Power And Control In Tea Cake By Zora Neale Hurston

The theme of power and control is highlighted through Jody’s actions towards the black community. To establish his power and gain his “big voice,” Jody purchases 200 acres of land when Janie and Jody enter Eatonville (28). Even though Tony Taylor, a townsperson, has been named the assembly leader, Jody usurps his power and is “doing all the talking” as he “took the center of the floor” in the meeting (41, 42). By announcing his plan to create a post-office and store, Jody continues to make a name for himself at the town meeting, emphasizing his need to exhibit his control over others. Cementing his leadership in the eyes of the townspeople, Jody shows his hubristic nature by bringing “some light” to Eatonville, just as God creates light

in the Genesis (44). A distinguishing feature that puts Jody higher than the rest in Eatonville is his house, which is “gloaty, sparkly white.” In addition, symbol of power elicits jealousy in the community, since “the rest of town looked like servants’ quarters” (47). Jody’s “big house” signifies his desire to create feelings of servitude among the community to make himself feel secure (47).

Janie’s marriage with Tea Cake breaks the traditional gender roles in the 1930s because he allows Janie to venture out of “her place,” which is “de home,” according to Jody (43), and voice her opinions.

Janie is learning and seeing things that she does not expect. At the beginning of their relationship, Tea Cake suggests that they go night fishing, going against societal norms; however, this activity makes Janie “[feel] like a child breaking rules. That’s what [makes] Janie like it” (102). Unlike her previous marriages where she is constrained, Janie is shattering the image of a stereotypical housewife. In addition, Tea Cake introducing her to gambling, which “[is] very exciting to Janie who [has] never touched dice in her life” (125). Allowing Janie to gain this experience, allows her to broaden her horizons. In addition in her third marriage, Janie does not fill the role of the obsequious wife, who doesn’t have a voice. After Tea Cake returns from being gone for a few days, Janie warns, “Tea Cake, if you don’t hurry up and tell me, Ah’ll take and beat yo’ head flat as uh dime” (122). Janie does not have to bite her tongue around him because Janie feels comfortable with Tea Cake, since there is a balance of power and mutual respect between the two. TRANSITION

SENTENCE