Tea Cake's role is like a catalyst, helping Janie to drive her life toward her goals. He plays on a supporting role, as any other men. At the end of the story when Tea Cake dies, Janie remains strong and hopeful. So, it is far to say that Janie is independent from Tea Cake.
Janie relates the Tea Cake with the sun. In addition, after he kicks the bucket, Janie keeps considering the Tea Cake as far as the sun, even when he is perished, he keeps making Jane's life brighter.
The sun illustrates that life can continue even if someone you love dies, no matter what happened it goes on.
