It was a hard thing to think about, the use of living creatures and plants to describe many things. The way a pear tree can stand for much more than it already is. That is can stand for a persons life. the way grows and creates sprouts of life. Janie is described as a tree, "She had glossy leaves and bursting buds and she wanted to struggle with life but it seemed to elude her. Where were the singing bees for her?"(11) I see Janie as a young youthful tree in process of maturing. When she is looking for what is missing in life, trying to struggle to figure things out i could see nothing but a girl who was being forced to marry someone. It looks to me as though she wants to figure things out, could marriage be the answers to her problem? Could marriage be "the singing bees for her?"(11). To me the bees looked as a companion for problems and loneliness. The leaves were a symbol for moments in her life and her dreams.
What exactly did the bees mean? What was the use of the pear tree? What did the bees have to do with her life?
Joe Starks was a "cityfied, Stylish dressed man" as described on page 27. The type of man who looks sophisticated and smart. Just by the description of him i could see that he was going to be a big impact in the future for Janie. Joe Starks wants the riches in life to own things, to rule. "De man dat built things oughta boss it"(28) This applies to Joe wanting to "be a big voice" (28) he wants to take hold of what hes got and get more. Another thing he wants is Janie. Joe Starks is of higher class and by that he will want Janie to be at the same level and never ascend downward from that level. I get the feeling that he wants Janie because of her looks that maybe through that he could be of higher class and taken more seriously in situations in the new town they are heading too. All he wants it power and success, and Janie could be part of his plan.
What is the real importance of Janie to Joe? Why does he want to marry her so quickly? Does he love her or is he taking advantage of her?
Pheoby is Janies best friend, "Pheoby, We been kissin'-friends for twenty years"(7) She is one of the characters who supports the main character. She is what helps start the re-telling of what happened to Janie. I see her as useful in that way and she helps us understand the views of the people on the porches in the city where Janie use to live. "You know if you pass some people and don't speak tuh suit 'em dey got tuh go way back in yo' life and see whut you ever done...An envious heart makes a treacherous ear"(5) I think that Hurtson uses this phrase to explain how when people get jealous of you, or really don't like you, they only want to hear the bad things, the gossip and so forth. Janies friend Pheoby helps make this more clear.
Why is gossip so important to the people? Why do they care so much? "what does it involve them?
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