Men: You Can't Live with 'Em, You Can't Live Without 'Em

An interesting aspect in Their Eyes Were Watching God is the way men are portrayed throughout the story. The different husbands (and some others) in Janie's life are cast in such a way as to compare with one another. 

There is Logan Killicks, who is unlovable, stiff and unable to satisfy his wife. He seems to live out of duty, not love, and this can never sustain a relationship. Then there's Joe Starks, who is first portrayed as exciting, respectable and loving. Then, as his true colors show through, he is shown as an insensitive power-monger who treats Janie as less than and enslaves her to his store. Finally, there is Tea Cake, who tops them all. Despite his poverty, he adores Janie, invites her into an adventurous lifestyle and is willing to sacrifice anything for her sake. Janie finally finds true love and a real man in the end. One other man worth noting is Mr. Turner, who is portrayed as weak and powerless to stand up to his wife and also to defend her. The scene where he sits down in the middle of the fight, while his wife gets trampled on, is contrasted with Tea Cake's valor as he defends Janie against the mad dog in the hurricane.