1. "Janie had robbed him of his illusion of irresistible maleness that all men cherish, which was terrible. The thing that Saul's daughter had done to David." (pg 79). This allusion shows how Joe felt a loss of power when Janie talks back in front of her. Later on, we discover that Joe beats her when she isn't perfect. This quotation here can show how badly Joe took the hit to his manhood, therefore falsely justifying the abuse of Janie. This links into the thematic element of power Hurston demonstrates in the book.
2. ""Been standing there before there was a where or a when or a then." (pg 84) The way Hurston uses parallel structure to portray Death shows also how powerful death is over the people of this time period. How powerless people are against something beyond their control.
3. The mention of Booker T. on page 142 shows Hurston's use of historical setting to show the effect of one man's decisions on an entire race of people. Because he is talked of in a 'submissive' manner, it shows how African Americans of the time felt even more powerless within their lives.
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