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In Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston, what does Janie tell Pheoby about remarrying?

In Chapter 12, Sam Watson warns Pheoby that she had better talk some sense into Janie before Janie is taken advantage of by Tea Cake. Sam thinks that Tea Cake is just after Janie's inheritance, and he doesn't want Tea Cake to get his hands on the hard-earned money Joe Starks left Janie. Eventually, Pheoby agrees to talk to Janie about her relationship with Tea Cake.


In her conversation with Janie, Pheoby warns her friend that she is taking a  big risk in marrying a man who is younger than her and who doesn't seem to have any money of his own. She also argues that Tea Cake is changing Janie's usual habits; he takes her hunting, fishing, and to baseball games, all activities Janie never used to participate in when she was married to Joe Starks. Pheoby desperately points out that Tea Cake is taking Janie away from the high class society circles she used to move in. However, Janie is unperturbed by Pheoby's arguments.


Meanwhile, Pheoby warns Janie that unscrupulous younger men often prey on wealthier, older women. She cites the example of Annie Tyler, who was taken advantage of by a younger man named Who Flung. Pheoby also maintains that everyone in town is gossiping about Janie's disrespect for her dead husband's memory, because she's not wearing mourning colors.


Janie argues that she's no longer mourning for Joe and that Tea Cake likes to see her wearing blue and other bright colors. He's shown her the 'maiden language' all over again, and she's just thrilled with how attractive Tea Cake makes her feel. Janie brushes aside the twelve year difference in age and confides to Pheoby that she aims to sell Joe's store, marry Tea Cake, and move away to start a new life together.


Janie asserts that she has always lived life her grandmother's way and now, she wants to live life on her own terms. She admits that she can't be sure whether Tea Cake is a good risk; however, she wants to take a chance with Tea Cake because she believes that there is real love between them.


Pheoby tries to tell Janie that she would be better off with the suitor from Sanford; after all, he has some money of his own and he will not be dependent on Janie's fortune to sustain him. However, Janie has already made up her mind; she maintains that whatever happens, she is still willing to take a chance on Tea Cake.

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