“[Mrs. Turner] felt honored by Janie’s acquaintance and she quickly forgave and forgot snubs in order to keep it. Anyone who looked more white folkish than herself was better than she was in her criteria, therefore it was right they than should be cruel to her at times, just as she was cruel to those more negroid than herself in direct ratio to their negroness” (144).
In an attempt to distance herself from Mrs. Turner and her racism, Janie exhibits a cold attitude “whenever she come around” (144). However, instead of recognizing Janie’s standoffish attitude as a signal to terminate or lessen their friendship, Mrs. Turner appreciates her cold demeanor. Mrs. Turner accepts Janie’s coldness as Janie’s recognition that there is a social class difference between her and Mrs. Turner based on “her criteria” of “negroness.” Another reason for enduring Janie’s unfriendly demeanor is because Mrs. Turner believes a “transmutation” occurs when she is around Janie that makes her “become whiter.”
Mary-You comment on one of the paradoxical and troubling dynamics that Hurston constructs here--Mrs. Turner's negative self-image based on her own racial prejudices and self-loathing. That said, is it just me, or do your recent posts seem less inspired than previous ones? Your ideas are intelligent, as always--there's just not quite the same depth to them.
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