Jody exudes possibility and freedom because he, unlike
Logan, who is solid and dependable but dull and mule-like, bursts
with ambition and power. Power, particularly the type of power expressed
by Jody, is a crucial theme throughout the book. He talks about
the future, travel, and conquest; to Janie, these ideas seem like ways
to reach the far horizon. For the remainder of his time in the book,
Jody Starks stands as a symbol of masculine aggression and power;
he attempts to purchase, control, and dominate the world around
him. As we later see, Jody’s manner of interacting with the world
fails to translate into secure happiness and fulfillment for Janie.
At this point, though, she is dazzled by the power Jody offers and
believes that it can grant her a better life.
