So far I really like this book, at first it was hard to get used to the Southern dialect that is used throughout it. But like Dr. J mentioned, this is an accurate way of staying true to the regional traits during this time period in the South. I can relate to other reader's frustrations about Janie's character and the ease which she puts up with Tea Cake. It is frustrating when you analyze the situation and the underlining mistreatment he puts her through.
However, after her first two failed marriages, I can see why his personality would attract her. He's young, spontaneous and exciting compared to her previous husbands. Whether these exciting traits are healthy or not, I think he represents a certain passion that wasn't present in her previous relationships. It is always easier for an outside opinion to think to ourselves, "Why does she put up with that?" But when you think of the many people that are involved in unhealthy relationships, it's always easier for an outsider than it is for them. If she/he has strong emotional ties to this person, whether it could be classified as love or not, it makes it more challenging to leave the situation. It is common for psychologists and "romance" experts to classify situations such as these as an addiction. In Janie's case, I definitely think this definition would apply to her. When Tea Cake is gone, she is unable to function and "fiending" for his presence. When he comes back, all that built up anger explodes but after the fact, she is just satisfied with his return, regardless of her anger.
Experts also have a term for this back and forth emotional rollercoaster, it is called the cycle of abuse. Basically, the first cycle is the tension building stage, where all the hurt and resentment is boiling under the skin. The second part is the 'acting out phase' where all these tensions or abusive treatment explodes. The third part is the 'honeymoon phase' where there is a reconciliation after the outburst and the abuser makes apologies to the victim. There is a very clear example of this in the book, when Tea Cake comes back. After they are done fighting, they engage in a passionate sexual act after all his apologies. The fourth part is the 'calm phase' which is still a part of the 'honeymoon phase', but basically, the relationship has a calm resolution for a period of time, before it starts all over again. While Tea Cake might not be necessarily as abusive as Jody was, I still think some of these patterns are in evident in their relationship with each other.
Janie was upset when Tea Cake left her because she really fell hard for him, and she thought he left for good. I would think anybody would be upset after that, so her reaction to him when he returned was justified. Then after he took four days to return after that Janie was just plain worried about Tea Cake. It happens in almost every relationship in some way or another, otherwise the person just wouldn't care at all about their relationship.
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