Janie Crawford, the protagonist in Zora Neale Hurston's novel "Their Eyes Were Watching God," faces predetermined aspects in her life before meeting Tea Cake.
Janie grows up in a society that has predetermined expectations for women, especially African American women in the early 20th century. There are societal norms and gender roles that dictate how a woman should behave, what she should aspire to, and how she should lead her life. Janie is expected to conform to these expectations, particularly through marriage.
Janie's grandmother, Nanny, plays a significant role in shaping Janie's life. Nanny's experiences with slavery and her desire for financial security lead her to prioritize stability over love. She arranges Janie's first marriage to Logan Killicks, not based on Janie's desires or emotions but on the practical considerations of financial stability and social acceptance.