What Does Janie's Hair Symbolize In Their Eyes Were Watching God

In Their Eyes Were Watching God, Zora Neale Hurston uses the recurring image of Janie’s hair to symbolize the theme of feminine virtues and strengths, and capacity of being a bold, independent female character in a sexist and racist power-filled society. Before anyone really had a major influence in Janie’s life, she was free of worries and was able to wear her finest features given by God. Janie’s beauty brings much attention to her, of which other women are envious of; though they still give her the attention by watching her way of carrying herself and talking about her. Through simile Hurston states that her “...great rope of black hair swinging to her waist…” is “...like a plume…” (Hurston 3). A rope symbolizes strength, connecting
Jody represents most men in that age; the men thought that women had to depend on them for the brains, and provision. For example, one of Jody’s friends said “dat ‘oman ain’t so awfully pretty no how when yuh take de second look at her… tain’t nothin’ to her ‘ceptin’ dat long hair” (46). What that comment demonstrates is that a woman is supposedly only composed of her beauty trademarks, not by the beauty of their minds. Janie was also looked down upon by the first male figure in her life, Mr. Killicks. Once he knew she was his, she became objectified to the point where “he had ceased to wonder at her long black hair and finger it” (31). An allusion to the bible relating to hair symbolizing strength is the story of Samson. God blessed him with supernatural strength through his long hair, but it was until his hair was cut that his power would be taken away from him. Like Samson, Janie’s strength, and independence was taken away. Jody was the reason behind Janie keeping “her head tied up lak some ole ‘oman round de store” (60), she was treated like property, therefore she had to act defenseless. But she then tears the veil, or “the kerchief from her head and let down her plentiful hair” (105) as a sign of
Her hair symbolizes this; Jody (as an omnipotent male), “was set on...her hair NOT [showing] in the store” (66) for it was only for him to see. But Tea Cake on the other hand, accepted Janie and her mind, she was naked to him from the inside first. He wanted her for her, “it’s been mine too...ah been wishin’ so bad tuh git mah hands in yo’ hair . It’s so pretty. It feels jus’ lak underneath uh dove’s wing…” (127). Tea Cake must’ve found refuge in Janie, just as she alas found refuge in someone. Hurston uses the comparison of a dove’s wing, to illustrate warmth, embrace, and