Joe Starks is a charismatic, charming character who knows his dreams in life and is fearless and confident that he will achieve them; “They would… talk about when he would be a big ruler of things with her reaping the benefits” (page 29). The reader watches as he makes Janie live in his shadow because he believed that “the mayor’s wife is somethin’ different again” (page 61). Joe loves to be in control, that is why he doesn’t allow Janie to go to public gatherings, such as the mule’s funeral; he too afraid that she may tarnish his reputation. His thirst for control prompts him to rule more like a dictator “he’s got a throne in the seat of his pants” (page 49). The people felt like they were taken advantage of by Starks because he bought “little lady-size spitting pot for Janie to spit in” (page 47). The people definitely skeptical of him because “when one of your own color could be so different it put you on a wonder” (page 48).
Despite his dark side, Joe has a soft side. He masks his compassion and care for Janie in harshness. He is very observant; when he saw a man touching Janie’s hair in the store he orders her to wear it up; he does this to protect her out of love, not to punish her. Also, he observes Janie’s disgust of people mistreating a mule, so Joe buys the mule from Matt for Janie as a way of saying he loves her. Overall, Joe Starks’ character is a very strong leader and loves to be in control. He only wants what is best for Janie and does all he can to protect her.
Jody is definitely very controlling and I can see why you say he does it out of love for Janie. At first I saw Jody as a greedy, wannabe dictator but you made me see how he could have a soft side. When he told Janie to put her hair up I felt as though he was doing it just to show his power over her rather than protecting her, your point gave me a new perspective.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your observations of Jody to a certain extent. Jody loves Janie but loves his image more and will do whatever it takes to keep it pristine, even if that involves hurting Janie. Jody doesn't realize that what he is doing to "protect" her or to show his love is just driving her farther and farther away.
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