How Does Tea Cake Affect Janie's Identity?

Words: 326
Pages: 2

Janie’s relationship with Tea Cake affects Janie’s voice and her individuality in a unique way. Tea Cake functions as the starting point that helps propel Janie toward her goals. Like all of the other men in Janie’s life, he plays only a supporting role. Before his arrival at the town store, Janie has already begun to find her own voice, which is revealed when she finally stands up to Jody. As the end of the novel, after Tea Cake’s death, Janie remains strong and hopeful. Nevertheless, he does play a pivotal role in her development. When she meets Tea Cake, Janie has already started to develop an empowered, proud sense of self through her voice, but Tea Cake quickens this personal growth. Ever since her moment under the pear tree, Janie has