Jody’s actions as mayor towards the black community in Eatonville highlight the themes of power and control. When Janie and Jody arrive in this town, Jody purchases 200 acres of land to establish his power and gain his “big voice” (28). Because he shows his affluence to the people in the town, they consider Jody superior to them. Even though Tony Taylor, a townsperson, is the designated assembly leader, Jody usurps his power and “[does] all the talking” since he “[takes] the center of the floor” in the meeting (41, 42), emphasizing his need to exhibit control over others. During the town's meeting, Jody announces his plan to create a post-office and store, continuing to make a name for himself. Cementing his leadership in the eyes of the townspeople,
