Joe isolated Janie from the community and never gave her an opinion on the matter (The Concept of Love and Marriage in Zora Neale Hurston 's Their Eyes Were Watching God). Joe physically abused Janie during their marriage, but as time went on he also verbally abused her (The Concept of Love and Marriage in Zora Neale Hurston's Their Eyes Were Watching God). When Janie spoke out against Joe, it would be the most important first step in Janie's journey towards equality, voice, and freedom (Roberts and Kendall). Janie speaks out against Joe in the store after being ridiculed for her appearance (The Concept of Love and Marriage in Zora Neale Hurston's Their Eyes Were Watching God). When Janie fights Joe by finally using her voice, she destroys his self-image and power (Main Character Analysis). Joe abuses Janie for this vocal outburst in front of community members