Their Eyes Were Watching God
Why does Tea Cake hit Janie, and how does Tea Cake drive Mrs. Turner away?
ch. 17
ch. 17
Tea Cake whips Janie to show Mrs. Turner's brother that he has full control over Janie. "Being able to whip her reassured him in posession. No brutal beating at all. He just slapped her around a bit to show he was boss. Everybody talked about it next day in the fields. It aroused a sort of envy in both men and women."
Source(s): http://www.gradesaver.com/their-eyes-were-watching-god/study-guide/section5/