The funeral for the mule in Chapter 6 is a parody of every funeral and burial in which the townspeople of Eatonville have even been involved. In contrast, Joe's funeral may well be the most elaborate that they have ever seen. Janie spared no expense to make sure that Joe left "as he had come — with the out-stretched hand of power."
Janie's outward appearance and her inward thoughts contrast following the death of Joe. While the townspeople mourn the death of Joe, Janie appears to be grieving. However, inwardly, Janie feels no sorrow, only a sense of calm. Janie attended Joe's funeral, but inside, she "went rollicking with the springtime across the world." Finally, Janie is free of the man who stifled her individuality. In her first act of freedom following Joe's death, Janie burns her headrags to symbolize her new independence from Joe's control.
While many women who lose their husbands feel weak and insecure, Janie does not. Rather, Janie actually gains strength from Joe's death. Even though Janie endures intense loneliness, she is strong enough to manage her personal life and the store as a result of enduring Joe's constant ridicule. Ironically, Joe's domination may have made Janie a stronger person. Janie begins to enjoy her freedom: ". . . she liked being lonesome for a change. This freedom feeling was fine." One other positive outcome of Joe's death is Janie's deepening friendship with Pheoby. No longer is Janie restricted from maintaining friendships and socializing with the townspeople. With Joe's death, Janie has gained the freedom she has desired for so long.
