Chapters 9-10 By: Lizbeth Martinez and Kathleen McNeill
Plotline Chapter 9 - Joe's funeral occurs, everyone is there, and it is regarded as a celebration - Janie seems to be sad but in reality, she is happy - Janie burns all her head rags and puts her hair in a braid - In the evenings Janie sits on the porch and Hezekiah becomes in charge of the store - Janie ponders about lonesomeness - a moment of self-reflection
- Janie admits that she hated her grandmother - None of the suitors were able to gain access to the house porch - Ike Green sits on the porch and warns Janie on marriage - Janie goes 6 months wearing black and she is happy except that the store reminds her of Joe - Hezekiah imitates Joe in almost every aspect and does the tasks that Janie is unable to do - Janie starts wearing mourning white - Admirers arrive from everywhere, but nobody is able to get further than the store
- Janie is treated like a Empress of Japan - Pheoby and Janie have a conversation regarding freedom
Plotline Chapter 10 - Hezekiah goes to the ball game, cautions Janie and leaves Janie alone in the store - Janie decides to close the store early - A man (Tea Cake) comes into the store who looks familiar to Janie but does not tell Janie his name - He asks for cigarettes and matches and gets Janie to laugh - He questions Janie for not being at the ball game - He asks Janie to play checkers and Janie finds herself “glowing inside” - The man and Janie play checkers and he beats Janie at checkers - The man finally tells Janie his name- Vergible Woods- Tea Cake - Tea Cake throws his hat at Janie’s feet - Tea Cake stays with Janie, bantering with everyone, until everyone leaves and helps her close up the store and walks her home - Janie sits on the porch and watches the moon rise
Extended Metaphor - Ships and Sea - “It was all according to the way you see things. Some people could look at a mud-puddle and see an ocean with ships.” (Page
89)
Extended Metaphor - Horizon - “She had been getting ready for her great journey to the horizons in search of people; it was important to all the world that she
should find them and they find her.” (Page 89) - “Here Nanny had taken the biggest thing God ever made, the horizon--for no matter how far a person can go the horizon is still
way beyond you--and pinched it in to such a little bit of a thing that she could tie it about her granddaughter’s neck tight enough to choke her.” (Page 89)
Extended Metaphor - Time - “She would have the rest of her life to do as she pleased.” (Page 89) - “Joe ain’t had time tuh git cold yet.” (Page 91) - “Ah mean, at dis present time it don’t come befo’ me. Joe ain’t been dead two months.” (Page 91) - “Dat’s whut you say now, but two months mo’ and you’ll sing another tune.” (Page 91) - “Six months of wearing black passed and not one suitor had ever gained the HOUSE PORCH. Janie talked and laughed in the
STORE at times, but never seemed to want to go further. She was happy except for the STORE.” (Page 91) - “Another time she overheard him using Joe’s favorite expression for pointing out the differences between himself and the
careless-living, mouthy town.” (Page 92) - “She and Pheoby Watson visited back and forth and once in awhile sat around the lakes and fished.” (Page 93) - “No hurry. Such things take time to think about, or rather she pretended to Pheoby that that was what she was doing.” (Page 93) - “It was time for him to go but he didn’t. He leaned on the counter with one elbow and cold-cocked her a look.” (Page 95) - “Ah’ll come teach yuh some mo’ another time.” (Page 96) - “If none don’t come, Ah got good shoe leather. ’Tain’t but seben miles no how. Ah could walk dat in no time.” (Page 97) - “They joked and went on till the people began to come in. Then he took a seat and made talk and laughter with the rest until
closing time.” (Page 98) - “Ah reckon ah done over-layed mah leavin’ time, but Ah figgured you needed somebody tuh help yuh shut up de place.” (Page 98) - ““Who ever heard of uh teacake bein’ called Mister! If you wanta be real hightoned and call me Mr. Woods, dat’s de way you feel
about it. If yuh wants tuh be uh lil friendly and call me Tea Cake, dat would be real nice.” He was closing and bolting windows all the time he talked.” (Page 98)
Extended Metaphor - Janie’s WORLD - “She sent her face to Joe’s funeral, and herself went rollicking with the springtime across the WORLD”(pg 88) - “Before she went to sleep that night she burnt up every one of her head rags and went about the HOUSE next morning with her
hair in one thick braid swinging well below her waist.” (Page 89) - “She kept the STORE in the same way except of evenings she sat on the porch and listened and sent Hezekiah in to wait on late
custom.” (Page 89) - “Most of the day she was at the STORE, but at night she was there in the big HOUSE and sometimes it creaked and cried all
night under the weight of lonesomeness.” (Page 89) - “Ike Green sat on her case seriously one evening on the STORE PORCH when he was lucky to catch her alone.” (Page 91) - “Ah’m gone tuh de HOUSE.” (Page 91) - “Six months of wearing black passed and not one suitor had ever gained the HOUSE PORCH. Janie talked and laughed in
the STORE at times, but never seemed to want to go further. She was happy except for the STORE.” (Page 91) - “One day as she came in the back door of the STORE she heard him bawling at Tripp Crawford, “Naw indeed, we can’t do
nothin’ uh de kind! I god, you ain’t paid for dem last rations you done et up. I god, you won’t git no mo’ outa dis store than you got money tuh pay for. I god, dis ain’t Gimme, Florida, dis is Eatonville.” (Page 92)
- “Men of property too among the crowd, but nobody seemed to get any further than the STORE. She was always too busy to take them to the HOUSE to entertain.” (Page 92)
- “She could close up the STORE herself this once.” (Page 94) - “Ah guess standin’ in uh STORE do make uh person git tu be known in de vicinity. Look lak Ah seen you somewhere”(Page
94) - “But it was no place to show her fear there in the darkness between THE HOUSE and THE STORE.” (Page 99) - “So she sat on THE PORCH and watched the moon rise. Soon its amber fluid was drenching the earth, and quenching the thirst
of the day.” (Page 99)
Extended Metaphor - Feet - “She had been getting ready for her great journey to the horizons in search of people; it was important to all the world that she
should find them and they find her.” (Page 89 - “She had found a jewel down inside herself and she had wanted to walk where people could see her gleam it around” (page 90) - “God never meant ’em tuh try tuh stand by theirselves.” (Page 90) - “Janie jumped upon her feet.” (Page 91) - “So Ah got uh ride tuh where dis road turns off from de Dixie Highway and walked over here and then Ah find out de game is in
Winter Park.” (Page 95) - “Dey jes won’t stand fuh it.” (Page 96) - “If none don’t come, Ah got good shoe leather. ’Tain’t but seben miles no how. Ah could walk dat in no time.” (Page 97) - “Seben miles is uh kinda long walk.” (Page 97) - “But Ah’m seen women walk further’n dat.” (Page 97) - “He made an elaborate act of tipping to the door stealthily. Then looked back at her with an irresistible grin on his face. Janie
burst out laughing in spite of herself.’ (Page 97) - “He turned and threw his hat at her feet” (Page 98)
Extended Metaphor - Eyes - “It was all according to the way you see things. Some people could look at a mud-puddle and see an ocean with ships.” (Page 89) - “Before Jody had been dead a month, she noticed how often men who had never been intimates of Joe, drove considerable
distances to ask after her welfare and offer their services as advisor.” (Page 90) - “She’d laugh quietly at his no-harm posing and pretend she didn’t see it.” (Page 92) - “Ah guess standin’ in uh STORE do make uh person git tu be known in de vicinity. Look lak Ah seen you somewhere”(Page 94) - “Ah’m easy tuh see on Church Street most any day and night.” (Page 95) - “It was time for him to go but he didn’t. He leaned on the counter with one elbow and cold-cocked her a look.” (Page 95) - ““Well, Ah see somebody else besides me ain’t dere. Ah just sold some cigarettes.” They laughed again.” (Page 95) - “How about playin’ you some checkers? You looks hard tuh beat.”(Page 95) - “He set it up and began to show her and she found herself glowing inside.” (Page 95-96) - “Those full, lazy eyes with the lashes curling sharply away like drawn scimitars.” (Page 96) - “Yeah, but Ah wuz lookin’ off when you went and stuck yo’ men right up next tuh mine.” (Page 96) - “You ain’t supposed tuh look off, Mis’ Starks. It’s de biggest part uh de game tuh watch out.” (Page 96) - “But Ah’m seen women walk further’n dat.” (Page 97) - “Tea Cake! So you sweet as all dat?” She laughed and he gave her a little cut-eye look to get her meaning.” (page 97) - “You better try me and see.” (Page 97) - “He made an elaborate act of tipping to the door stealthily. Then looked back at her with an irresistible grin on his face. Janie
burst out laughing in spite of herself.’ (Page 97) - “Look how she had been able to talk with him right off!” (Page 99)
Extended Metaphor - The Sun - “So they beat him down to nothing but sparks but each little spark had a shine and a song.” (Page 90) - “And the lonesomeness in the sparks make them hunt for one another, but the mud is deaf and dumb. Like all the other
tumbling mud-balls, Janie had tried to show her shine.” (Page 90) - “He set it up and began to show her and she found herself glowing inside.” (Page 95-96)
Extended Metaphor - Hair - “Before she went to sleep that night she burnt up every one of her head rags and went about the HOUSE next morning with her
hair in one thick braid swinging well below her waist.” (Page 89)
Extended Metaphor - Mule-fur-Skin - “People on farm horses and mules; babies riding astride of brothers’ and sisters’ backs.” (Page 88)
Extended Metaphor - God - “Here Nanny had taken the biggest thing God ever made, the horizon--for no matter how far a person can go the horizon is still
way beyond you--and pinched it in to such a little bit of a thing that she could tie it about her granddaughter’s neck tight enough to choke her.” (Page 89)
- “When God had made The Man, he made him out of stuff that sung all the time and glittered all over.” (Page 90) - “God never meant ’em tuh try tuh stand by theirselves.” (Page 90) - “One day as she came in the back door of the STORE she heard him bawling at Tripp Crawford, “Naw indeed, we can’t do
nothin’ uh de kind! I god, you ain’t paid for dem last rations you done et up. I god, you won’t git no mo’ outa dis store than you got money tuh pay for. I god, dis ain’t Gimme, Florida, dis is Eatonville.” (Page 92)
Extended Metaphor - Mouths, war with words, kisses, laughter, chewing, and a dish
- “Janie talked and laughed in the STORE at times, but never seemed to want to go further. She was happy except for the STORE.” (Page 91) - “He had even taken to smoking, and smoking cigars, since Joe’s death and tried to bite ’em tight in one side of his mouth like Joe.” (Page 92) - “She’d laugh quietly at his no-harm posing and pretend she didn’t see it.” (Page 92) - “Another time she overheard him using Joe’s favorite expression for pointing out the differences between himself and the careless-living, mouthy
town.” (Page 92) - “She laughed outright at that.” (Page 92) - ““Good evenin’, Mis’ Starks,” he said with a sly grin as if they had a good joke together. She was in favor of the story that was making him laugh
before she even heard it.” (Page 94) - “He broke the pack and thrust one between his full, purple lips.” (Page 95) - “They both laughed and she handed him two kitchen matches out of a box for that purpose.” (Page 95) - ““Well, Ah see somebody else besides me ain’t dere. Ah just sold some cigarettes.” They laughed again.” (Page 95) - “She screamed in protest against losing the king she had such a hard time acquiring.” (Page 96) - “They scrambled and upset the board and laughed at that.” (Page 96) - “ She laughed and he gave her a little cut-eye look to get her meaning.” (page 97) - “She did something halfway between a laugh and a frown and he set his HAT on straight.” (Page 97) - “He made an elaborate act of tipping to the door stealthily. Then looked back at her with an irresistible grin on his face. Janie burst out laughing in
spite of herself.’ (Page 97) - “She picked up the hat and threw it after him with a laugh” (Page 98) - “They joked and went on till the people began to come in. Then he took a seat and made talk and laughter with the rest until closing time.” (Page 98) - ““ He was closing and bolting windows all the time he talked.” (Page 98) - “Look how she had been able to talk with him right off!” (Page 99)
Extended Metaphor - Darkness - “All things concerning death and burial were said and done. Finish. End. Nevermore. Darkness. Deep hole. Dissolution.
Eternity.” (Page 88) - “Inside the expensive black folds were resurrection and life. She did not reach outside for anything, nor did the things of death
reach inside to disturb her calm.” (Page 88) - “Before she went to sleep that night she burnt up every one of her head rags and went about the HOUSE next morning with her
hair in one thick braid swinging well below her waist.” (Page 89) - “Most of the day she was at the STORE, but at night she was there in the big HOUSE and sometimes it creaked and cried all
night under the weight of lonesomeness.” (Page 89) - “Before Jody had been dead a month, she noticed how often men who had never been intimates of Joe, drove considerable
distances to ask after her welfare and offer their services as advisor.” (Page 90) - “Ah mean, at dis present time it don’t come befo’ me. Joe ain’t been dead two months.” (Page 91) - “Six months of wearing black passed and not one suitor had ever gained the HOUSE PORCH. Janie talked and laughed in the
STORE at times, but never seemed to want to go further. She was happy except for the STORE.” (Page 91) - “He had even taken to smoking, and smoking cigars, since Joe’s death and tried to bite ’em tight in one side of his mouth like
Joe.” (Page 92) - “Ah’m easy tuh see on Church Street most any day and night.” (Page 95) - “But it was no place to show her fear there in the darkness between THE HOUSE and THE STORE.” (Page 99) - “He tipped his hat at the door and was off with the briefest good night.” (Page 99)
Extended Metaphor - Nature - “She sent her face to Joe’s funeral, and herself went rollicking with the springtime across the WORLD”(pg 88) - “She and Pheoby Watson visited back and forth and once in awhile sat around the lakes and fished.” (Page 93) - “Somebody thought it was natural for her to play.” (Page 96) - “De name mah mama gimme is Vergible Woods. Dey calls me Tea Cake for short.” (Page 97) - ““Who ever heard of uh teacake bein’ called Mister! If you wanta be real hightoned and call me Mr. Woods, dat’s de way you
feel about it. If yuh wants tuh be uh lil friendly and call me Tea Cake, dat would be real nice.” He was closing and bolting windows all the time he talked.” (Page 98)
- “So she sat on THE PORCH and watched the moon rise. Soon its amber fluid was drenching the earth, and quenching the thirst of the day.” (Page 99)
Extended Metaphor - Sweets - “Lemme go inside and help Hezekiah weigh up dat barrel uh sugar dat just come in.” (Page 91) - “His sense of ownership made him honest too, except for the occasional jaw-breaker, or a packet of sen-sen.” (Page 92) - “De name mah mama gimme is Vergible Woods. Dey calls me Tea Cake for short.” (Page 97) - “Tea Cake! So you sweet as all dat?” She laughed and he gave her a little cut-eye look to get her meaning.” (page 97) - “You needs ten pounds, Mr. Tea Cake.” (Page 98) - “Thankyuh, Mr. Tea Cake.” (Page 98) - ““Who ever heard of uh teacake bein’ called Mister! If you wanta be real hightoned and call me Mr. Woods, dat’s de way you
feel about it. If yuh wants tuh be uh lil friendly and call me Tea Cake, dat would be real nice.” He was closing and bolting windows all the time he talked.” (Page 98)
- “Thank yuh, Tea Cake.” (Page 98) - “Tea Cake wasn’t strange.” (Page 99)
Joe’s Funeral
Celebratory - Used or intended to publicly acknowledge a significant or happy day or event; the townspeople all celebrated Joe’s life while Janie celebrated his death
“The Little Emperor of the cross-roads was leaving Orange County as he had come-with the outstretched hand of power.” (Page 88)
Joe is compared with a “Little Emperor”, and when combined with the imagery of Joe’s “outstretched hand of power”, it shows his power and influence over the town of Eatonville. This also demonstrates that he had the money to be able to make the funeral into a big party, a giant celebration. Joe’s power has caused the people of Orange County to think very highly of him, implying that he has the characteristics of royalty even within his funeral which is viewed as a celebration to honor Joe’s successes. Hurston’s choice of “cross-roads”, rather than just saying “road” or “town”, brings to mind the idea of being at a major event, on the cusp of a big change, in the lives of the townspeople. The town is losing their mayor and are now faced with the decision of electing a new mayor. Additionally, “cross-roads”, the intersection of two or more roads, demonstrates Janie’s struggle because she is now faced with a major decision about her future since her husband is gone. Janie has to decide whether or not she wants to get married again or accept her independence. This is ironic because the funeral of the a beloved public figure should be a sad and somber affair, but instead everyone is having fun and celebrating, especially Janie, his wife, who should be grieving the most. Janie is actually extremely happy at his funeral because it means she is now free of Joe and his influence.
Metaphor, imagery, diction, and irony
Janie The imagery of Janie sending her face to Joe’s funeral demonstrates how Janie is required to attend Joe’s funeral because of her role as the mayor’s wife. The word “sent” displays Janie’s lack of interest in attending Joe’s funeral because it’s just an extension of Joe's influence which will only restrain her from being able to express her happiness without judgment. “Rollicking” means exuberantly lively and amusing. Hurston use of “rollicking” rather than just saying “happy” or “lively” brings to mind to the word “frollicking” which means to play in a frisky, light-mannered manner. The imagery of Janie happily “rollicking” while at her husband’s funeral introduces a juxtaposition and an irony. Hurston juxtaposes “funeral” and “rollicking”--juxtaposing death and life, sadness and happiness--startling the audience because people don’t generally think of someone being happy at a funeral. On the outside, Janie is not happy as evident when Hurston says, “she sent her face to Joe’s funeral”. She plays the part of grieving widow, when, in actuality, she isn’t exactly unhappy about her husband’s death. This juxtaposition leads to the irony of Janie being happy, having fun, and playing in her mind because she knows that she is now free of Joe’s influence, when it is expected that she be extremely upset at her husband’s funeral. In addition, Janie struggles to reconcile her happiness at the freedom she now has the chance to enjoy--the door to which was opened by the death of her husband--with her unhappy facade that she must present to the world because it is expected by society.
Free - Not under the control of another or in the power of another; with Joe dead, Janie was no longer under the influence of her husband
“She sent her face to Joe’s funeral, and herself went rollicking with the springtime across the world.” Page 88
Imagery, diction, juxtaposition, and irony
The Store
The imagery of Janie wearing black for six months evokes sympathy for Janie as the audience recognizes what she has lost. The “black” also keeps all the suitors at arm's length as it reminds them that she has only just recently lost Joe--which, ironically, she is in fact happy about--and that they shouldn’t approach her yet about possibly marrying her. The imagery of Janie wearing black also embodies the sense of control, independence, and strength that Janie has gained through Joe’s death--but to have full control of her independence Janie must continue to appear as though she is grieving--as demonstrated by Janie’s resistance to the efforts of the suitors. “Suitor” implies a distance between Janie and these men. It also implies that while they may be interested in her, she has absolutely no interest in them. Hurston’s choice of “gained” instead of “got to” gives the sense that the suitors have to earn their right to the house porch, but it also implies that the porch can be accessed, thus demonstrating the sense of hope that Janie has in regards to future love. The “house porch” and the “store” are the major pieces in her life at the moment, they are her world. The store is like a barrier between Janie and the suitors because it keeps everything public and lets the suitors know that she won’t marry them because they haven’t been able to make the journey from the store to her porch in order to truly reach Janie. This is ironic because Janie feels trapped by and ruled by the store because it constantly reminds her of Joe and, yet, it becomes her sanctuary from the “well-wishing” men, most who she assumes will be no better than Joe.
Protective - Capable of or intended to protect someone or something; the store is a barrier between the suitors and Janie
“Six months of wearing black passed and not one suitor had ever gained the house porch. Janie talked and laughed in the store at times, but never seemed to want to go further.” (Page 91)
Imagery, diction, extended metaphor, and irony
Hezekiah The biblical reference of Hezekiah’s name is a reference to the son of the King Ahaz, who later became king himself. Hezekiah’s father was one of the most wicked rulers that had reigned as a result Hezekiah spends his reign repairing the damage done by his father. After Joe’s death, Hezekiah takes over Joes position in the store which is depicted by Hezekiah’s imitation of Joes actions. The imagery reveals various ways that Hezekiah’s behavior changed after Joe died. Hezekiah started acting like Joe, just as a fanatic who acts like their idol. He starts smoking cigars like Joe and tries to sit in Joe’s chair like he did. The imagery also shows how Hezekiah admired Joe since he goes through the effort of trying to be like him. The word “reared” amplifies Hezekiah’s youth thus displaying the nature of children who imitate those they admire. However, unlike Joe, Hezekiah’s intentions are pure, as referenced by his name, since he is only trying to protect Janie but without being abusive. The biblical name thus enhances Joe’s harm caused by his excessive control. Therefore, Hezekiah’s emulative behavior becomes a representation of the good that replaces evil. It is ironic because Hezekiah was a better man, to Janie at least, than Joe so one wouldn’t expect him to want to be like Joe. Yet, there he is, trying to act like Joe because he looked up to him, likely because of his success.
Emulative - Trying to equal or excel, imitating with effort to equal or surpass; Hezekiah imitated Joe and wanted to be like him
“ He had even taken to smoking, and smoking cigars, since Joe's death and tried to bite 'em tight in one side of his mouth like Joe. Every chance he got he was reared back in Joe's swivel chair trying to thrust out his lean belly into a paunch.” (Page 92)
Allusion, imagery, diction, contrast, and irony
Tea Cake
The image of Tea Cake and Janie playing checkers provides the setting. The imagery of “she found herself glowing inside” evokes the visage of a very happy woman as evident by the word “glowing”. “Glowing” is used as a representation of Janie’s internal happiness. This happiness was brought about by Tea Cake because he is nice and sweet to her; he makes her feel good about herself despite the fact that Janie had only just met him and didn’t actually know him at all. “Wanted”, despite the happy and hopeful tone, shows Janie’s bitterness toward Joe since he had never let her--he never “wanted” her--to play checkers. Hurston’s choice of “natural”, rather than just saying “okay”, implies that Janie playing checkers could have been unnatural, which most other people would have thought it was. Tea Cake, on the other hand, was perfectly fine with a woman playing checkers. This introduces the irony because Tea Cake was the only one who saw Janie for who she really was and wasn’t afraid of it. Sometimes, he even pushed her to defy everyone else’s expectations. Ironically, everyone else disapproved of their relationship because they thought they Tea Cake couldn’t see Janie clearly because of her money, but in reality, he actually saw her the clearest.
Sweet - Pleasing in general; Tea Cake is a very likable person and people tend to take to him very easily due to his likable nature
“He set it up and began to show her and she found herself glowing inside. Somebody wanted her to play. Somebody thought it natural for her to play.” (Page 95-96)
Imagery, diction, and irony
Hair Extended Metaphor Main Literary Device: Extended Metaphor Other Literary Devices: Imagery, diction, irony
- “Night” is associated with darkness. In this case darkness becomes representative of Joe’s control over Janie which is an overall depiction of the oppression of African American women. African American males were oppressed for an extended period of time that they would release their frustration on African American women in order to feel powerful.
- The imagery of Janie burning her head rags displays Janie’s resentment towards Joe marking a shift in Janie’s character. Janie doesn’t throw away her head rags she decides to burn them, every single one of them. By burning her head rags, Janie is liberating herself form Joe’s control by permanently eliminating the presence of Joe which is embodied through the head rags.
- Head rags cover the hair and are meant to keep the hair in place. During slavery many slave owners used head rags as an indication of enslavement in order to establish control. Thus, Joe becomes equated to a white slave owner. The “head rags” represent Janie’s confinement due to the restraints imposed by Joe in order to control Janie. Joe had made Janie tie her hair and kept her from speaking, keeping Janie from being able to display her individuality within her marriage.
- The shift from night to morning signifies Janie’s transition and outlook on life after Joe’s death. Morning, marks the beginning of a new day. Ironically Joe’s death becomes an opportunity for Janie to be free and is viewed as a commencement of a new chapter in which Janie is finally able to take full control of her life.
- Janie’s hair represents Janie’s individuality, her hair is often the first thing that people notice due to its Caucasian characteristics. By putting her hair in a braid Janie is finally taking control of her individuality and independence. After Joe’s death her hair is described as “thick” an indication of her strength after having to endure years of subjugation. The imagery of Janie’s hair swinging displays her excitement and profound happiness. The connotation of the word “swinging” brings to mind an image of a child thus Janie’s happiness is seemingly childlike which highlights Janie’s deprivation of happiness within her marriage and throughout her life.
“Before she slept that night she burnt up every one of her head rags and went about the house next morning with her hair in one thick braid swinging well below her waist.” (Page 89)
Spark Metaphor
Main literary device: metaphor Other devices: imagery, alliteration, juxtaposition, and irony
- The jewel is Janie’s uniqueness, individuality, independence, beauty, and strength. - Janie had been the property of her grandmother. She had been sold to the highest bidder and she had been forced to allow it to happen. - One man originally and no mention of women. Hurston make man out to be happy, joyful, good, and beautiful. The Man is better than
humans. This brings to mind the idea that no one is born evil, despite what people think. It is only through the dark experiences that people go through and their bad reactions to this darkness that causes people to become evil.
- Hurston changes the Man into many men who are still good despite the cruelty of their betters - Hurston changed many men into lots of little humans, still good and beautiful. The only difference is that now each is
individualized, they are their own person with their own will. “Shine” is divine purpose and “song” is their path. - The angels want to put down the sparks to assure themselves of their superiority and covered them with filth, introducing darkness into
the lives of humans. - Mud has all the colors of every race which puts everyone on equal standing. This goes to show that Hurston was trying to show
that no one is excluded from this journey to find their potential; she wasn’t trying to limit this to black women only. - Humans instinctively group together, but it’s hard because you can’t judge whether someone is like you based on their appearance so
they tend to give up and let their sparks go out - Janie had fumbled through life as best she could, trying to stay true to herself even as society had tried to keep her down and obscure
her shine. “Tumbling” implies chaos, like the chaos in life
“She had found a jewel down inside herself and she had wanted to walk where people could see her and gleam it around. But she had been set in the market-place to sell. Been set for still-bait. When God had made The Man, he made him out of stuff that sung all the time and glittered all over. Then after that some angels got jealous and chopped him into millions of pieces, but still he glittered and hummed. So they beat him down to nothing but sparks but each little spark had a shine and a song. So they covered each one over with mud. And the lonesomeness in the sparks make them hunt for one another, but the mud is deaf and dumb. Like all the other tumbling mud-balls, Janie had tried to show her shine.” (Page 90)
Spark Metaphor
- This section basically explains her entire reason for Janie’s journey, the entire reason for Hurston writing the book.
- The spark is the god-like quality within humans, their divinity. Some people, like Janie, are aware of it their whole lives. Some see theirs once they see it in others. Others lose sight of it completely or never see it because they get distracted by earthly, material life and human darkness.
- Janie went on a journey throughout the book in an effort to discover, understand, protect, and preserve this spark. This journey is illustrated in this section. The angels are Janie’s grandmother and Logan who tried to beat her down and keep her from gaining her potential. This journey gives Janie her divine purpose, her “shine”. Through this journey Janie finds perspective and independence. She’s the first of her kind: powerful black women. Her purpose, as she discovered on her journey, is to show other woman her shine and convince them to find and nourish their own shine. She’s starting with Pheoby, who she’s telling her story to, because Pheoby is the only one who’s ready to hear what Janie has to tell her.