InterWar Period:Womens Treatment

Women of the early twentieth century were treated almost subserviently by there male counterparts. The old "barefoot and pregnant in the kitchen" belief was alive and well in the U.S during the interwar period.In Their Eyes were Watching God, written by Zora Neale Hurston, we can see many examples of the mistreatment of women. Even the main charector Janie, who is portrayed as very beautiful and caring (the beautiful image is enhanced by watching the movie, which Oprah butchered) is treated poorly. As a young woman Janie is warned of men and their evil ways by her grandma. When she discovers that Janie is entering adult hood she tells her, "Ah don't want no trashy nigger, no breath-and-britches, lak Johnny Taylor usin' you' body to wipe his foots on." When discussing a suiter for her she say's, "'Tain't no Logan Killicks Ah wants you to have, baby, it's protection." Further evidence in Grannies warninings are multiple and include, "Ah can't die easy thinkin' maybe de menfolks white or black is makin' a spit cup outa you:" These warnings to her granddaughter gives us an idea of how women were treated. Janie's relationships were evidence that proved her mothers warnings about men. Her first marriage was arranged by her grannie. This guy was older and unattractive. Janie couldn't stand being married to him. Janie was just 'better off' to be married to a guy that hand land a decent house. Marriage wasn't about falling in love and enjoying each other, it was about making life better by settling for the best option. Ol' Mr. Starks was Janie's next adventure. He was a chauvinist that believed that she should keep her mouth shut and be a good wife. He would provide and she would obey. At one point Janie would insult his 'manhood' and get beat down for it. At this time a woman had no voice, it was a mans world. Teacake ended up being a decent guy whom she fell in love with. He did smack her around once, not because she did any wrong, but to simply make a statement of his manhood and dominance. Kind uncivilized in today's world but in this period nobody would question it. Women of this period were treated as personal property by their men. They would do what they were told and keep their mouths shut. Men were the King's of their castles and had complete authority. Women were to hold the household and provide sex, not much else.