Commentary on Their Eyes were Watching God Essay

Their Eyes Were Watching God

West Florida Janie is raised by her Grandmother, Nanny. She and Nanny live in the backyard of the Washburn family, a white family. Janie is teased by her fellow black peers because she is able to wear nicer clothes than they are. Nanny, with the help of the Washburn family, is able to buy property. As Janie matures, she becomes more sexual and spiritual. One day, Janie kisses a boy. Nanny is angered and this eventually leads Janie into marrying Logan. Janie marries Logan and moves in with him. She works on the farm and helps Logan do physical labor. Years pass by and Nanny passes away. When Logan goes to Lake City, Janie meets Joe Starks. After two weeks of talking with one another, Janie runs away, leaving Logan, with Joe Starks to Eatonville.

Janie awakes sexually and spiritually. She learns about the hardships of her Grandmother and realizes that marriage does not bring love. Essentially, Janie becomes a woman. Janie also learns to achieve her dreams and to overcome her fears. Janies needs are partially completed.

Eatonville Janie and Joe settle in Eatonville. Shortly after Joe is elected Mayor, Janie feels cold and rejected. She thinks the town is putting a strain on their relationship. Janie works at the shop selling grocery products to costumers. Janie attempts to speak out during several occasions but Joe never allows her. Their relationship continues to deteriorate. One day Joe slaps Janie for cooking a bad meal. Janie first retaliates against Joe by speaking up against him. Joe gets sick and at his deathbed, Janie reveals all her emotions for him. Joe dies and Janie meets Teacake at her store. She continues to see Teacake and her relationship becomes public to the town. After getting a letter from Teacake about marriage, Janie hops on a train and sets out for Jacksonville.

Janie learns that Joe is not only mentally abusive, but also physically abusive. She learns that she is no longer in love with him and that he will never change his mindset. By the end of their marriage, Janie is no longer the outspoken wife. She takes a stand for herself.

Jacksonville One week after Janie marries Teacake, she finds him gone with all of her money. Teacake returns and explains his gambling problem. After a scuffle one night, Teacake returns badly cut. Janie has been worrying about him the whole day. Teacake proposes to Janie that they move to the muck in the Everglades to harvest beans. They move to the Everglades shortly thereafter.

Janie learns what true love is. She did not marry who Nanny would consider ideal. She is no longer Nannys girl. We are exposed to Teacakes flaws. However, Janie still loves him. Janie finds what she has been longing for, love.

Everglades Janie tends the house while Teacake works in the fields. Teacake teaches Janie how to hunt and fish. Later, Teacake asks Janie to work out in the field with him. Janie becomes jealous of Nunkie, a girl who constantly flirts with Teacake. One day, Janie finds Teacake alone with Nunkie. She chases Nunkie off and slaps Teacake. After a bit of arguing they have sex to reconfirm their love. During the off season, Janie meets Mrs. Turner. Mrs. Turner tells her to marry someone else, preferably Mrs. Turners brother. Mrs. Turners brother appears so Teacake lightly whips Janie to show Mrs. Turner he has control over her. Janie sees an Indian Tribe heading north. They tell her a hurricane is coming. A hurricane does indeed come and Teacake, Janie, and Motorboat head for the north in the frightening weather.

Janie experiences jealousy. However, she forgives Teacake and truly loves him. Teacake physically abuses her on occasion but this does not change her love. She learns that even the best have their flaws. She also learns its best to listen to those who know their native land the best.

Palm Beach As they are heading towards Palm Beach, Janie is attacked by a dog. Teacake saves her but in the process is bitten in the face. At Palm Beach, Teacake finds a job cleaning up after the hurricane. Janie practices shooting. Teacake starts feeling sick and it is later revealed he has rabies. Eventually, Teacake gets violent and Janie has no choice but to shoot Teacake. A glorious funeral is held at Palm Beach.

Janie experiences an ironic tragedy. The skills Teacake once taught her were used to kill him. Janie has learned that Teacake was the best she would ever have and that he loved her for who she was.