The Theme of Gender Identity in Chapter 17 of Zora Neale Hurston's 'Their Eyes Were Watching God'

TLDRIn chapter 17 of 'Their Eyes Were Watching God', the central incident suggests that Tea Cake may be becoming more like Joe Starks, showing the theme of gender identity. Tea Cake's behavior mirrors Joe Starks' abusive behavior towards Janie and reflects his insecurity and vulnerability as a black man. The chapter also explores the theme of race through Tea Cake's disagreement with Mrs. Turner's colorism. Tea Cake resorts to violence to assert his dominance.

Key insights

❗️Tea Cake's abusive behavior towards Janie mirrors Joe Starks' treatment of her.

‍♂️Tea Cake's insecurity and vulnerability as a black man contribute to his violent actions.

‍♀️The incident in this chapter suggests that Tea Cake may be following the same pattern as Janie's marriage to Joe Starks.

⚖️The theme of gender identity is explored through the depiction of men who feel the need to control women.

✊Tea Cake's disagreement with Mrs. Turner's colorism highlights the theme of race.

Q&A

What is the central incident in chapter 17 of 'Their Eyes Were Watching God'?

—The central incident in chapter 17 is Tea Cake's abusive behavior towards Janie, which mirrors Joe Starks' treatment of her.

What does Tea Cake's behavior in this chapter reveal about his character?

—Tea Cake's behavior demonstrates his insecurity and vulnerability as a black man, leading to his violent actions.

How does the theme of gender identity appear in this chapter?

—The theme of gender identity is depicted through the portrayal of men who feel the need to control women.

What is Tea Cake's opinion of Mrs. Turner's colorism?

—Tea Cake disagrees with Mrs. Turner's colorism and is angry with her for sending her brother after Janie.

What does Tea Cake resort to in order to assert his dominance?

—Tea Cake resorts to violence to show the Turner's who is in charge.

Timestamped Summary

00:09New migrant workers arrive, and some men flirt with Janie while the women flirt with Teacake.

00:23Teacake slaps Janie, and his friend Sop-de-Bottom approves of his actions.

00:54Teacake and his fellow laborers go to Mrs. Turner's restaurant, leading to a drunken brawl.

01:04Teacake's attempt to break up the fight makes things worse, causing Mrs. Turner to return to Miami.

01:17Workers apologize to Mrs. Turner, giving her five dollars each.

01:22Teacake's violence mirrors Joe Starks' abusive behavior, highlighting the theme of gender identity.

02:02Teacake disagrees with Mrs. Turner's colorism and resorts to violence to assert his dominance.

02:36The chapter explores the themes of race and gender identity through Tea Cake's actions.

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