In what ways is Their Eyes Were Watching God a feminist novel?

Their Eyes Were Watching God is considered a feminist novel because the protagonist, Janie, finds her independence through her lived experiences, and she solidly develops her identity as a black woman. At the beginning of the novel, Janie's grandmother Nanny wants her to marry Logan Killicks, a much older man, so that he can take care of her. Janie does end up marrying him; however, she feels that he works her like a mule on...

Their Eyes Were Watching God is considered a feminist novel because the protagonist, Janie, finds her independence through her lived experiences, and she solidly develops her identity as a black woman. At the beginning of the novel, Janie's grandmother Nanny wants her to marry Logan Killicks, a much older man, so that he can take care of her. Janie does end up marrying him; however, she feels that he works her like a mule on the farm when all she wants is a little freedom to find herself and develop her identity. So when Jody Starks comes along, Janie is more than happy to leave Logan and run away with Jody. But her dreams of a life in which she is more free to express herself are crushed when Jody oppresses her and restricts her actions. Later, Janie does find more happiness with Tea Cake, but it is only after he dies that Janie truly comes into her own self. She returns to her house in town and struts through the streets, seemingly oblivious to the criticism of her neighbors. Janie has learned how to be her own person, and her journey is a fine example of feminist aims and goals.