Student Question
In Their Eyes Were Watching God, what does Tea Cake say Janie holds the keys to? (Chapters 10-12)
Quick answer:
Tea Cake tells Janie she holds "de keys to de kingdom," a metaphor indicating her access to a heavenly realm, highlighting her uniqueness and worth. This compliment comes at a pivotal moment when Janie has achieved true happiness and self-identity in her relationship with Tea Cake, who respects her autonomy, unlike her previous husbands. Tragically, this acknowledgment precedes Tea Cake's death, marking the end of their relationship.
The answer to this question can be found at the end of Chapter Eleven. This is when Tea Cake says to Janie the following phrase:
Janie, Ah hope to God may kill me, if Ah'm lyin'. Nobody on earth kin hold uh candle tuh you, baby. You got de keys to de kingdom.
Tea Cake is paying Janie a massive compliment here. The metaphor of "de keys to de kingdom" suggests that Janie has access to the celestial kingdom of heaven. It is important to realise that this comes at a point in the story when Janie has reached true happiness and has found her own identity and she is able to express that identity in a loving relationship with Tea Cake, who allows her to be herself and does not try to control her like her other two husbands. It is tragic therefore that this declaration of what a wonderful woman Janie is comes just before the end of their relationship through Tea Cake's death.
Get Ahead with eNotes
Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.
Already a member? Log in here.