arturo22’s Blog

In these few chapters Janie once again marries another man, but this time it isn’t for money or any material position. This time Tea Cake represents something she hasn’t had in many years Tea Cake represents change but most of all freedom. And it is this freedom that makes Janie fall in love with Tea Cake. The quote on page 106 basically sums up the relationship.

Ah’m born but Ah ain’t dead. No tellin’ whut Ah’m liable tuh do yet. 

And this quote shows us that Janie is still full of adventure and surprises despite her age. But these surprises and adventures are done with encouragement from Tea Cake. 

And Tea Cake therefore not only expresses freedom but also change because she is sick and tired of her and she needs something to spice up her life and that something is Tea Cake. In this sense of change both Ishmael and Janie are similar Janie needed change so she married Tea Cake, and Ishmael needed change and he went on a whaling voyage. They are different means of getting that change but nonetheless that dramatic change is accomplished one way or the other.