Their Eyes Were Watching God- Journal #6

Janie and Tea Cake meet for the second time in Janie's store. "Ah'd git dat ship out from under him so slick till he'd be walkin' de water lak ole Peter befo' he knowed it."(Hurston 101). Hurston uses allusion in this passage to describe the culture in this time period. By mentioning The Bible it tells the reader about what was valued during the time period and it adds to the setting. It also adds a feeling of familiarity and security when considering the specific story mentioned. Tea Cake is using this allusion to make Janie feel secure, like he is protecting her when she takes a risk, just like Jesus and Peter.

When Tea Cake comes to relax inside Janie's house for the first time, Janie takes a small nap. "Ah been wishin' so bad tuh git mah hands in yo' hair."(Hurston 103). Hurston uses symbolism in this passage, Janie's hair symbolises her independence and freedom of choice. The importance of this symbol really relies on Janie's choice to let her hair down and live for herself. She has the right to decide who she is going to allow to touch her hair, and who she wants to be has a person. Most, if not all of the townspeople do not agree with or support Janie's choice with Tea Cake, but that is a decision Janie can make on her own. Hurston's use of Janie's hair allows an idea about a women being able to make her own decisions to shine through.


After Tea Cake and Janie go public with their relationship, all of the town is in a fit about it. "De men wuz talkin' 'bout it in de grove tuhday and givin' her and Tea Cake both de devil."(Hurston 111). Hurston uses conflict to display how great the perceived difference between Janie and Tea Cake is. Also to display how radical Janie's choice is, she could have anybody and she chooses a down on his luck man. Another thing that it shows is how much the town loves Janie, and how jealous most of the town is of her. Hurston uses the conflict to show how Janie is becoming her own person after being put inside a box by her peers.

"You got de keys to de kingdom." (Hurston 109). Alliteration

"Ah done lived Grandma's way, now Ah means tuh live mine."(Hurston 114). Epiphany