Ch. 6-7
In these chapters, we see a little compassion on Jody’s part. He buys the mule from Matt (1) to free the animal from cruelty and (2) to make Janie happy. I think this shows that he really does care about her, even though he may not admit it. He’s not truly a bad character, he’s just extremely controlling, and it’s sad that the only way he can express his love for Janie is by buying things.
But even so, we see their relationship being strained. He still insists that Janie keep her hair tied up, which represents him trying to control her. In a sense, Janie’s hair might be a symbol for her independence and her own power, which she doesn’t have with Jody. Comparing her relationship with Jody, to her relationship with Logan, it’s obvious that they’re very different. With Logan, she was able to defy him, but with Jody, we see her surprising her feelings and emotions. She hides her irritation and goes along with him.
As the years go by, though, Janie’s marriage becomes empty and she feels lost. At the end of chapter 7, we find ourselves rooting for Janie when she finally sticks up for herself. After years or taking the emotional (and sometimes physical) abuse, Janie unleashes her pent-up feelings. She attacks Jody and his aging appearance and essentially strips him of his status in front of all the other men.. “Janie had robbed him of his illusion of irresistible maleness that all men cherish, which was terrible…” (79).
