Their Eyes Were Watching God

Their Eyes Were Watching God

 “He set it up and began to show her and she found herself glowing inside.”

Page 95

She was glowing because she was getting the kind of attention she always dreamed of. When her first marriage to Logan Killicks ended, she was looking for that natural love. The kind of love that was present before marriage. Love that was the reason for the marriage, not the product of it afterwards. Her next marriage to Jody was an escape. In a sense it was Janie breaking free from the life that Nanny had planned for her, cutting loose from his scratchy toenails and portly stomach. Joe Starks was the knight who could rescue that damsel in distress. However, Tea Cakes started off with a “sweep you off of you feet” type meeting, which could not be turned down. He possessed charm and grace and had this unique ability to make Janie feel special.

 “Yuh can’t beat uh woman”

Page 96

I like this line. It is so playful and flattering, and in my opinion…TRUE. Tea Cakes knows a little some thing about woman. He does not see them as trophies to be put on the mantle nor assets in a marriage or love affair. Women are complex human beings who should never be underestimated, especially if they have been suppresses as long as Janie has.

 “Who ever heard of uh teacake bein’ called Mister! If you wanta be real high toned and call me Mr. Woods, dat’s de way you feel about it. If yuh wants to be uh lil friendly and call me Tea Cakes, dat would be real nice.” He was closing and bolting windows all the time he talked.”

Page 98

To be perfectly honest I am a little scared for Janie. Tea Cakes is acting like a perfect gentleman, helping her close up the store. But what if he turns out like both Logan and Jody. They both started treating her out all nice but then each marriage progressive took a downward slide. They both were abusive and both ignored her thoughts and feelings as a woman. I, like Janie, am jaded and hold a few skepticisms. She of course is aware of the apparent age difference, she 40 and Tea Cakes 25. However at times she seems too caught up in love that she must remind herself every so often what she is dealing with here.

 “So she sat on the porch and watched the moon rise.