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They Re Eyes Were Watching God Analysis

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They Re Eyes Were Watching God Analysis
"Janie loved the conversation and sometimes she thought up good stories on the mule, but Joe had forbidden her to indulge. He didn't want her talking after such trashy people" (53). Joe has an oppressive personality and commands Janie to do as he wishes. Janie has no voice in her relationship because Joe stifles any opinions that she has. Joe doesn't want her talking to such trashy people because he thinks it will change the way people look at him because his wife is talking to such lowly people. One can tell a lot about Joe’s oppressive nature through this act of haughty disdain. They're Eyes Were Watching God takes place just after the civil war during a patriarchal and misogynistic time period; this explains why Joe feels that he can …show more content…
Ah..." (24).
 Janie is in love with the idea of falling in love and finding true love. She ignores the loveless arranged marriage expectations of society and goes on quest to find her own definition of love. During this time period it was commonplace to have arranged marriage that were only for the financial security of the woman, in exchange for obedience to her husband. Janie uses her voice and actions to find a new meaning to life. Janie sought freedom and equality and found it in her loving relationship with Tea Cake, by finding love and independence she broke the mold for women of the time. "Tain't dat Ah worries over Joe's death, Pheoby. Ah jus' loves dis freedom."
"Sh-sh-sh! Don't let nobody jear you say dat, Janie. Folks will say you ain't sorry he's gone.” Joe was an oppressive sponge who controlled Janie to feed his ego. Janie was never allowed to use her voice when she was married to Joe, it is only natural that she felt happy to gain freedom after his death. Janie doesn't care what society thinks about her because she has found happiness and confidence; Pheoby on the other hand is still trying to keep Janie out of trouble by shutting her up when she speaks out against the accepted views of society. "Le 'em say whut dey wants tuh, Pheoby. To my thinkin' mourning oughtn't tuh last no longer'n grief"
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