semi-autonomous individual. I think the novel is based slightly on Zora Neal Hurston's

Janie endures many hardships throughout the novel. She is forced to live without

her mother, under the absolute control of her grandmother, and in an all white

environment. In the beginning she has a total lack of self identity; she thinks she is white

Janie's grandmother, Nanny, discusses with her about how she is getting old and

won't always be around to take care of her. She tells Janie that marrying would be wise

so that she would have someone there to look after her. Janie isn't ready for growing up,

much less marriage. In the long run, though, the decision is forced upon her and she is

The marriage runs smoothly until the "foot kissing" stage is over. Logan makes

Janie work in the fields with him and do ordinary work just like a man. This experience

further rushes Janie's growing up, even though she still has no control over her life.

She knows that marriage did not make love. Janie's first

dream was dead, so she became a woman.(24)

Realizing that it is impossible for her to love Lo

de way Ah was. Naw! Mah own mind had tuh be squeezed

Janie is hurt and she hopes that Logan is too. The next morning she runs off with

This hits Joe like a rock. He doesn't want to think that he won't live. Joe tells Janie to

Janie has encountered all she has ever desired in life. Love is all she has really

control her. Tea Cake is the one who really loves her, who accepts her for who she is and

Janie, Ah hope God may kill me, if Ah'm lyin. Nobody

will grin in yo' face, but dey ain't gwine tuh work and feed

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"love." Janie manages her affairs on her own for a while(i.e. the store, the house, etc.).

that he wants to kill her. A slight catch forms in Jody's throat. His eyes roll to one

and how you wuz makin' out. Ah come in heah tuh git

Some common words found in the essay are:
Janie Mayor, Naw Mah, Tea Cake, Neal Hurston's, Janie Ah, Yeah Jody, Logan Killicks, Jody Ah, Joe Starks, Listen Jody, makes janie, tea cake, tells janie, ain't de, jody ah, jody takes, tuh git, logan killicks, doctor told, ah run,
Approximate Word count = 1168
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)