From the very start of the novel, Janie exhibits passion, determination, and strives to change her life positively. However, Janie, and many other women in Their Eyes Were Watching God, have the term “mule” tied to them with what seems like an unbreakable rope. Through Janie's life experiences, she is able to shift from the object of other's lives to the subject of her own life. In many regards, Janie is treated like a mule throughout her marriages. The mule first appeared when she married Logan. Janie thinks that she has no other choice but to marry him, and in doing so ties herself down. Additionally, much like a mule, she has no choice who her “owner” is. Janie is treated like property in this relationship as well as others. Similarly in Janie’s relationship with Jody, she …show more content…
Nonetheless, one of the biggest obstacles that Janie faced in the novel was the belief associated with women: “inferior.” When I was a little girl, I quickly learned of this primitive idea. At the ripe old age of 6, I was playing in a sandbox and was suddenly struck with surprise when a little boy stole the toy that I was playing with. I approached him, and said, “Why did you take my toy? I was playing with it!” In response, he said, “Because I can. I can do it because I’m a boy and you’re a girl.” I was unaware of the unconscious bias, but those words lingered in my head for the rest of the day; “Because I’m a boy and you’re a girl.” This notion appeared in many of her relationships, but it was most prominent in her relationship with Jody. In the end, Joe values material wealth more than Janie. Jody forces Janie to avoid socializing with the locals, putter around the store day in and day out, and hide her beautiful hair. Joe keeps Janie socially and emotionally isolated. Throughout their relationship, Janie was constantly forced to keep