Janie Symbolism

As Janie learns more about herself and finds happiness, the setting of the book changes with each husband. She is raised in West Florida, a southern state once influenced by the Confederacy. Therefore, she is exposed to racism at a very young age. The urban setting of Eatonville with Jody symbolizes a world of corruption. Janie’s freedom is stolen by Jody through his abusive way of life. Janie is repressed behind the city walls where she is confined both physically and metaphorically by Jody. Rural areas symbolize periods of innocence and relative happiness in Janie’s life. She finds peace and serenity living among nature, under the pear tree as a child and in the Everglades with Tea Cake. These rural settings show Janie’s poverty and her kindness