Conflict:: Joe and Janie

Through chapters 6-8, the central conflict between Janie and Joe develops and peaks as Janie finds herself being treated inferior and being forced to act as Joe sees fit. Joe sees Janie as a woman who is not very knowledgeable and who should be grateful to be his wife and act so as to positively influence his reputation. Joe forces Janie to work in the new store in Eatonville, but also doesn't trust her to do anything correctly. Joe watches Janie's every move and discourages her from talking to people or expressing herself.
"He didn't want her her talking after such trashy people." (54)
"But then when Lige or Sam or Walter or some of the other big picture talkers were using a side of the world for a canvas, Joe would hustle her off inside the store to sell something. Look like he took pleasure in doing it." (54)
Both of these quotes show Janie's frustration with Joe keeping her on such a short string and not allowing her the freedom of spirit that she values so highly in her life. Joe uses her as a sort of trophy wife, and is so jealous of the other men in the village that he wont let her talk to them or let her hair down either. Joe doesnt want Janie to associate with the lower people of the town and thinks that she should just work in the store and do as she is told. Janie hates working in the store, but Joe forces her to be quiet and do as he sees fit for her.
Janie doesnt fight back against Joe, but inside she fights a battle against always succumbing to Joe.
At the climax of their conflict is the moment when Joe actually uses physical force against Janie.
"Joe Starks didnt know the words for all this, but he knew the feeling. So he struck Janie with all his might and drove her from the store." (80). Joe is trying to deny the fact that he is getting old and falling from his "prime" mayor appearance. Therefore he focuses on Janie and tries to draw attention to her growing old as well. Janie calls Joe out on his denial of what is happening to his own appearance and Joe is angered by this. Joe ridicules Janie in order to feel better about himself and in order to make him feel the power that he wants from being mayor. Joe is conceited and uninterested and treats Janie in a way to benefit his own feelings and reputation. Joe feeds off of putting Janie, which creates conflict as Janie inwardly fights against Joe but doesnt give Joe the opportunity to get into a large 2 sided argument with her.