Janie Progresses, One Marriage at a Time
Over the course of Their Eyes Were Watching God , Janie got married to three notable men: Logan Killocks, Joe Starks (Jody), and Vergible Woods (Teacake). Each of these men represents different values (and flaws) in a partner. Janie's character development occurs as she learns more about what she wants in life from each of her marriages. To start, Janie gets married to Logan when she is still a teenager because it is arranged by Nanny. Nanny believed that this was the best way for Janie to stay safe physically and financially, as Logan was a land-owning man (with a farm). Nanny believes that any additional desirable qualities beyond “can keep you alive” were not nearly as important in a mate, if at all (this is potentially due to Nanny's being raised in slavery and wanting her grandchild to be safe even when Nanny can no longer protect her). Janie saw Logan as repulsive, because he was unattractive, smelly, tried to get her to do farm labor, and threatened to hu