Introduction: “Sweat” by Zora Neale Hurston
“Sweat” by Zora Neale Hurston first appeared in print in 1926, a year that witnessed the publication of the groundbreaking Harlem Renaissance anthology, The New Negro. While not included within that specific collection, “Sweat” stands out for its unflinching portrayal of marital discord, gender roles, and the harsh realities faced by African Americans in the working class during the early 20th century. Hurston’s masterful prose and evocative imagery craft a narrative that is both brutally honest and deeply affecting.
Main Events in “Sweat” by Zora Neale Hurston
- Setting the Scene:
- It’s eleven o’clock on a Spring night in Florida.
- Delia Jones, a wash-woman, is sorting clothes in her kitchen.
- Delia’s Routine:
- Delia sorts clothes collected on Saturday and prepares for washing on Sunday night.
- She hums while working, wondering where her husband Sykes is.
- Sykes’ Cruel Prank:
- Sykes scares Delia with a bullwhip, laughing at her fear.
- Delia expresses her frustration with Sykes’ behavior.
- Tension between Delia and Sykes:
- Sykes argues with Delia about keeping white folks’ clothes in the house.
- Delia stands up to Sykes, asserting her contribution to their household.
- Delia’s Reflections:
- Delia reflects on the years of mistreatment by Sykes.
- She finds solace in her home and the life she has built.
- Village Gossip:
- Villagers discuss Delia’s situation, criticizing Sykes’ behavior.
- They express sympathy for Delia and disdain for Sykes.
- Bertha’s Arrival:
- Sykes brings Bertha to town, flaunting her in front of Delia.
- Villagers gossip about Bertha and Sykes’ relationship.
- Delia’s Defiance:
- Delia confronts Sykes about his mistreatment and threatens to leave him.
- She asserts her independence and refuses to tolerate his abuse any longer.
- Sykes’ Cruelty Escalates:
- Sykes brings a rattlesnake home to terrorize Delia.
- Delia pleads with Sykes to remove the snake, but he refuses.
- Delia’s Desperation:
- Delia realizes that Sykes is not going to change and resolves to take action.
- She confronts Sykes about his mistreatment and prepares to leave him.
- Sykes’ Demise:
- Sykes is bitten by the snake he brought home, leading to a frantic struggle.
- Delia witnesses Sykes’ suffering from a distance, feeling a mix of pity and relief.
- Delia’s Resolve:
- Delia remains firm in her decision to leave Sykes, despite his demise.
- She reflects on the events that led to this moment and finds a sense of closure.
- Sykes’ Fate:
- Sykes succumbs to the snakebite, leaving Delia to face the aftermath alone.
- Delia grapples with the complex emotions stirred by Sykes’ death.
- Delia’s Liberation:
- Delia emerges from the ordeal with a newfound sense of freedom.
- She embraces the dawn of a new day and begins to move forward with her life.
- Conclusion:
- Delia’s journey from oppression to liberation symbolizes resilience and empowerment.
- She navigates through adversity with strength and determination, finding peace in her newfound independence.
Literary Devices in “Sweat” by Zora Neale Hurston
| Literary Device | Example from “Sweat” | Explanation |
| Allegory | Delia’s struggle with the snake allegorically represents her marital conflict with Sykes. | The snake symbolizes Sykes’ cruelty and betrayal, while Delia’s fear and eventual triumph over the snake represent her confrontation with her abusive husband. |
| Alliteration | “She lay awake, gazing upon the debris that cluttered their matrimonial trail.” | The repetition of the “d” sound emphasizes the dismal state of Delia and Sykes’ marriage, highlighting the clutter and ruin that characterize their relationship. |
| Allusion | “Ah wantah cross Jurden in uh calm time.” | This alludes to crossing the River Jordan, a biblical reference often associated with spiritual trials and tribulations, suggesting Delia’s desire for peace and redemption in the face of her marital turmoil. |
| Conflict | The central conflict between Delia and Sykes drives the narrative forward, particularly their emotional and physical battles. | The conflict between Delia’s desire for peace and Sykes’ abusive behavior creates tension and drives the story’s progression as Delia seeks to assert her autonomy and confront her husband. |
| Foreshadowing | Delia’s reaction to the snake in the soapbox foreshadows the climactic event later in the story involving the snake and Sykes. | The intense fear and horror Delia experiences when encountering the snake foreshadows the danger that will later befall Sykes as a result of his own actions. |
| Imagery | “Grass withered, leaves browned, snakes went blind in shedding and men and dogs went mad.” | The vivid imagery paints a picture of the oppressive heat and desolation of the environment, evoking a sense of suffocation and chaos that mirrors the emotional turmoil of the characters. |
| Irony | Sykes’ use of the snake to torment Delia ultimately leads to his own demise when he is fatally bitten by the snake. | The irony lies in the reversal of roles, as Sykes, who intended to instill fear in Delia with the snake, becomes its victim instead, highlighting the consequences of his cruelty and the poetic justice of his fate. |
| Metaphor | “Delia’s work-worn knees crawled over the earth in Gethsemane and up the rocks of Calvary many, many times during these months.” | Delia’s struggles are metaphorically compared to the biblical journey of Jesus in Gethsemane and his crucifixion on Calvary, emphasizing the depth of her suffering and her journey towards redemption. |
| Motif | The motif of snakes recurs throughout the story, representing both Sykes’ cruelty and Delia’s eventual triumph over her fears. | The repeated appearance of snakes serves to underscore the theme of oppression and fear in Delia’s life, as well as her eventual empowerment and liberation from Sykes’ abusive influence. |
| Personification | “The sun crept on up, and he called.” | The sun is personified as it “creeps” and “calls,” attributing human-like qualities to it, which emphasizes the passage of time and the persistence of Sykes’ calls for Delia, despite the escalating events. |
| Repetition | “Sweat, sweat, sweat! Work and sweat, cry and sweat, pray and sweat!” | The repetition of “sweat” emphasizes the physical and emotional labor that Delia endures in her daily life, highlighting the repetitive nature of her struggles and the exhaustion that accompanies them. |
| Satire | The portrayal of Sykes as a self-absorbed and abusive husband satirizes the toxic masculinity and patriarchal attitudes prevalent in society at the time. | Through satire, Hurston critiques the societal norms that enable and perpetuate male dominance and mistreatment of women, exposing the absurdity and harmful consequences of such behavior. |
| Simile | “You looks jes’ lak de devvul’s doll-baby tuh me.” | Delia compares Sykes’ appearance to a doll possessed by the devil, using a simile to vividly illustrate her contempt and disdain for him, highlighting the extent of their marital discord and her disillusionment. |
| Symbolism | The snake symbolizes Sykes’ cruelty, betrayal, and eventual downfall, while Delia’s fear and triumph over the snake symbolize her confrontation with her abusive husband and her journey towards liberation. | The snake serves as a powerful symbol of oppression and fear in Delia’s life, representing the threat posed by Sykes and her eventual triumph over him, as well as the cleansing and renewal that follows his demise. |
| Tone | The tone shifts between somber and defiant as Delia confronts her marital struggles with resilience and determination. | The shifting tone reflects Delia’s emotional journey as she navigates the challenges of her marriage, ranging from despair and fear to defiance and empowerment, highlighting her strength and resilience in the face of adversity. |
| Theme | Themes of oppression, resilience, empowerment, and poetic justice are prevalent throughout the story, reflecting the experiences of African American women in the early 20th century. | These themes explore the struggles and triumphs of marginalized individuals, particularly African American women, as they confront societal injustices and assert their autonomy and agency in the face of adversity. |
| Mood | The mood oscillates between tension, fear, and catharsis, reflecting the emotional turmoil of the characters and the oppressive atmosphere of the setting. | The mood creates a sense of unease and apprehension, punctuated by moments of relief and empowerment, as the characters grapple with their internal conflicts and external challenges, ultimately leading to a cathartic resolution. |
| Hyperbole | “Dat ol’ scratch is woke up now!” | The use of “ol’ scratch” as a hyperbolic term for the devil emphasizes Delia’s heightened emotional state and her belief in the malevolent forces at play in her life, highlighting the intensity of her fear and desperation. |
| Onomatopoeia | “A tremendous stir inside there, another series of animal screams, the intermittent whirr of the reptile.” | The use of onomatopoeia, such as “whirr,” “screams,” and “stir,” creates auditory imagery that heightens the suspense and tension of the scene, immersing the reader in the chaotic and terrifying events unfolding. |
| Paradox | Delia’s fear of the snake paradoxically empowers her to confront Sykes and assert her independence, despite her initial vulnerability. | The paradox lies in the transformative effect of fear, as Delia’s initial terror of the snake ultimately strengthens her resolve to defy Sykes and reclaim control of her life, highlighting the complex interplay of emotions and motivations. |
Characterization in “Sweat” by Zora Neale Hurston
Major Characters:
- Delia Jones:
- Example: Delia is portrayed as a hardworking, resilient woman who endures physical and emotional abuse from her husband, Sykes. Despite her struggles, she remains steadfast in her commitment to her work and ultimately finds the strength to stand up to Sykes.
- Sykes Jones:
- Example: Sykes is depicted as a cruel and abusive husband who takes pleasure in tormenting Delia. His mistreatment of her, including his affair and use of a venomous snake to terrorize her, ultimately leads to his own downfall.
Minor Characters:
- **Bertha:
- Example: Bertha is Sykes’ mistress, whose presence exacerbates the tension in Delia and Sykes’ marriage. Her affair with Sykes adds another layer of betrayal and conflict to the story.
- Joe Clarke:
- Example: Joe Clarke is the store owner and a central figure in the community. He serves as a mediator in Delia and Sykes’ marital disputes, offering advice and insight into their relationship dynamics.
- Elijah Moseley:
- Example: Elijah Moseley is a friend of Sykes who serves as a witness to the deterioration of Delia and Sykes’ marriage. His presence highlights the interconnectedness of the community and provides perspective on Sykes’ character.
- The Snake:
- Example: The snake symbolizes Sykes’ cruelty and betrayal, as well as Delia’s eventual triumph over her fears. Its presence in the story catalyzes the climactic events that lead to Sykes’ demise.
Major Themes in “Sweat” by Zora Neale Hurston
- Domestic Abuse: The story portrays the harsh realities of domestic abuse through the character of Delia and her husband Sykes. We see Delia living in constant fear of Sykes’s violence, enduring his beatings and threats.
- Early on, Sykes throws a whip at Delia to scare her, knowing her fear of snakes (pg 2).
- Delia avoids conversation and physical contact with Sykes because she knows it might lead to violence (pg 3).
- Later, Sykes threatens to beat Delia again and throws things around the house (pg 3).
- Hard Work and Resilience: Delia’s character is defined by her hard work and unwavering determination. Despite facing abuse and hardship, Delia continues to work tirelessly to support herself and maintain her home.
- We see Delia working throughout the week, collecting and delivering laundry (pg 4).
- Even on a hot Saturday, Delia is out working, while the men sit idly gossiping (pg 4).
- Delia tells Sykes, “Ah been married to you fur fifteen years, and Ah been takin’ in washin’ for fifteen years. Sweat, sweat, sweat! Work and sweat, cry and sweat, pray and sweat!” (pg 3)
- Gender Roles and Inequality: The story criticizes the societal expectations placed on women during this time. Delia, despite working hard and being the financial backbone of the household, has no control or power.
- The men on the porch gossip about Sykes and Delia’s relationship, highlighting the community’s patriarchal views (pg 4).
- Sykes brings another woman into their house and shows no regard for Delia’s feelings or wishes (pg 5).
- Delia tells Sykes, “You aint got no business doing it. Gawd knows it’s a sin. Some day Ah’m goin’ tuh drop dead from some of yo’ foolishness.” (pg 2)
- Finding Strength and Independence: Over the course of the story, Delia undergoes a transformation. Initially meek and submissive, she eventually finds her voice and stands up to Sykes.
- Delia defies Sykes for the first time, grabbing an iron skillet to defend herself (pg 3).
- Delia tells Sykes, “Ah hates you, Sykes. Ah hates you tuh de same degree dat Ah useter love yuh…Ah don’t wantuh see yuh ‘roun’ me atall. Lay ‘roun’ wid dat ‘oman all yuh wants tuh, but gwan ‘way fum me an’ mah house.” (pg 7).
- Delia decides to fight for herself and threatens to go to the white folks about Sykes’s abuse (pg 7).
Writing Style in “Sweat” by Zora Neale Hurston
· Dual use of Dialect and Standard English: Hurston narrates the story in standard English, offering a clear and objective voice. However, the dialogue between characters explodes with rich Southern Black vernacular. This creates a vivid contrast:
- Standard English: “Sweat had a body all its own – a body as real as that which housed the heart that pumped it out.” (descriptive power)
- Dialect: “Lawd, Lawd! Sykes, you is a mess! Look at dis house. You tracked in all dat swamp muck wid yo’ big foots.” (Delia’s frustration)
· Vivid Imagery: Hurston uses evocative language to paint a picture of Delia’s world. Her descriptions are often sensory-rich, capturing the harshness of the environment and the emotional toll on Delia.
- “The rain beat a tattoo on the tin roof, and the wind sobbed around the corners of the house.” (setting the mood)
- “Anything like flowers had long ago been drowned in the salty stream that had been pressed from her heart.” (Delia’s emotional state)
· Figurative Language: Hurston employs similes and metaphors to add depth and meaning to the story. These figures of speech are often rooted in the characters’ experiences, making them relatable.
- “Sykes sucked his teeth as if his insides were as empty as his pockets.” (simile portraying Sykes’s frustration)
- Sykes’s comparison of bad husbands to men who squeeze and discard sugarcane (metaphor for exploitation)
· Economy of Words: Hurston’s prose is often concise and direct. She avoids unnecessary embellishment, letting the characters’ actions and words speak for themselves.
- “Delia went about her work like a steady old engine. Her face was set, her muscles taut.” (powerful description of Delia’s determination)
Literary Theories and Interpretation of “Sweat” by Zora Neale Hurston
| Literary Theory | Interpretation | Example |
| Feminist Criticism | Analyzes gender dynamics and power structures, highlighting the oppression and resistance of women. | Delia’s character can be analyzed through a feminist lens, showcasing her resilience in the face of patriarchal oppression from her husband, Sykes. |
| Example: Delia’s refusal to be intimidated by Sykes’ abuse and her eventual liberation from his control demonstrate her agency and strength as a woman. | ||
| Marxist Criticism | Focuses on class struggle and economic inequality, examining how social and economic factors shape characters and their interactions. | The exploitation of Delia’s labor by Sykes can be analyzed through a Marxist lens, highlighting the economic power dynamics within their marriage. |
| Example: Delia’s work as a laundress symbolizes her economic independence and highlights Sykes’ dependence on her income, underscoring their unequal relationship. | ||
| Psychoanalytic Criticism | Explores characters’ subconscious desires, fears, and motivations, often examining the impact of childhood experiences on adult behavior. | Sykes’ abusive behavior towards Delia may be interpreted through a psychoanalytic lens, revealing underlying psychological conflicts and insecurities. |
| Example: Sykes’ mistreatment of Delia and his need to assert dominance over her may stem from deep-seated insecurities and feelings of inadequacy. |
Topics, Questions, and Thesis Statements about “Sweat” by Zora Neale Hurston
| Topic | Question | Thesis Statement |
| Gender Roles and Power Dynamics | How do gender roles influence the characters’ actions and relationships in “Sweat”? | In “Sweat,” Zora Neale Hurston explores the complexities of gender roles, depicting how societal expectations shape power dynamics within relationships. |
| How does Delia challenge traditional gender norms in the face of her husband’s abuse? | Delia’s defiance of gender norms in “Sweat” serves as a powerful assertion of agency and resistance against patriarchal oppression. | |
| Race and Identity | What role does race play in shaping the characters’ identities and experiences in the story? | Through the lens of race, “Sweat” delves into the intersectionality of identity and highlights the impact of racial prejudice on individual lives. |
| How does Hurston portray the complexities of racial identity within the African American community? | Hurston’s portrayal of racial identity in “Sweat” reveals the multifaceted nature of the African American experience, challenging monolithic narratives. | |
| Socioeconomic Inequality | How do socioeconomic factors contribute to the characters’ struggles and conflicts? | “Sweat” exposes the harsh realities of socioeconomic inequality, illustrating how poverty exacerbates power imbalances and interpersonal tensions. |
| To what extent does economic dependence influence the characters’ behavior and choices? | Economic dependence emerges as a central theme in “Sweat,” underscoring the complexities of survival and autonomy in impoverished communities. | |
| Domestic Abuse and Psychological Trauma | What are the psychological effects of domestic abuse on the characters, particularly Delia? | Delia’s journey in “Sweat” illuminates the psychological toll of domestic abuse, highlighting the resilience and inner strength required to break free from cycles of trauma. |
| How does Hurston explore the cyclical nature of abuse and its impact on subsequent generations? | Through nuanced character portrayals, “Sweat” examines the intergenerational transmission of trauma and the potential for healing and resilience. |
Short Questions/Answers about/on “Sweat” by Zora Neale Hurston
- “The Gilded Six-Bits” by Zora Neale Hurston
- Another captivating work by Hurston, this story explores themes of infidelity, forgiveness, and resilience within a marriage tested by external influences. It offers a vivid portrayal of African American life in the rural South.
- “Spunk” by Zora Neale Hurston
- Set in the rural South, this story by Hurston delves into themes of jealousy, revenge, and the supernatural. It centers around the consequences of challenging societal norms and the power dynamics within a small community.
- “The Worn Path” by Eudora Welty
- Welty’s poignant story follows an elderly African American woman on her journey to town to retrieve medicine for her grandson. Like “Sweat,” it explores themes of perseverance, sacrifice, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
- “The Conscience of the Court” by Zora Neale Hurston
- In this lesser-known gem by Hurston, themes of justice, racial prejudice, and the pursuit of truth are explored through the lens of a courtroom drama. It offers a compelling portrayal of the challenges faced by African Americans in the legal system.
- “That Evening Sun” by William Faulkner
- Faulkner’s short story, set in the American South, examines themes of race, class, and morality through the eyes of a young boy witnessing the injustices faced by an African American woman in his community. It shares with “Sweat” a vivid depiction of Southern life and the complexities of human relationships.
Suggested Readings about/on “Sweat” by Zora Neale Hurston
Articles:
- Lindenberger, Laura. “” Sweat:” Through the Lens of Womanness.” The Corinthian 4.1 (2002): 6.
Books:
- Baker, Houston A., Jr. Long Black Song: Essays in Black Literature and Culture. Oxford Univ. Press, 2002.
- Gates, Henry Louis, and Evelyn Louise Brière. The Norton Anthology of African American Literature. Second Edition, W. W. Norton & Company, 2004.
Websites:
Representative Quotations from “Sweat” by Zora Neale Hurston
| Quotation | Context | Theorization |
| “Course Ah knowed it! That’s how come Ah done it.” | Sykes throws a bull whip at Delia to scare her, knowing she is afraid of snakes. | This quote illustrates Sykes’ abusive behavior and his lack of empathy towards Delia’s fear. It also reflects his sadistic enjoyment in frightening her. |
| “Ah just come from taking sacrament at the church house.” | Delia explains she just came from church, hoping to avoid conflict. | Delia’s attempt to avoid confrontation highlights her desire for peace despite Sykes’ antagonistic behavior. It also emphasizes the conflict between her religious beliefs and her abusive marriage. |
| “What’s it got to do with you, Sykes? Mah tub of suds is filled yo’ belly with vittles more times than yo’ hands is filled it.” | Delia confronts Sykes about his lack of contribution to their household. | This quote reveals Delia’s frustration with Sykes’ laziness and irresponsibility. It also highlights the gendered division of labor and the unequal power dynamics in their marriage. |
| “Ah hates you, Sykes. Ah hates you tuh de same degree dat Ah useter love yuh.” | Delia expresses her hatred towards Sykes after enduring years of abuse. | Delia’s statement signifies her transformation from a submissive wife to a woman asserting her independence and self-worth. It marks a pivotal moment in her resistance against Sykes’ tyranny. |
| “Ah wants you tuh take dat snake ‘way fum heah.” | Delia demands Sykes to remove the snake he brought into their home. | Delia’s demand reflects her assertion of control over her environment and her refusal to tolerate Sykes’ abuse any longer. It also symbolizes her desire to rid herself of the threats and dangers he brings into her life. |
| “Delia. Delia!” | Sykes calls out to Delia in despair after being bitten by the snake. | Sykes’ desperate cries for help contrast with Delia’s indifference, symbolizing the reversal of power dynamics in their relationship. It also signifies the consequences of his abusive behavior finally catching up to him. |
| “Mah Gawd fum Heben!” | Sykes cries out in agony as he realizes his fate after being bitten by the snake. | This quote highlights Sykes’ realization of the consequences of his actions and his fear of impending death. It symbolizes the ultimate punishment for his cruelty towards Delia and reflects the theme of divine justice in the story. |