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There were several characters in the novel Their Eyes Were Watching God that played pivotal roles in Janie's development. Nanny Crawford, Jody Starks, and Vergible Woods (Tea Cake) are the three main characters that play as major influences in Janie's life. Nanny Crawford played an important part to Janie. For example, when all the kids annoy Janie about living on white folks property, she moves to another house. Nanny didnt love tuh see me wid mah head hung down, so she fingered it would be mo better for me if us had uh house (10). Nanny cares about Janie and she doesn't want Janie to grow up the way she did and the way her mom did.
She wants Janie to live a good life. In addition, Janie learns from Nanny's hardships when she was growing up. She was a slave and raped by her master. She then had Leafy, Janie's mother. Leafy became an alcoholic after being raped by a schoolteacher and gave birth to Janie. She then ran away and Nanny took care of Janie, hoping she would have a good life.
Janie realizes that she needs some sort of security. Lastly, Nanny encourages Janie to get married as soon as possible. Janie should get married before Nanny dies. She wants Janie to marry Logan because he is financially stable and has land with mules. All she wants is to make sure that Janie has protection.
Nanny's care for Janie gave her hope and encouragement. Jody Starks also played a major role in Janie's development. For example, Janie learns from Joe that if you work hard enough then your dreams and goals would come true. Joes power over everything lets Janie know that great things can be accomplished. He doesn't realize what he's done to Janie because he never takes the time to listen to her. She is left out and not cared about.
In addition, Joe makes her put her hair up. He doesn't want Janie to be attractive. They would have a better relationship if Joe would listen to Janie and treat her as an equal. Lastly Joe physically and mentally abuses Janie. He slaps her after an argument dinner.
He just uses her and doesn't really care about Janie at all. He never lets her talk to him when he is with his friends. Joe hurts Janie mentally and physically, but she becomes stronger in those areas. Tea Cake is Janie's third husband, who changes Janie's way of life completely. For example, he teachers Janie how to play checkers, something that Joe never did. By teaching her how to play checkers, he is showing that he cares about her.
He reminds her what fun is. In addition Tea Cake shows Janie happiness and love. He treats her as an equal, and he loves her so much that he picks the dandruff out of her hair. He also saves her life in the flood. Lastly, he teaches her how to shoot a gun and they go hunting together. She becomes a better shot than he is.
Janie has never had so much fun with her previous husbands. Nanny, Joe, and Tea Cake changed Janie's life in good and bad ways. Nanny was encouragement, Joe served strength and Tea Cake taught her how to love and live life.
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Research essay sample on Tea Cake Janie Life
