At the age of 17, Janie's mother experienced a profound trauma: she was raped by her school teacher. This horrific event led directly to Janie's conception, establishing a challenging beginning for Janie's life, characterized by adversity and discrimination from its very outset.
This incident is a foundational element of Janie's family history within the narrative. It explains the difficult circumstances surrounding Janie's birth and provides crucial insight into the generational struggles and attempts at protection that shape the characters' lives. The mother's later actions, such as attempting to flee with her infant daughter, stemmed from her desire to shield Janie from suffering the same harm she endured.
