Chapters 14-17

In Chapters 14-17, Janie and Tea Cake move to the fertile fields of the Everglades and begin their new life in the muck. Soon after they settle their house becomes the center of the community where people hang out and listen to Tea Cake play his guitar. There seems to be a parallel between Tea Cake’s house and Joe Starks’s store. Both provided a place for people to play games and chat, showing a connection between Joe Starks and Tea Cake that may not have been there before.

For the first time, Janie makes her own decision to work, a change from her previous life. Tea Cake begins to stop by the house during work hours, claiming he was lonely. After suggesting that Janie should join him in the fields, Janie decides to fulfill his request. Since working in Logan Killicks’s fields, Janie finally works out of her own jurisdiction. This shows a new freedom of which Janie was deprived, contributing to her increase of individuality that she finds with Tea Cake.

During the offseason, Janie spends time with Mrs. Turner, a black woman who despises black people. Mrs. Turner’s perspective on race proposes an interesting take on racism. For the first time in the novel, racism is presented. However, Mrs. Turner’s racism is blurry and confusing, as she is a black woman. Mrs. Turner worships whiteness, respecting Janie more for her white characteristics than who she is. The significance of this type of racism emphasizes the strength of racism and how it can even seduce African-Americans. I believe that Hurston was intentional about presenting racism for the first time in the novel in this way; to stress the fear that all people have and how it can manifest itself into hatred and shame.

Ch. 7-10 of Their Eyes Were Watching God

While reading chapters 7-10 of Their Eyes Were Watching God, I noticed how much Janie’s character develops. At first, Janie is depicted almost ghost-like and lacks any emotion. Her entire life has been living for Joe and his demands. But, as Joe continues to throw verbal attacks at her about her appearance, she undergoes a change. When Janie has had enough of his insults, she finally fires back. Joe feels as if his entire manhood has been robbed from him, and we see his subsequent descent from health and ultimately his death. I believe that this scene completely changes the dynamic between the couple.

In the conversation on Joe's deathbed, Janie is finally speaking her mind to Joe. It feels as if she has reached some sort of clarity and regained her strength. She tells Joe that the years with him have ruined her mind and he still knows nothing about her. I found this scene very powerful not only because of her conviction but also because to the very moment he dies, Joe still clings onto a strand of superiority by not listening to what she's saying. After he dies, Janie feels pity and like a weight has been lifted off of her chest. Even though he was terrible to her, Janie still acknowledges how life has mistreated Joe which I found to show the strength of her character.

After that, Janie lets down her hair for the first time in years and sees a handsome woman in the mirror. From this moment on, Janie is a free woman. Her character undergoes a huge shift from the obedient, silent wife to an independent woman. I believe that Janie’s denying of suitors also shows how she is relishing in her new life. It is also important to note how desperate the town is for her to marry because they are uncomfortable with a female business owner.

Also in these chapters, we are introduced to Tea Cake. Tea Cake’s approach to her was opposite of other men, especially Joe. They speak to each other as equals and play checkers, which Joe always forbade. Janie and Tea Cake immediately hit it off and she feels comfortable and safe around him.

Overall, these chapters were a huge turning point for Janie and her dreams. But, the theme of female inferiority is still present through the town’s reaction to an independent woman.