16 years old
It is unspecified exactly how long they were married, but it was at least 20 years.
In the novel Their Eyes Were Watching God, Janie Crawford is married three times: first to Logan Killicks, then to Jody (or Joe) Starks, and finally to Vergible Woods (nicknamed Tea Cake).
Janie married Logan Killicks primarily due to her grandmother's pressure to secure a stable life and to fulfill her desire for social acceptance. Nanny believed that marrying Logan, a well-to-do farmer, would provide Janie with security and a respectable status, despite Janie's lack of romantic feelings for him. This marriage symbolizes Janie's struggle between societal expectations and her search for true love, ultimately leading her to realize that Logan cannot offer her the emotional connection she seeks.
Though Jody provided Janie with financial security and status, he also controlled and stifled her personal growth and desires. In contrast, Logan was neglectful and cold towards Janie. Overall, Janie's relationship with Jody was more complex and oppressive compared to the stagnant and unfulfilling marriage she had with Logan.
Well, in the novel "Their Eyes Were Watching God," Janie's three husbands are Logan Killicks, Joe Starks, and Tea Cake. Each of them played a significant role in Janie's journey of self-discovery and understanding love in different ways. Just like the colors on our palette, each husband added depth and texture to Janie's life story.
In "Their Eyes Were Watching God," Janie ultimately forgives Nanny for forcing her into a loveless marriage with Logan Killicks. Janie's understanding of Nanny's actions is rooted in the context of her grandmother's own struggles and sacrifices, as Nanny sought to ensure Janie's financial security and stability in a world that often marginalized women. This forgiveness reflects Janie's growth and her recognition of the complexities of love and survival across generations.
The pear tree in "Their Eyes Were Watching God" symbolizes Janie's quest for independence and self-fulfillment. It represents her desire for true love and personal growth, as well as her journey towards finding her own voice and identity. The tree also serves as a metaphor for nature's role in guiding Janie towards self-discovery and empowerment.
Logan wants Janie for labor on his farm and treats her as a workhorse, showing a traditional, oppressive side of Janie. Joe Starks, on the other hand, seeks Janie as a trophy wife to elevate his status in the community, revealing her more assertive and independent side. Their motivations are driven by selfish desires for control and societal recognition, respectively.
The first boy Janie kissed in "Their Eyes Were Watching God" is Johnny Taylor. Janie kisses Johnny out of curiosity about what kissing feels like, rather than out of love or genuine connection.
In "Their Eyes Were Watching God," Janie is the one who flirts with Tea Cake. Their relationship develops as they grow closer and fall in love with each other.
Janie's best friend in "Their Eyes Were Watching God" is Pheoby Watson. Pheoby is a supportive neighbor who listens to Janie's story and provides her with companionship and understanding throughout the novel.
Janie Mae Crawford Killicks Starks Woods (yes...that's all one person. She was married 3 times. Crawford is her maiden name, Killicks is from first husband Logan Killicks, Starks is from second husband Joe Starks, and Woods is from third husband Vergible Woods/Tea Cake.)