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.