Storage for Minji's Thoughts

To me, the ending of Their Eyes Were Watching God was satisfying and fitting to the novel. Although the events near the end of the book were far from being ideal, the way in which Hurston closes the story seems to invite and allow readers to feel at peace rather than feel disappointed. I think this is largely put into effect by the way Hurston portrays Janie’s response to Tea Cake’s death and her outlook on life by the end of the book. Regarding Tea Cake’s death, Janie seems to have closure. Even though Janie had to go through a horrific experience in which she had to kill her own husband, it seems that she is viewing the event from a higher point of view. Yes, the death of Tea Cake was terrible and tragic, but Janie chooses to reminisce of the good times she had with Tea Cake. She chooses to be happy that she got to spend time with him, rather than be saddened by the fact that she no longer gets to. In addition to Janie’s response to Tea Cake’s death, we see a much wiser and co...

Chapters 9 and 10 mark an important transition in Janie’s life . Since the beginning of her story, she has been controlled by someone, whether it be Nanny, Logan, or Jody . After Jody dies, Janie has a freedom that she hasn’t had in decades . She spends some time alone as a widow, learning to be independent . We see her talking freely and doing the things she wants . Then, Tea Cake comes along . Tea Cake seems like a trustworthy character with a genuine interest in Janie . In some ways, he helps her to liberate herself, encouraging and teaching her how to play checkers, which she was never allowed to do when Jody was alive . Despite Tea Cake’s overall positive influence on Janie, she is hesitant to enter a relationship with him . She is much more wary, which seems to be a result of what she had to go through with Jody . While there are many joyful moments in their interactions, Janie quickly retreats into a place of doubt each time Tea Cake leaves . As I was reading these chapter...