TEWWG Dialectical Journals #51-55

DJ-51

…uh white man and uh nigger woman is de freest thing on earth.’ Dey do as dey please. – Anonymous black man PG 189

This sentence uttered by an unnamed black man is the exact opposite of what Nanny told Janie when she was young. It is also contrary to theme of black women trying to gain freedom present in the book. This serves as an opposing opinion and view to Janie’s thoughts and goals. It exhibits how different people, and those in power, can see a situation so differently.

DJ-52

…because they wanted to think well of themselves, they wanted their hostile attitude forgotten. So they blamed it on Mrs. Turner’s brother… - Narrator

Embarrassment causes many people to attempt to place the blame for whatever incident on others. A faux pau usually occurs for embarrassment to follow. The people publicly doubted Janie, a perfect wife, and realized they were incorrect about her involvement in TC’s untimely death. This also is a reflection of the black community in Eatonville, who accused Janie of witchcraft when her husband died of natural causes. This repetition emphasizes the fact that people wish to put their own welfare first and by making others look bad, they further their own position by default.

DJ-53

Anyway their anger against Janie had lasted two whole days and that was too long to keep remembering anything. Too much of a strain. – Narrator PG 191

The black folks are the same mob-herd animals as the white people. Glades = Eatonville

The complete lack of motivation or memory pervades in the herd-like people. The people have no strong emotion behind their persecution of Janie, so they drop it quickly. They appear as empty people, just following the herd. It is a depressing view of society because it lacks any real intelligence or thought process.

DJ-54

The seeds reminded Janie of Tea Cake more than anything else because he was always planting things. – Narrator PG 191

Although TC did plant seeds in the ground in Eatonville and again in the Everglades, his true value lay in the metaphorical seeds he planted in Janie’s life and mind. Because of him, she was able to feel love, fun, and hope again. He introduced her to a life of freedom and happiness, something she did not have before. TC was a catalyst for Janie in her quest for self-fulfillment in life.

DJ-55

…they got tuh find out about livin’ fuh theyselves. – Janie PG 192

On the very last page, Janie explains that individuals cannot use others to learn about life. Different experiences happen to everyone, and each is unique to that person. It is impossible to perfectly redo any moment in life. To find self actualization, Janie had to go out into the unknown. She took a risk with TC and it worked out for her, not everyone is so lucky, but that is a part of living. Janie has come full circle, from being the one listening to others and wondering, to being the person sharing her experiences and wisdom as the teller.