Major Characters of "Their Eyes Were Watching God"
Major Characters of "Their Eyes Were Watching God"
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 folk’s property, she moves to another house. “Nanny didn’t love tuh see me wid mah head hung down, so she figgered it would be mo’ better fuh 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. Joe’s 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...