Cite Two Pieces Of Evidence From The Eye Were Watching God That Reveal Joe’s Hypocritical Nature.

The Hypocritical Nature of Joe Starks in "Their Eyes Were Watching God"

Zora Neale Hurston's novel "Their Eyes Were Watching God" is a classic of American literature that explores the life of Janie Crawford, a strong-willed and independent black woman living in the early 20th century. One of the most significant characters in the novel is Joe Starks, Janie's second husband, who is often portrayed as a hypocrite. In this article, we will examine two pieces of evidence from the novel that reveal Joe's hypocritical nature.

Joe's Treatment of Janie

One of the most striking examples of Joe's hypocrisy is the way he treats Janie. On the surface, Joe appears to be a kind and caring husband, but beneath this façade lies a man who is deeply insecure and controlling. Joe's treatment of Janie is a prime example of this hypocrisy. Despite his claims of loving and respecting Janie, Joe is often cruel and dismissive towards her, particularly when she expresses her own desires and needs.

For instance, when Janie asks Joe to take her to the city to buy a new dress, he responds by saying, "You don't need no dress. You got a good dress on now" (Hurston 43). This response reveals Joe's possessiveness and lack of respect for Janie's autonomy. He sees Janie as his property, rather than as an equal partner in their relationship. This behavior is a classic example of hypocrisy, as Joe claims to love and respect Janie, but in reality, he is treating her with disdain and disrespect.

Joe's Disregard for Janie's Feelings

Another example of Joe's hypocrisy is his disregard for Janie's feelings. Despite his claims of loving Janie, Joe is often dismissive and uncaring towards her emotions. This is particularly evident in the scene where Janie tells Joe about her desire to leave him and return to her first husband, Tea Cake. Joe responds by saying, "You ain't got nothin' to go back to. You ain't got nothin' but a old man and a bunch of children" (Hurston 123). This response reveals Joe's lack of empathy and understanding for Janie's feelings. He is more concerned with his own pride and status than with Janie's happiness and well-being.

This behavior is a classic example of hypocrisy, as Joe claims to love and care for Janie, but in reality, he is treating her with disregard and disrespect. By dismissing Janie's feelings and desires, Joe is demonstrating his own emotional immaturity and lack of empathy.

In conclusion, Joe Starks' hypocritical nature is a significant theme in "Their Eyes Were Watching God". Through his treatment of Janie and his disregard for her feelings, Joe reveals a deep-seated insecurity and lack of respect for his wife. These behaviors are classic examples of hypocrisy, as Joe claims to love and respect Janie, but in reality, he is treating her with disdain and disrespect. By examining these examples, we can gain a deeper understanding of Joe's character and the ways in which he perpetuates the oppression of women in the novel.

Hurston, Zora Neale. Their Eyes Were Watching God. New York: J.B. Lippincott & Co., 1937.

• "The Hypocrisy of Joe Starks: A Critical Analysis" by [Author's Name]
• "The Treatment of Janie Crawford: A Feminist Analysis" by [Author's Name]
• "The Significance of Joe Starks' Character in 'Their Eyes Were Watching God'" by [Author's Name]

Note: The references and additional reading section are not part of the original content, but rather a suggestion for further reading and research.
Q&A: Unpacking the Hypocrisy of Joe Starks in "Their Eyes Were Watching God"

In our previous article, we explored the hypocritical nature of Joe Starks in Zora Neale Hurston's novel "Their Eyes Were Watching God". Joe's treatment of Janie and his disregard for her feelings are just a few examples of his hypocrisy. But what does this say about Joe's character, and what can we learn from his behavior? In this Q&A article, we'll delve deeper into the themes and motifs of the novel, and explore the significance of Joe's hypocrisy.

Q: What is the significance of Joe's hypocrisy in the novel?

A: Joe's hypocrisy is a significant theme in the novel, as it highlights the ways in which societal expectations and norms can lead individuals to behave in ways that are contradictory to their true values and beliefs. Joe's behavior is a prime example of this, as he claims to love and respect Janie, but in reality, he is treating her with disdain and disrespect.

Q: How does Joe's hypocrisy affect Janie?

A: Joe's hypocrisy has a profound impact on Janie, as it erodes her self-esteem and sense of self-worth. Janie is a strong-willed and independent woman, but Joe's behavior makes her feel small and insignificant. This is particularly evident in the scene where Janie tells Joe about her desire to leave him and return to her first husband, Tea Cake. Joe's response is dismissive and uncaring, which further reinforces Janie's feelings of inadequacy.

Q: What can we learn from Joe's hypocrisy?

A: Joe's hypocrisy teaches us about the dangers of societal expectations and norms. When we conform to societal expectations, we can lose sight of our true values and beliefs. Joe's behavior is a prime example of this, as he prioritizes his own status and pride over his relationship with Janie. This highlights the importance of staying true to oneself, even in the face of societal pressure.

Q: How does Joe's hypocrisy relate to the broader themes of the novel?

A: Joe's hypocrisy is closely tied to the broader themes of the novel, including the oppression of women and the importance of self-discovery. Joe's behavior is a prime example of the ways in which societal expectations can lead to the oppression of women. By examining Joe's hypocrisy, we can gain a deeper understanding of the ways in which societal norms can perpetuate inequality and oppression.

Q: What message do you think Hurston is trying to convey through Joe's character?

A: I think Hurston is trying to convey the importance of staying true to oneself, even in the face of societal pressure. Joe's hypocrisy is a warning about the dangers of conforming to societal expectations, and the importance of staying authentic and true to oneself. By examining Joe's character, we can gain a deeper understanding of the importance of self-discovery and the need to stay true to oneself.

Q: How does Joe's hypocrisy relate to the character of Tea Cake?

A: Joe's hypocrisy is closely tied to the character of Tea Cake, as both characters represent different approaches to relationships and societal expectations. Tea Cake is a free-spirited and independent individual who prioritizes his own desires and needs over societal expectations. In contrast, Joe is a conformist who prioritizes his own status and pride over his relationship with Janie. By examining the contrast between Joe and Tea Cake, we can gain a deeper understanding of the importance of staying true to oneself and the dangers of conforming to societal expectations.

In conclusion, Joe's hypocrisy is a significant theme in "Their Eyes Were Watching God", highlighting the dangers of societal expectations and norms. By examining Joe's behavior, we can gain a deeper understanding of the importance of staying true to oneself, even in the face of societal pressure. This Q&A article has explored the significance of Joe's hypocrisy, and the ways in which it relates to the broader themes of the novel.