Hair

Women throughout literature has always been discussed. From Greek mythology having one of the goddess having this enchanting hair to Japanese literature telling stories of the enchanting worlds of geisha, women's beauty have always be portrayed in some manor or the other. When it comes to this book, Janie's hair is a symbol of her power and unconventional identity. It is a symbol of her independence and defiance of the social standards during that time. Women would have to have their hair pulled back and out of their faces, but Janie's refusal to submit to these norms conveys the fight within her and her spirit. Another aspect to is how Janie's hair is straight and soft which defines the standards. She already has Caucasian features and her hair is another example of her breaking the traditional power relationships of white verse black or male over female.