Final answer:
Tea Cake chooses not to follow the exodus after the hurricane in 'Their Eyes Were Watching God' due to his connection to the place and desire to rebuild.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Their Eyes Were Watching God, Tea Cake gives the reason for not following the exodus right after the hurricane. Disasters often prompted mass departures, but Tea Cake felt a strong connection to the place and chose to remain hopeful and rebuild rather than abandon the life he had built. He exhibited an enduring spirit, choosing to face the challenges rather than flee, which reflects the novel's broader themes of resilience and self-discovery.