Symbols
The mule of Eatonville, discussed on page 58, is a symbol of this.
What is: slavery and the Civil War?
The following quote supports this theme.
"Mah own mind had tuh be squeezed and crowded out tuh make room for yours in me" (86)
What is: gender roles create an imbalanced power dynamic that results in the silencing of women?
Nanny growing up as a slave resulted in this view of life.
What is: Nanny valued financial stability over all else. She knows firsthand how horrible life can be when you lack freedom, and understands that wealth is the only way to escape this fate. This viewpoint differs greatly from Janie's and thus causes tension between the characters.
This symbol was used to represent Janie's oppression and subservience under her marriage with Jody.
What is: Janie's hair?
This literary choice supports the theme of the power of telling your own story.
What is telling the story through Janie's narration of her past experiences to her own audience.
A comparison between Jody and Tea Cake will lead to this conclusion.
What is: Jody promised Janie wealth, stability, and prestige, whereas Tea Cake could offer none of these things, as he was poor and a gambler. However, Janie still loved Tea Cake more than Jody because he allowed her to be herself. He encouraged her to follow her passions, even if they did not fit the traditional gender roles of the time. He valued her and her thoughts and made sure to spend time with her. On the other hand, Jody forced Janie into silence and solitude by putting her on a pedestal. He was very busy and would not prioritize her, thus leading to a weakened relationship.
The pear tree that Janie is drawn to in the beginning of the novel represents these three feelings.
What is: romance, love, and belonging?
What matters is finding fulfillment in yourself, not in achieving what others expect of you. This theme is supported through Janie's rejection of these people's expectations.
The answer to the question "does Janie's personality and identity change as the novel progresses and she ages?" is this.
What is: during certain portions of her life, Janie has had to suppress her true personality and identity. Specifically, during her marriage to Jody, she had to make herself small and nonconfrontational in order to preserve the status quo and maintain the illusion of a happy relationship. However, even if it was suppressed, her true personality and identity was never broken and she was able to regain those aspects of herself after Jody's death. Although her identity did not change, her confidence in her identity did change. She became unafraid to be herself, even if that results in criticism/gossip from her peers.