This juxtaposition of his patronizing both Janie and the town illuminates an important theme for the chapter: what responsibility does he owe these people from whom he has gained his power? After he exiles Henry Pitts from the town, the people debate on whether this was the right thing to do. "It's a sin and uh shame runnin' dat po' man way from here lak dat," one man argues. "Colored folks oughtn't be so hard on one 'nother."
Another person argues, "Let colored folks work for what dey git lak everybody else."
Joe Starks says that "Dis town needs some light right now." In his showy lamp lighting ceremony, he argues that "All we can do, if we want any light after de settin' or befo' de risin', is tuh make some light ourselves."
What responsibility does Joe have to share his light (a metaphor for his power and possessions) with the other members of the town and with Janie? Should everyone be left to make their own light? Does Joe actually want them to make their own light, or is he going to keep covering it up with a showcase?
Joe has a responsibility to share some of his light with the other members of the town becuase, since he has a lot of wealth and power already, he needs to teach others how to acchieve similar types of success as well instead of leaving them on their own. Everyone should not be left to make their own light because oftentimes a person needs some guidence like a "spark" to get things going and for their light to shine. Joe does not want them to make their own lights because he has a superiority complex that he is stubbornly holding on to. He has the need to have the best and he would not want to share becuase then he might not have the best of something, and he couldn't take that. He will keep it covered up in a showcase because it is his, and he is very protective of his things.
ReplyDeleteJoe has a responsibility to share his wealth and power with the town by giving back to the town and to not become so power-hungary. Once Joe acquires a lot of power, he abuses it and bosses people around because things are not the way he wants them to be. Joe could help out the people of Eatonville by showing them how to be successful like him and providing opportunities for them to do so. For example, he should have let Janie make a speech and voice her opinion, but he thinks she is going to mess up, so he says no. I don't think everyone should be left to make their own light since everyone is different, it will only create unnecessary problems. People need some type of leadership and guidance, which Joe clearly has, but he abuses his ability and makes some bad decisions. I think that Joe seems like he wants the people to make their own light, but once they start to, he will interfere because it is not the way he wants it.
ReplyDeleteI don't think Joe needs to physically hand over his property or his power, but he could share some of his light. For example, he could share some of his light by showing his appreciation to the people who have helped him get where he is now, especially Janie. I think it is okay to accept some of other people's light, but everyone must produce their own main light, metaphorically speaking. Joe will cover it up with a showcase because he feels like it demonstrates his power to the people of Eatonville.
ReplyDeleteJoe has a responsibility to share his power and wealth with other members of the town. He needs to shed some of his light on the town and Janie. For example, he could of allowed Janie to make a speech when the town prompted her to do so. However, he told her she is not meant for speech making. I think everyone should be able to make their own light. Joe doesn't want them to make their own light, instead he will cover it up with a showcase because he is protective of his power and his possessions.
ReplyDeleteJoe should share his 'light' with other members of the town. He doesnt necessarily need to give away his power, but he should share it with members of the town. Instead of keeping all of the light, he could give small responsibilities to members of the town. He needs to give respect to others. I think Janie is the first person that Joe needs to share the light with. He doesnt respect her. She deserves a lot better then him. Yes, everyone should be able to produce their on light. But that doesnt mean Joe shouldnt give some light to others. I think he does not want anyone to have light. He wants to cover other peoples light with a showcase so that he can be the most dominant person.
ReplyDeleteI think that Joe believes that he has a responsibility to spread the light. He really isn't responsible for it but does it anyways. He's wealthy and should spread his wealth to others but I don't think because he has money it's his job to fund the town, he just wants too. Yes, everyone should be left to make their own light. Joe doesn't actually want to let other people make their own light because of the chance they would outshine him.
ReplyDeleteJoe kind of comes into the town and just decides to take over and change everything without every body else's consent. However, this gains him a lot of power in the community and he quickly becomes very wealthy. I think he has a responsibility to share this with the community because that's exactly what they are: a community. I'm not at all saying there should be a wealth redistribution, but he should at least use his money and power to benefit the whole town. Janie, however, is someone he should share everything with. Marriage is a partnership. It is his responsibility to take care of her and make sure she has everything that she needs.
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