Ch. 13, Group E
The key event that we can see in chapter 13 is the fact that Janie is getting married again. She was not able to be herself in her first two marriages and hopefully the third time is the charm. By this time, it is very evident that Janie would like to be treated as an equal in her relationships. This is why she makes such a big deal out of the fact that Tea Cake doesn’t invite her to the party he has with the $200. She states that from now on she wants to enjoy everything that Tea Cake does. What differs in this marriage is the fact that Tea Cake genuinely cares for Janie. He feels terrible about what happened and manages to reimburse Janie. He manages to earn the money back gambling despite being injured. Tea Cake has clearly demonstrated that he will do anything it takes to keep Janie happy. In pas marriages, Janie’s husbands would not have gone out of their way like Tea Cake does. For this act of respect, Janie begins to build up trust in Tea Cake. To further what he has already done, Tea Cake promises that he will provide for Janie by getting a job when they move to the everglades. In the past, Janie was the one forced to work, however this marriage can be seen as a reward for all her hard work and determination.
Â
As is some of my prior blogs, I’d like to touch on the idea of the American Dream. Even though it had appeared as if Janie had achieved the American Dream twice before, it was all too good to be true. I feel as if the reader has sufficient evidence to feel that this time will be different. Never before has Janie been treated with such care. Janie had always been the caring one, but for once the feeling is mutual.
