Most recent public comments by Bella Price https://nowcomment.com/users/143949 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368826?scroll_to=3288565 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368826?scroll_to=3288565 The inclusion of "this time" is so telling. Throughout Tea Cake's time as a love interest, he was constantly compared and contrasted with Joe. Following her second husband's death, Janie was constantly dressed up to be the pinnacle of feminine grief: a poor, lamenting mayor's wife. However, with Tea Cake, she is simply Janie: a wife who lost the only man whom she ever felt she received love from. Mon, 15 Apr 2024 20:23:43 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368826?scroll_to=3288555 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368826?scroll_to=3288555 I think the emphasis on nature's unavoidable victory over humanity is so interesting. Before, it was the animals that managed to sense the change in the weather and fled before the carnage ensured; now, it is the animals that gain life because of a man's death. Mon, 15 Apr 2024 22:29:21 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368826?scroll_to=3288553 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368826?scroll_to=3288553 This specifically is very reminiscent of the title. When thinking biblically, by watching the natural world, those still in the 'Muck' are watching God himself. Tue, 16 Apr 2024 08:58:08 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368826?scroll_to=3288552 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368826?scroll_to=3288552 The utilization of buzzards, an animal known as being a scavenger of dead carcasses, is very telling. Also, the birds quite literally flying over their heads is likely foreshadowing the death that will eventually ravage the community, mortality always just hanging over their heads. Wed, 17 Apr 2024 08:16:50 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368826?scroll_to=3288550 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368826?scroll_to=3288550 Mrs. Turner's involvement with the skirmish while Mr. Turner just looks on is very ironic; the chapter begins with multiple men justifying Tea Cake's violence with the notion that it would keep Janie 'in line' and subservient to him, emphasizing the role of the husband as the enforcer and administrator of marital justice. However, Mrs. Turner is the one attempting to quell the violent revolt in her home, while her male counterpart stays on the sidelines and out of it. Wed, 17 Apr 2024 08:05:28 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368826?scroll_to=3288548 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368826?scroll_to=3288548 Wed, 17 Apr 2024 23:52:02 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368826?scroll_to=3288547 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368826?scroll_to=3288547 I KNEW IT I KNEW IT I KNEW IT. TEA CAKE HATE IS JUSTIFIED. Wed, 17 Apr 2024 23:15:44 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368832?scroll_to=3283940 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368832?scroll_to=3283940 Tue, 09 Apr 2024 21:41:00 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368832?scroll_to=3283937 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368832?scroll_to=3283937 This just screams misfortune to me. Things are going too well, and they aren't taking advantage of it and planning for the future. Tue, 09 Apr 2024 22:02:16 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368832?scroll_to=3283933 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368832?scroll_to=3283933 This seems like a very juvenile way of thinking to me? Referring to others as "old hypocrites" seems like something a teenager would say; I'm not sure if it's to illustrate the youthful nature of Tea Cake and Janie's love, or if it's Hurston's way of showing Janie's faults in the relationship as well. Tue, 09 Apr 2024 21:23:56 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368832?scroll_to=3283929 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368832?scroll_to=3283929 Until now, I don't think that Hurston has truly illustrated or flat out SHOWN us any of Tea Cake's faults, but his gambling seems to be the beginning of the end for the couple. Also, his spontaneity plays into this fascination with gambling, as he lives his life based off of luck and chances he gets. Wed, 17 Apr 2024 22:51:32 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368832?scroll_to=3283927 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368832?scroll_to=3283927 I love that Janie is finally seen as someone that is an equal to her partner! Tea Cake taking her opinions and feelings into consideration is such a breath of fresh air. Tue, 09 Apr 2024 21:50:33 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368832?scroll_to=3283918 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368832?scroll_to=3283918 This is so sad to me!! The use of things from the natural world to depict Janie's love for Tea Cake is so heartbreaking since it allows for the emotions to be equated to naturally occurring/physical things. Tue, 09 Apr 2024 23:29:08 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368832?scroll_to=3283914 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368832?scroll_to=3283914 This paragraph makes me think that Janie is also weary of her relationship, but is willing to look past all the unease and focus on her passion for Tea Cake. Perhaps the unease stems from her past failed relationships? Tue, 09 Apr 2024 23:18:51 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368832?scroll_to=3283912 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368832?scroll_to=3283912 I still can't tell if I like Tea Cake or not. This may be an innocent plead for his love, Janie, but I can't help but think this relationship is going too well and too quickly. Thu, 11 Apr 2024 19:02:17 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368824?scroll_to=3276134 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368824?scroll_to=3276134 I think it's very interesting that Hurston chose to represent the words of the townspeople not with quotes, but rather in a very sarcastic siring of consciousness. It could also be seen as Janie poking fun at those who look down upon her, as the phrasing used is very sardonic in nature Wed, 10 Apr 2024 01:12:49 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368824?scroll_to=3276025 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368824?scroll_to=3276025 Earlier in the novel, the pear tree represented Janie coming into her maturity and how she views love. By comparing Tea Cake to something associated with a flowering pear tree, this could possibly hint at Janie's potential feelings towards Tea Cake. Tue, 02 Apr 2024 20:11:49 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368824?scroll_to=3276021 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368824?scroll_to=3276021 Once again, Tea Cake is continuously represented as Joe's foil. While Joe insisted on Janie hiding her hair from the world, Tea Cake literally BROUGHT a comb in order to touch Janie's hair. The differences between the men are stark and seem too good to be true or last very long. Tue, 02 Apr 2024 07:05:30 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368824?scroll_to=3276020 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368824?scroll_to=3276020 While Joe was very calculated and cold, Tea Cake seems spontaneous and fun when around Janie; however, Joe also seemed this way when he and Janie first met, so Tea Cake's true intentions/character cannot be determined at this point. Hopefully he and Joe have few similarities for Janie's sake. Mon, 01 Apr 2024 17:26:40 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368824?scroll_to=3276015 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368824?scroll_to=3276015 It seems that both Tea Cake and Janie are invested in this relationship so far; their conversations seem to be lighthearted, and Tea Cake obviously values Janie to some extent. She is slowly becoming her own person, and Tea Cake is aiding Janie in that. Mon, 01 Apr 2024 17:21:32 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368824?scroll_to=3276007 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368824?scroll_to=3276007 Usually, any paragraph that is not spoken word has very proper sentence structure and punctuation; however, this fragment stands alone. It's like Janie's personal thoughts/vernacular melded with Hurston's writing techniques. Mon, 01 Apr 2024 17:12:41 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368824?scroll_to=3276000 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368824?scroll_to=3276000 This reminds me of the first sentence of the book and how it mentions that 'men's dreams' could be found on offshore ships. A reach? Probably. Mon, 01 Apr 2024 20:25:09 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368824?scroll_to=3275998 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368824?scroll_to=3275998 Joe, despite his power-hungry nature and political affluence, was a highly insecure individual who simply couldn't not fathom allowing Janie any personal liberties. Due to this insecurity, Joe constantly put Janie down in regards to her outward appearance: one of his most damaging demands being that Janie was to always have her hair up. The freedom that came with his death allowed Janie to finally free her hair, illustrating that she could finally be able to loosen up and become her own individual. Mon, 01 Apr 2024 16:59:22 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368824?scroll_to=3275994 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368824?scroll_to=3275994 Joe's funeral is depicted as a very grand occasion, the couple's wealth and status clearly emphasized throughout the description. The fact that many of the wealthier individuals of the community attended the funeral in their best clothes and brought along valuables further emphasizes not only Joe's impact on the community, but also how important his affluence was to his reputation. Tue, 02 Apr 2024 06:23:06 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368827?scroll_to=3271958 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368827?scroll_to=3271958 Janie continues to support Joe's power-hungry nature and even applaud it; she may also be to blame for Joe's overuse of his mayoral power. Sun, 24 Mar 2024 23:25:36 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368827?scroll_to=3271954 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368827?scroll_to=3271954 The further the story goes, it seems that the less autonomy Janie has. Perhaps Joe's power-hungry nature has become too strong. Sun, 24 Mar 2024 22:29:30 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368827?scroll_to=3271952 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368827?scroll_to=3271952 It seems that Joe is more concerned with public optics than allowing Janie to have relationships with those in the town- despite the fact that allowing her to be friendly with the less fortunate people of the community would aid how they appear to others overall. Sun, 24 Mar 2024 22:27:13 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368827?scroll_to=3271950 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368827?scroll_to=3271950 This description of the Joe/Townspeople relationship is very contradictory; it explains that they do not exactly enjoy Joe's politics, but are willing to stick it out, along with other contradictions. Sun, 24 Mar 2024 23:18:40 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368827?scroll_to=3271949 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368827?scroll_to=3271949 I think by giving us an opinion of a townsperson is very compelling and allows for us to experience Joe's mayorship from someone who is caught under his thumb. Sun, 24 Mar 2024 23:11:41 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368827?scroll_to=3271945 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368827?scroll_to=3271945 I think Janie is starting to regret her relationship with Joe a bit. The limelight that comes with being a politician's wife is not her idea of a good life, sadly. Sun, 24 Mar 2024 22:18:07 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368827?scroll_to=3271944 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368827?scroll_to=3271944 Sun, 24 Mar 2024 23:02:52 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368827?scroll_to=3271943 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368827?scroll_to=3271943 It seems as if Joe is both revered and looked down upon. Yes, his ideas are outlandish, but it appears he may be able to carry out them regardless. Thu, 11 Apr 2024 20:47:07 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368827?scroll_to=3271941 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368827?scroll_to=3271941 Although this phrase is most likely hyperbolic, the entitlement that comes with this phrase makes me somewhat unsure of Joe's personality overall? Sun, 24 Mar 2024 22:55:04 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368827?scroll_to=3271940 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368827?scroll_to=3271940 Their relationship is painted as a loving one, from both Joe's actions and their overall documented time together. Sun, 24 Mar 2024 22:53:21 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368823?scroll_to=3268843 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368823?scroll_to=3268843 I think Logan's cruelty is starting to truly show, like now Nanny said it would/ Sun, 17 Mar 2024 22:55:32 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368823?scroll_to=3268839 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368823?scroll_to=3268839 Already, this new mystery-man is depicted as someone who does not fit in this town. His description makes him seem worldly and well-travelled. Mon, 18 Mar 2024 00:30:05 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368823?scroll_to=3268838 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368823?scroll_to=3268838 Nanny stated that Logan's kindness would only last so long. As readers, we obviously want her to be incorrect, but Hurston seems to stick to lifelike fates, not adding any frills or flourishes to the lives of her characters (thus far). Sun, 17 Mar 2024 22:49:55 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368823?scroll_to=3268822 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368823?scroll_to=3268822 This is heartbreaking to me; Janie could only truly mature through the demise of her hopes and dreams, which seems to be a common occurrence in not only this work, but the lives of women in general. Mon, 18 Mar 2024 00:27:23 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368823?scroll_to=3268819 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368823?scroll_to=3268819 Beginning this selection with such a profound and deep thought is so interesting to me; "cosmic loneliness" is SUCH a great line!!! Sun, 17 Mar 2024 22:42:42 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368823?scroll_to=3268818 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368823?scroll_to=3268818 This paragraph is so heartbreaking to me. Nanny wishing her daughter was dead so that she could finally have peace shows how truly deep her love is for her. Mon, 18 Mar 2024 00:10:21 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368823?scroll_to=3268817 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368823?scroll_to=3268817 Nanny telling Janie that slavery shouldn't limit her dreaming reminds me of Hurston's own beliefs regarding the topic. Sun, 17 Mar 2024 22:38:29 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368823?scroll_to=3268798 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368823?scroll_to=3268798 This specific sentence truly highlights Janie's innocence; pleading is a very childlike action, and it adds to the sadness surrounding the prospect of Janie's marriage at such a young age. Sun, 17 Mar 2024 22:32:43 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368823?scroll_to=3268796 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368823?scroll_to=3268796 The harshness and violence at the beginning of the paragraph contrasted with the softness and motherly love at the end is saddening highlights the necessity for survival, but the guilt that comes with enforcing it. Sun, 17 Mar 2024 22:30:10 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368823?scroll_to=3268792 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368823?scroll_to=3268792 I think most (if not all) women have had the epiphany that they would eventually have to become an adult and carry on their lives after childhood is ended. It's somewhat comforting to see that a woman in 1937 also felt this way. Sun, 17 Mar 2024 22:26:15 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368823?scroll_to=3268791 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368823?scroll_to=3268791 This struck me. It is so simply stated, but so, so powerful. Sun, 17 Mar 2024 23:58:57 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368823?scroll_to=3268790 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368823?scroll_to=3268790 The back and forth from a casual dialect/vernacular to Hurston's personal writing style is so interesting to me. Sun, 17 Mar 2024 22:21:58 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368823?scroll_to=3268789 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368823?scroll_to=3268789 I think this sets up the societal focus on judgment and the gossip that is so commonly found in small and close-knit towns. Sun, 17 Mar 2024 22:19:54 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368823?scroll_to=3268788 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368823?scroll_to=3268788 Again, Hurston's choice of wording and the visualization that comes with it is amazing! Sun, 17 Mar 2024 22:17:55 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368823?scroll_to=3268786 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368823?scroll_to=3268786 The visceral and sexual view of the men compared to the superficial/clothing-related views of the women speaks volumes!! It highlights the differences in what is deemed to be 'important' or worth judging by those in this town. Mon, 18 Mar 2024 15:23:49 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368823?scroll_to=3268777 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368823?scroll_to=3268777 I think that by utilizing extensive metaphors, Hurston is able to emphasize the importance of the porches to the people of this town. The constant allusions and lack of direct/blunt diction highlight the changes that occur in town at sundown. Sun, 17 Mar 2024 22:06:41 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368823?scroll_to=3268772 https://nowcomment.com/documents/368823?scroll_to=3268772 This first paragraph seems to be juxtaposed with the rest of the piece; this first selection seems almost mythical and surreal, while the following paragraphs utilize casual vernacular and blunt descriptions. Tue, 25 Feb 2025 11:01:27 -0500