After Joe Starks (her husband) dies, Janie becomes a changed woman: free & independent. When she was living with Joe, her life was in vain because she was forced to oblige to her husband in a patriarchy of a society. Especially since her husband was the mayor of Eatonville, she was restricted by her husband's power & authority. In this passage, Janie feels like she can let go and be a free & independent woman, confident in her own skin. In a way, she feels satisfied and blessed with the death of her husband because it has granted her a life that she can now make her own.
"She took careful stock of herself, then combed her hair and tied it back up again. Then she starched and ironed her face, forming it into just what people wanted to see, and opened up the window and cried, 'Come heah people! Jody is dead. Mah husband is gone from me.'" (pg 87)
This passage utilizes figurative language several times, especially metaphors emphasizing the positive connotation & tone the author uses to represent Janie's feelings prior to Joe's death. It represents her coming out of her shell with the tension released by the loss of the patriarchy and dominance of feminism. Even though she is no longer the young girl she used to be, she is rejuvenated because she feels she can finally live her life to her full potential- the way it should have been.
"She went over to the dresser and looked hard at her skin and features. The young girl was gone, but a handsome woman had taken her place. She tore off the kerchief from her head and let down her plentiful hair. The weight, the length, the glory was there." (pg 87)
Janie's physical appearance is a motif that comes up frequently in this passage, especially of her facial features and hair.It represents her beauty that develops and is released when she gains her true place in life. Her liberty, independence, & power she finally feels after her husband's death makes her life more meaningful & in it she becomes more confident, strong, & beautiful.
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