Their Eyes Were Watching Janie

“Mrs. Turner, like all other believers, had built an altar to the unattainable— Caucasian characteristics for all” (Hurston 145). Her desire to see a more white-washed African American race caused her to worship Janie’s idealistic characteristics but strongly disapprove of her courtship with Tea Cake.This reinforces the title because like Jody, Mrs. Turner seeks whitish qualities (like a pointed nose and light skin) to gain power-- in other words her eyes were watching “God." In both of their eyes, a “God” was anyone who resembled the power Caucasians possessed. Both Jody and Mrs. Turner sought Janie's Caucasian qualities for their own personal gain; By associating with Janie they both felt whiter and stronger. They constantly watched for any way to improve their status, separate themselves from normal black people, and renew their own lives the way one would follow a religious God.

Tea Cake even felt the pressure of the standards of beauty that many African Americans believed in, which is why he gave Janie “two or three face slaps” (Hurston 147). He felt that Janie could potentially leave him for somebody of higher status and lighter color. Because he felt threatened, his “whipping Janie reassured him in possession” (Hurston 147). However, Janie nonetheless remained unswayed by Mrs. Turner’s opinion because shows completely attached to and in love with Tea Cake for who he was. 

Tea Cake’s situation is similar to the one in the short film, “Plastic,” because the woman, Ana tries conform to “real beauty” standards to assure her date will adore her. However, she soon discovers that she does not need to do so because she knows her date should love her either way. Tea Cake also realizes that Janie will always love him for who he is even if his appearance is not favorable in society’s eyes.