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them" (Hurston, 32).

Joe Starks quickly made a place for himself in Etonville. He built a general store and was elected Mayor of the community. They are happy at first and Janie thinks that she has finally become her pear tree. Joe is kind to her and he thinks that she is beautiful. Unfortunately, it soon becomes apparent that that is not enough to found a happy marriage. Joe was such a looming figure in the community and his household that Janie was constantly living in his overblown shadow. Like a blooming pear tree, she needed to have her time in the sun. Soon, Joe begins to act frighteningly similar to Janie's first husband, Logan. Janie becomes aware that she is just an object to Joe. She is a pretty thing for him to own, and by which to make his neighbors jealous. He has no use for her as a person. She is not afforded any kind of identity. He would not allow her to express herself, or take part in any activity of which he did not deem her worthy. She was not allowed to talk to the neighbors on the front porch, or play checkers with the men. She was forced to work in the store and wait on people even though Joe knew that she hated it. She began to feel extremely isolated. "A feeling of coldness and fear took hold of her. She felt far away from things and lonely" (Hurston, 46).

As time continues, Joe becomes more abusive. He would scream at Janie for making a mistake at the store, or for improperly cooking his meals. He would be physically abusive, and extremely controlling. He would not allow her to join in the town's festivities, and he forced her to wear her hair behind a cloth so that other men couldn't see its beauty. He devalued her at every opportunity. He considered her to be of the same intelligence and worth as an animal. "Somebody got to think for women and chillun and chickens and cows. I god, they sho don't think none theirselves" (Hurston, 71).

Joe is physically, emotionally, and psychologically abusive and controlling. He leaves Janie feeling lonely and inadequate. The relationship that had held so much promise for her has turned into slavery. Joe is a cold master that seriously lacks compassion. Janie realized that she held no love for Joe and was simply living life mechanically and detached.

The spirit of the marriage left the bedroom and took to living in the parlor. The bed was longer a daisy-field for her and Joe to play in. She wasn't petal-open anymore with him. She was twenty-four and seven years married when she knew. But looking

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