Journal #2

In chapters 6-10 of Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston, Joe’s true personality is slowly revealed to the reader through his actions and various incidents. His harsh nature dictates his relationship with Janie and strips Janie’s individualism away from her bit by bit.

Joe’s entire being revolves around his pride and confidence in his authority and wealth, leading him to believe that he can manipulate and belittle those around him, raising him above the rest. “The town had a basketful of feelings good and bad about Joe’s positions and possessions, but none had the temerity to challenge him. They bowed down to him rather, because he was all of these things, and then again he was all of these things because the town bowed down. (page 50)”Because of the change that he had brought into the town of Eatonville, he believes that it is natural that the townspeople should respect and bow down to him.  Indeed, the townspeople do just this, and he is fueled by this “respect”, believing that it justifies his tyrannical power.

Joe’s treatment of Janie also defines him. He clearly considers women to be an object to be owned and admired by men. He doesn’t love Janie as a person, but instead, sees her as a trophy, an object of desire that can only belong to him. He is controlling and jealous when it comes to Janie, always putting her away from public view. “..Joe had forbidden her to indulge. He didn’t want her talking after such trashy people. ‘You’se Mrs. Mayor Starks, Janie. I god, Ah can’t see what uh woman uh yo’ stability would want tuh be treasurin’ all dat gum-grease folks.. (page 54)’” He believes that her youth, her beauty, and her elegance is befitting for a major’s wife, and that is why he lured her away from Logan in the first place. Though at first Janie believed that she is truly valued, she begins to realize that she is becoming more of a possession rather than a human being, and she grows increasingly defeated, suffering from Joe’s cruelty.

Through Joe and Janie’s story, I feel like Hurston gives a example of the quote “absolute power corrupts absolutely.” Joe is corrupted by the absolute power that he holds, fueled by the awe and respect of the townspeople and his tyranny is almost a comparison to whites and slaves during the time.