Oh Where is my Hair Brush!

The symbol I want to talk about today is Janie's hair. Now I imagine everyone is thinking, "What? The only time hair is important is in Rapunzel," but I beg to differ.

In many cultures, hair length is related to power; for example, in the Old Testament the Nazirites would go lengthy periods of time before cutting their hair to show their devotion to God. One Nazirite, named Samson received a special gift of strength as long as he did not cut his hair. Greek Gods such as Zeus, Poseidon, and Apollo, were often sculpted with long hair. In Greece, long hair was considered a symbol of wealth and power. In the Middle Ages, short hair was a sign of peasantry and servitude, while long hair represented the aristocracy, who held a lot of power over not only their servants but also hold a great deal of influence in decisions made for the society.

Even though Janie is placed low on the totem pole by being bi-racial, as well as being a female. The odds are stacked against her from the very beginning. When Janie first appears in town, one of the first things the men notice about her is her hair; "The men noticed her firm buttocks like she had grape fruits in her hip pockets; the great rope of black hair swinging to her waist and unraveling in the wind like a plume;" (pg 2) Since her hair is among the first three things the men first notice, it shows that she has the power to command their attention even though the only words she says are "good evening". She can command their attention whenever she desires.

Jody realizes how much power her hair has and how attractive the men find her hair so he forces her to keep it tied up. "Whut make her keep her head tied up lak some ole 'oman round de store" (pg 49). "Maybe he make her do it. Maybe he skeered some de rest of us mens might touch it round dat store" (pg 50). The previous quotes show that Jody is afraid of the effect Janie's hair has on the people around her. He realizes that she could over power him if she gets the people of Eatonville on her side. To  keep Janie in line, he forces her to keep her hair tied up whenever she is around people, thus killing two birds with one stone. One of the first things men notice earlier in her life is how beautiful her hair is and Jody does his best to keep them from making advances toward her. The second thing is by having Janie hide her hair Jody is taking away her power. Like Samson, Janie receives her special gifts from her hair. When that is gone, so are her gifts.

Janie receives her gift from her hair, and it helps to keep her strong even amongst all of the adversity she faces. It reminds her of who she is, and what she has over come.