Matt Bonner:
We first see Matt on page 51 when the "mule-talkers" are teasing him about his yellow mule (51). He seems to be quite gullible. When Sam and Lige start making up the story about a "mighty serious matter, man. Serious!!" he seems to think something really is wrong (52). Janie says that "They had him up for conversation every day the Lord sent" (51). This comment makes me assume that, even though the mule talkers tease him everyday, he never seems to learn. They make fun of his mule and ridicule him for the way he takes care of it, suggesting that he neglects it, "others had 'im flat on the ground usin' his sides fuh uh wash board" (52). Hurston also shows his temper, he's not one to fight, he gets more flustered, "Matt realizes they tricked him again and the laughter makes him mad and when he gets mad he stammers" (52). When a person gets mad, they each react differently, in Matt's case, he get frustrated and has trouble thinking strait. He tries to prove that he does care for it the best he can, he doesnt want to seem like a cruel owner. Hurston portrays him to be gentle man, I picture an older man with a hunched back and a crooked smile.
Hurston continues to repeat his full name through out the passage, i thought there might be some historical importance that I was missing so I Googled "Matt Bonner", when nothing came up, I took Ms. Townzen's idea and looked up what his name meant. The name "Matt" means "Gift of God". I believe it's possible that Hurston put him in here for comical relief, a "gift" per say to take a break from the drama going on in Janie's life. It is also possible that he brightens up the mood of the town and gives Janie something to listen to every day while working at the store.
Questions: I wonder exactly why Matt was brought in?
Is his mule a metaphor?
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