Journal #8

In Chapter 18, i believe Hurston uses the setting to develop the theme of the up and downs of human relationships and how getting through tough times makes you stronger. In Chapter 18, a huge hurricane comes and everyone but the "saws" head east. "Others hurried east like the Indians and rabbits and snakes and coons. But the majority sat around laughing and waiting for the sun to get friendly again" (Hurston, 156). Once the river starts coming near the house, Janie and Tea Cake fled off to a safer place. They go through wind and water and while all this was going on, Janie and Tea Cake got a couple things about their relationship clearer. "Well then, Janie, you meant what you didn't say, 'cause Ah never knowed you wuz so satisfied wid me lak dat" (Hurston, 160). Right before this, Janie expresses how much her husband means to her and it really opens Tea Cakes eyes to see that Janie doesn't care if she dies because she is with her beloved husband. I believe the setting of the hurricane is used to symbolize the relationship of Tea Cake and Janie and how even though all couples go through tough times, if you stick together during those tough times you will become stronger as a couple and closer. "The wheel kept turning round and round. Hope, hopelessness, and despair. But the storm blew itself out as they approached the city of refuge" (Hurston, 166).  Janie and Tea Cake have gone through so many terrific events along with this hurricane, but the stuck together and eventually they came through it. Near the end of the chapter, Janie has a hard time swimming and Tea Cake rescues her out of the water. Janie tells Tea Cake, "But you come 'long and make somethin' outa me. So Ah'm thankful fuh anything we come through together" (Hurston, 167). After their long, tiresome journey they realize how valuable their relationship and friendship is. They let each other know how happy they are their together ad it seems they are at a high in their relationship.