At the beginning of Janie and Tea Cake's relationship, it is apparent that there is a conflict between the society and their relationship. The men and women of Eatonville frown upon their seemingly scandalous relationship. The reasons that give off the impression of a socially unacceptable relationship include the fact that Janie is twelve years older than Tea Cake. Also, everyone believes that Tea Cake is just pursuing after Janie to get her money.
However, the thoughts of the town do not influence Janie. She expresses her loyalty to Tea Cake during a conversation she has with Pheoby. Pheoby constantly warns Janie of the possible scenarios that might happen with Tea Cake. At the end of the discussion, Janie states, "Some of dese mornin's and it won't be long, you gointuh wake up callin' me and Ah'll be gone" (115). With this line, Janie not only illustrates her loyalty to Tea Cake but also elicits her independence and individuality. Ever since her call to adventure, Janie has been searching for a true marriage full of equality. When she meets Tea Cake, she thinks she has found the man who will give her that marriage. As a result of this reasoning, Janie stays true to Tea Cake. Also, Janie becomes her own individual when she firmly says that line. She ignores the warnings and caveats from her friends. She is unaffected by the little nagging from the town and continues to stick on her own path - to be with Tea Cake and eventually marry him. In a way, this external conflict served as both an annoyance and a guide for Janie's decision and her search for independence.
As for the picture, I really think the street sign captured Janie's conflict. She has several paths laid out in front of her and she has the liberty to choose any one of them she wants. Also, each path available to Janie does come with complications which the street sign shows with its confusing arrows. If Janie chose to side with the society, she would face complications such as regret for not following what would make her heart content. Janie ends up choosing to be with Tea Cake which came with the complications of the society secretly shunning her. I thought it was nice how the sign also included the words "GOOD LUCK", which is basically what the society is trying to tell her through their warnings and rumors about Tea Cake. Society doubts that Janie would be happy with Tea Cake, but she proves them wrong by choosing to side with Tea Cake and leading a more than satisfying life that satiated her heart's desire for an equal marriage.
I agree with this post, since this societal conflict exists throughout the entire novel. Pheobe's statement that "an envious heart makes a treacherous year" plays into this conflict. Society envies their happiness, and hopes that their relationship will not last, but since Janie ignores them she's able to live life to the fullest. This is one of the successes out of the many conflicts in the novel.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree. Tea Cake and Janie's relationship is a moment of extreme growth for Janie that allows her character to develop. It is here that Janie shows her strength and ability to transcend society's opinions. Using Tea Cake Janie is able to prove herself, and find the marriage she desires.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love the picture explanation at the end, because it truly does fit together perfectly. It's almost like "the road" as a symbol or motif, and how in Hurston's personal life she had a road that she would adventure down, just like Janie did numerous roads in the novel. She has so many roads to travel, some leading to other paths, and it led her to Tea Cake! And I liked your interpretation of the good luck sign also, i thought that was clever! ;)
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