Character Analysis: Janie

Martinez 1

From the second that a human being witnesses the light that vaccinates earth’s domain, to the death hour that arrives abruptly knocking into the door of life, revolution and growth will continue to move itself within the inner soul and the outer appearance of each mortal. It’s within our own grasp to use God’s gift of free will to build the future that defines our love, interests, and believes by understanding the laws of life and purpose for our own living. This understanding, however, germinates within those that yearn change, evolution, and prestige. It’s safe to say that often times, life chooses the souls whose fate is imprinted next to a path of transformation. It has been made unblemished that the sojourner, Janie,

These factors seemed to become transparent within the presence of Janie’s new pear tree, Joe (Jody) Starks, a being that produced “a feeling of sudden newness and change…” (pg. 49) The reality is however that change never comes on its own will, but rather it arrives with a cost, and to Janie that cost became her womanhood. The outcome of such was first seen on page 61, as the town chooses Jody as their mayor and call Janie for a speech, a request that never comes as Jody silences Janie’s voice, “Thank yuh fuh yo’ compliments, but mah wife don’t know nothin’ ‘about no speech-makin’. Ah never married her for nothin’ lak dat. She’s uh woman and her place is in de home.” In reality, Jody was right, Janie never cared or thought to make a speech for the public, but the fact that Jody Starks was the one to decide for her, gave Janie a “cold” (pg. 61) sensation that ran through her spine, for she knew that this change may not bring the joy and passion she once presumed. As mayor, Jody allowed those around him (including his wife) become aware of the power and authority he had over any being both mentally and economically. To the town’s folks, it seemed that slavery had once again emerged from depths of their own flesh and color, “they had murmured hotly about slavery being over, but every man filled his assignment”