Wallace encourages his audience to be conscious, sympathetic and well-adjusted in order to attain ultimate freedom in life. This means adjusting positively and consciously to the different circumstances of everyday life, being sympathetic towards others around us instead of falling back into our "default setting" in which negativity is the main drive. In the novel "Their Eyes Were Watchin