"The whole thing changed from a little walking and stretching to a mathematical dilemma. Or maybe cheese was thirty-seven cents a pound and somebody came and asked for a dime's worth. She went through many silent rebellions over things like that. Such a waste of life and time. But Joe kept saying that she could do it if she wanted to and he wanted her to use her privileges. That was the rock she was battered against."
This quotation is showing how times were tough. Money was really short. It isn't specifically about cheese, but the cheese is symbolizing how people take advantage of the prices. Janie was upset with the way things were happening and people were saying things. Joe believed in her, and he didn't think that she should be so worked up. But Janie thought that she was going through a lot because of Joe. That was when she started realizing that she was starting to be unhappy with Joe and getting tired of him. But it was awhile before he died and she was free of him.
Chapter 6 - Page 55
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