A major reoccurring motif in this novel is the community’s opinion surrounding Janie. From Nanny to the men sitting on the porch everybody has an opinion on Janie's life. She even makes it a point when she states that “she felt like slapping some of them for sitting around grinning at her like a pack of chessy cats” (Hurston 90). Janie has experienced many trials and tribulations and she is constantly in the mouth of these people from the Everglades to Eatonville. Janie continues to follow her heart however never succumbing to the gossip of the people. This odd unity strengthens Janies character while enhancing the ongoing theme of independence versus dependence. Janie is never alone yet never connected to another person. When she is with Tea Cake she is head over heels for him yet has her own money and will power to continue on without him.
Janies situation reminds me of the song “Listen To Your Heart” by Roxette. This song talks about following your heart regardless of any opinions whether they are your own or of others. Roxette states in her song “and there are voices that want to be heard” but to just continue on the route of your happiness regardless (Roxette 25-26). Throughout this novel the publics opinion may have been right and listening to them might have made Janie’s life a little easier but it wouldn’t have fit the story. Janie is a strong independent women who continues to persevere through every hardship thrown at her.
Janie and Tea Cake definitely ignore the community's opinion and stays together for themselves. Even when Mrs. Turner attempts to break them apart, Janie ignores her accusations and continues to love Tea Cake anyway. I like that you connected their relationship to this song because I've heard this song numerous times before and never thought to relate it to this novel.
ReplyDeleteThroughout Janie's life she definitely faces rejection, hatred, and jealously from others. Due to her choices in men, actions, etc someone always has something negative to say regarding Janie. Being strong though, Janie turned her cheek to those attempting to break her down. She marries Tea Cake despite the criticism of the citizens of Eatonville and chooses to live the life she wants - not the life others desire for her. Your reference to the song "Listen to Your Heart" is an excellent connection! Janie follows her own heart in life and ignores the degrading comments of others.
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