“She didn’t read books so she didn’t know that she was the
world” (76). Janie is at a point in her life where she has reached a plateau, reflecting
on her marriage, the years spent with Jody has taken “all the fight out of
Janie’s face.” (76). Somewhere along the way her life became mundane; “Ah ain’t
got nothin’ tuh live for but uh store and uh house” (76). Running off with Jody
was supposed to be a blessing not a curse. Instead of taking steps towards the
life she’s wanted, Janie has been taking steps backward.
Jody had gotten what he’s wanted: an obedient trophy wife,
but in the process Janie had lost her purpose and voice. For instance, “Janie
loved the conversations [on the porch] and sometime thought up good stories…
but Joe had forbidden her to indulge.” (53). Also she no longer spoke up, “gradually,
she pressed her teeth together and learned to hush” because it is easier to let
Jody win (71). “He wanted her submission and he’d keep on fighting until he
felt he had it.” (71). Jody always had to be in control. For that reason he’d
lost his wife, “the spirit of the marriage left the bedroom…” (71).
Much like the mule, Janie has a routine. Wake, work, sleep.
There is no fulfillment in her life. This was her mid-life crisis. This image
shows that Janie finally acknowledges that she needs to take matters into her
own hands. On page 75, “Janie did what she has never done before, that is,
thrust herself into the conversation.” The first step is acknowledging that
there is a problem. Hopefully now she will try to recreate herself and won’t
let a man try to control her.
This was a really great read, and very motivating too. Janie may have made a mistake in going off with Jody but she would have been no better off having stayed with Logan Killicks, so with her having had a new experience it wasn't the worse thing she could have done. And by not letting this setback consume her, she can, once again, move forward in the hopes of finding something much better and more worthwhile. What Janie is looking for is an unhindered voice...she will just keep drinking different soups until she finds it.
ReplyDeleteI like how you compared Janie's life to the mule. I never thought that the mule could symbolize Janie's boring and daily routine. I merely assumed the mule was just being used to show some of Jody's good traits (such as letting the mule free). Good observation, I really enjoyed your post!
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you when you say that Janie has fell under the description of Jody's "obedient trophy wife." Jody put her on a pedestal and showcased her how he wanted to. Hopefully Janie will change and become more independent so that men don't control her as much.
ReplyDelete