Their Eyes Were Watching God Gender Analysis

In her novel Their Eyes Were Watching God, Zora Neale Hurston presents the theme of gender roles. After slavery was no longer in use the African American culture depended on a dominance, unspokenly allowing mean to control their women. During the 1930’s it was normal that males put on feeling superior to their female partners and forcing them in a role of being superior. Sextual desires consided and viewed as freedom by Janie continued a series of relationships with different men. Janie’s adventures began with a kiss with Johnny Taylor, opening her eyes to the possibility of womanhood. Soonly after her grandmother married her off to Logan Killicks, leading her to run away with Jody Starks and finally, Tea Cake. The men in this novel seem to expect her to be obedient, silent and proper, they see Janie as defined by her relationship with them. The novel's plot is driven by girl named Janie who tries finding her womanhood while trying to pass barriers of male dominance.
The author establishes a strong sentiment fueling Janie to decide that personal growth and development as a woman. Janie breaks free from the bubble Joe
The relationship had seemed to work out, but the sense of possession over here is still there. “When Mrs. Turner’s brother came and she brought him over to be introduced, Tea Cake had a brainstorm. Before the week was over he had whipped Janie. Not because her behavior justified his jealousy, but it relieved that awful fear inside him. Being able to whip her reassured him in possession. No brutal beating at all. He just slapped her around a bit to show he was boss.” (172). Tea Cake strikes her, not to inflict fear, but to reassure himself of his possession over her, his beating is simply an expression of love for her therefor was accepted by the