Final answer:
Mayor Starks pressuring Matt to sell his mule in 'Their Eyes Were Watching God' can be viewed as an overreach of authority that undermines Matt's agency and reflects themes of power and control in the book.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the novel Their Eyes Were Watching God, the question of whether Mayor Starks should have pressured Matt into selling the mule for $5 is open to interpretation and reflects on themes of power, autonomy, and community values. In the context of the book, the pressure exerted by Mayor Starks can be seen as an overreach of authority, as it undermines Matt's agency in determining the value of his own property. It also can be perceived as a community leader's effort to resolve a situation that the town finds amusing; however, this does not justify forcing the sale, especially if Matt does not agree to the price. This action by Mayor Starks may highlight his character's desire to control situations and shape the town according to his vision, without necessarily considering the will and welfare of individuals like Matt.