Security and Independence

Janie married Logan Killicks at first, then she married Joe Starks, and finally she married Tea Cake. It seems like Janie couldn't find fulfillment in any of the men she had, even though she was very happy with Tea Cake, she was still missing something. It is important to understand that Janie had to find herself first in order to be happy. However, the pressure that society put on women, perhaps forced her to marry multiple times. Tea Cake was the one who helped her through all of these and so she becomes secure in herself. When Tea Cake died, she always felt like he was there with her. She was able to be independent and to continue her life focusing on herself. Even though all of these bad things happened, having had three marriages makes this a romantic story because we see how Janie evolves and is set free by love. This novel is a great representation of the life of a black woman whose desires in life motivate her to make the choices that will ultimately define who she is and how society will see her.