Zora Neale Hurston’s “Their Eyes Were Watching God” Janie’s use of language is limited by the men in her life, but as we go through the story, we see that she begins to express herself more openly through the use of language. Maria J. Racine’s criticism points out that Janie’s voice grows stronger with her relationships. The languages used by the women and men and Janie have big differences in how they see life, power, and their own identities. Furthermore, Racine’s criticism of the book tells us how the men in Janie’s life have controlled her through the use of voice or language. An example of this is when for the first time Janie spoke her mind and was swiftly silenced by Starks, Hurston writes “It’s so easy to make yo’self out God Almighty …show more content…
Here, Logan not only tells Janie what her role should be but also diminishes her previous life experiences, suggesting that her past meant nothing and that her new purpose is to work for him. Another time of this happening is when Logan makes it clear to Janie that he expects her to do hard work without complaining. Before telling her to carry wood inside, he says “If Ah kin haul de wood heah and chop it fuh yuh, look lak you oughta be able tuh tote it inside. Mah fust wife never bothered me ’bout choppin’ wood nohow. She’d grab dat ax and sling chips lak, uh man. You have been spoilt rotten.” This line shows Logan’s view of Janie’s duties, making her feel like she can’t be herself or speak up. And how he is not the problem, rather it is her because she is spoilt. On the other hand, with Tea Cake, Janie experiences a partnership that allows her to express herself and grow. Unlike her other relationships, Tea Cake speaks/engages with her in a playful manner. Like the time he invited the checkers to play with him. His invitation is significant because it includes her in activities which she previously was excluded from. You could also see this scene as Tea Cake seeing Janie as his