Examples Of Masculinity In The Eyes Were Watching God

Toxic masculinity is defined as a trait that demonstrates a sense of power and control. Throughout Zora Neale Hurston, The Eyes Were Watching God, Janie’s three relationships involved her with men who have abused her to show their dominance over her. This occurred because of the insecurities they gained throughout their lives. Hurston illustrated toxic masculinity through Logan, Joe Stark, and Tea Cake.

At age sixteen, Janie married her first husband Logan. He was absurdly older than Janie, so he had the “life” experience”, knowing his way through relationships and so forth. In a conversation between the two, Janie informs Logan that she is going to leave him for a much younger black man. Logan responded in a gaslighting manner; “You won’t

A point where she wanted to leave Logan. Joe Stark saved Janie from this unmatched love. This has been displayed as a man who was needed for Janie to be saved. For women to be saved, they need a man by their side. In the town setting, a conversation was held between a group of men including Joe Stark and Janie. Joe Stark criticized Janie for her knife-cutting skills. She stood up in front of his face and rebelled; “Stop mixin’ up mah doings wid mah looks, Jody. When you got through tellin’ me how tuh cut uh plug uh tobacco, then you kin tell me whether mah behind is on straight or not” (78). In a time like this, it was very bold for women to stand up for themselves and protest against men, even more, their husbands. The two argued; “[Joe] You aint no young girl to be gettin’ all insulted ‘bout yo’ lookd. You’se uh ole woman, nearly forty. [Janie] Yeah, Ah’m nearly forty and you’se already fifty. [Joe] Nobody in heah ain't lookin’ for no wife outa yuh. Old as you is. [Janie] Humph! Talkin’ ‘bout me lookin’ old! When you pull down yo’ britches, you look lak de change of life” (79). Janie had committed a very new and harsh crime towards Joe. She rebutted his insults. Not just to him, but in front of other men. Embarrassment towards Joe has been stricken. The men taunted and instigated; “[Walter] You

[Lige] Ah ruther be shot with tacks than tuh hear dat ‘bout mah self” (79). Janie had committed a very new and harsh crime towards Joe. She rebutted his insults. Not just to him, but in front of other men. Embarrassment towards Joe has been stricken. The men taunted and instigated; “[Walter] You heard her, you ain't blind. [Lige] Ah ruther be shot with tacks than tuh hear dat ‘bout mah self” (79). Joe’s vanity had bled; “Janie had robbed him of his illusion of irresistible maleness that all men chrish. She had cast down his empty armor before men and they had laughed. For what can excuse a man in the eyes of other men for lack of strength? Joe Starks didn’t know the words for all this, but he knew the feeling. So he struck Janie with all his might and drive her from the store” (80). Joe Stark had been humiliated in front of other men which brought down his ego and his masculinity strength. He regained that strength by using toxic masculinity. Joe needed to rebound against Janie’s actions, so he slapped her to remind her of her place. His toxic masculinity forced him to make a strong action so the men would see the power he has over his