Lecture Notes: Janie's Experience in the Town and Store

Introduction

• Janie starts her days in a town where the sun exposes new opportunities daily.
• Every day, except Sundays, involves work at the store.
• The store is generally pleasant except for the necessity to sell goods.

Social Interactions on the Porch

• People congregate on the porch to share imaginative "thought pictures."
• These stories are often humorous, exaggerated depictions of life.

The Case of Matt Bonner's Yellow Mule

• The mule is a frequent subject of conversation, especially when Matt Bonner is around.
• Sam, Elijah, and Walter lead the humorous discussions about the mule.
• They tease Matt by creating absurd scenarios, like women using the mule as a washboard.
• The discussions highlight the mule's poor condition and stubbornness.

Notable Conversations

• Sam and others joke about the mule's diet and Matt's stinginess.
• The mule's antics, like chasing a child, are humorously exaggerated.
• Matt Bonner often gets frustrated and leaves when teased too much.

Janie's Observations

• Janie enjoys these porch conversations and sometimes thinks of stories herself.
• Joe Starks, her husband, disapproves of her joining in such conversations.
• He insists that she maintains a distance due to her status as "Mrs. Mayor Starks."

Janie's Experience in the Store

• Janie dislikes working in the store and dealing with customer requests.
• She finds managing the post office duties challenging, especially when deciphering handwriting or making change.
• Joe often insists she can handle these tasks, leading to frustration.

Conclusion

• The store and the associated duties cause Janie stress and resentment.
• Joe’s insistence on her using her "privileges" adds to her struggle.
• The store represents a "rock" against which she feels constantly battered.