Final answer:
Joe Starks strikes Janie Crawford in 'Their Eyes Were Watching God' as a display of power and control, which reflects broader themes of oppression and the pursuit of self-liberation in Hurston's work.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Zora Neale Hurston's critically acclaimed novel Their Eyes Were Watching God, Joe Starks strikes Janie Crawford as a demonstration of his need to exert power and control over her. This abusive behavior aligns with the times' social norms where women were often subjected to their husbands' wills and seen as possessions rather than equals. Joe's action is a pivotal moment that helps Janie in her journey towards self-actualization, driving her to eventually liberate herself from the oppression of her marriage and live life on her terms, embodying the African-American feminist ideals depicted in Hurston's work. Notably, Joe Stark's striking Janie Crawford in the novel is indicative of the broader themes of power, control, and eventual self-liberation.