Jody Starks, a central character in Zora Neale Hurston’s novel Their Eyes Were Watching God, dies as a result of a combination of his failing health and the emotional distance between him and his wife, Janie. Throughout their marriage, Jody exerts considerable control over Janie, stifling her independence and silencing her voice. This oppressive dynamic leads to a growing resentment from Janie.
As Jody’s authority starts to wane with his health declining due to various ailments, he becomes increasingly bitter and isolated. His death ultimately symbolizes the collapse of his oppressive persona and serves as a turning point for Janie. She is finally freed from his controlling grasp, allowing her to explore her identity and desires more freely.
In the moments leading to his death, Jody experiences a profound sense of loss, not just of life but of the power he once held over Janie and the community. Janie’s ability to express herself and reclaim her voice begins to emerge, casting Jody’s death in a complex light — while it marks the end of his reign, it also signifies the beginning of Janie’s journey towards self-discovery.