Their Eyes Were Watching God - Writing Assignment

Outline of Janie's expectations of the men that she marries, and who they really turn out to be.

Chapter 2, page 87: sexual imagery is used to convey Janie's ideal view of marriage when she was sixteen; however, Nanny idealizes a man for Jamie that will provide her with a strong financial structure. Nanny does not want men to take advantage of Janie just for her beauty and use her as a "spit cup."

Nanny arranges a marriage for Janie with Logan Killicks. Even though Logan is rich and initially represented a good, stable marriage, Logan effectively killed the idealization of marriage that Janie had been dreaming of, and furthermore, Janie never truly loved Logan throughout their marriage. There was nothing pretty about their marriage, and even though Jamie was profoundly disappointed, there was no easy-route out of the marriage.

Joe Starks - big and commanding voice, and will become the mayor in Eatonville. Janie is attracted to Joe's ambition and commandment. Joe was quickly able to buy 200 acres of land and sell each at a profit. Moreover, he also bought the first street lamp in the city, which made all the citizens extremely proud. However, Joe views Janie as a trophy wife and he does not want other people lusting over her. Joe makes Janie work in the store and tie her hair up so no customers could see it, and furthermore Joe did not allow Janie to make a speech. By Joe not allowing Janie to act freely, she was again disappointed as her husband did not live up to her idealization of true love. As Joe grew nearer to his death, Janie remarked, "When you pull down yo' britches, you look lak de change uh life." Joe could never forgive Janie for this remark, and he passed away soon after.

Tea Cake - unlike her previous two husbands, Tea Cake does not have a great financial background. However, Tea Cake is the first man to treat Janie like a true woman. For example, Tea Cake played checkers with her and took her to the muck with him where she made vital friendships and really enjoyed herself. Janie, although she does love Tea Cake, is still cautious that he could just be there to steal her money from her last marriage. However, after discovering that Tea Cake stole Janie's $200 to go gamble and ended up doubling her money, it became safer to trust Tea Cake's evident love for her.