Why does Tea Cake whip Janie?

Tea Cake never whips Janie in Zora Neale Hurston's novel "Their Eyes Were Watching God."

It's a common misconception that this happens, but it's important to distinguish between physical violence and verbal abuse. While Tea Cake can be controlling and abusive, he never physically assaults Janie.

Here's what actually happens:

* Tea Cake can be controlling: He exhibits jealousy and tries to limit Janie's interactions with other men. He can be demanding and manipulative, but not physically violent.

* Tea Cake is prone to jealousy: He becomes angry when Janie talks to other men, even when it's just friendly conversation. This can be interpreted as a form of emotional abuse.

* He's possessive: Tea Cake wants Janie to be completely devoted to him, which can be seen as an attempt to control her.

* He lashes out verbally: He yells at Janie and calls her names when he's angry, which is emotionally abusive.

While Tea Cake's behavior is problematic, he doesn't physically harm Janie. The misconception likely stems from the novel's portrayal of his volatile personality and his tendency to lash out with words.