Chapter 15 Summary

When a chunky young woman called Nunkie starts chasing after Tea Cake, Janie gets jealous, wondering if he will stop wanting her someday. Then she catches the two struggling in a cane field. Tea Cake tells her Nunkie took his working tickets, but Janie does not believe him. He follows her home, where he fends off her furious blows. Finally, Janie is convinced he has not been cheating. Tea Cake tells her, "You'se something tuh make uh man forgit tuh git old and forgit to die."

Chapter 15 Analysis

The brief conflict with Nunkie serves to reinforce the strength of Janie and Tea Cake's love. Janie again suffers doubts about her age and appeal, but Tea Cake reassures her, letting her hit him without fighting back. Jealousy will reemerge later in the novel, but this chapter offers the hope that love is stronger.