Journal #7

Foil
“Somebody wanted her to play. Somebody thought it natural for her to play. That was even nice” (96).
This quote shows that Tea Cake and Joe are opposite characters. Joe had never let her play checkers or give speeches. He wouldn't let her do anything that the common people would do. Tea Cake on the other hand wanted her to play. It wasn't a bad thing. This feeling made Janie feel almost equal something she has wanted for a very long time.
Contrast
"You reckon so? Jody useter tell me Ah never would learn. It wuz too heavy fuh mah brains." (96).
This quote shows how Joe and Tea Cake differ as characters. Joe had always talked down about Janie saying she was never good enough or smart enough. Tea Cake on the other hand lets her try new things and experience things she was never allowed to with Joe. This makes the reader feel more connected with Tea Cake and like him more as a character.
Symbol
“Folkses, de sun is goin’ down. De Sun-maker brings it up in de mornin’, and de Sun-Maker sends it tuh bed at night. Us Poor weak humans can’t do nothin’ tuh hurry it up nor to slow it down. All we can do, if we want any light after settin’ or befo’ de risin’, is tuh make some light ourselves.” (45).
This quote uses the symbol of the sun to be God. God has the power to make night and day. Humans lack that power so the only way for them to get power is to make it themselves. This is shown with the use of the lamp. This quote shows humans need to constantly obtain more power even power that might not be ours for the taking.