“Sweat” by Zora Neale Hurston: A Multidimensional Critique

Introduction: “Sweat” by Zora Neale Hurston

This poignant short story “Sweat” by Zora Neale Hurston was published in 1926 within the single issue of the influential Harlem Renaissance literary magazine Fire!!. Known for its rich depiction of Southern African American life and Hurston’s distinctive use of dialect, the story explores themes of gender inequality, resilience, and the complex power dynamics within a troubled marriage. Delia, the hardworking washerwoman protagonist, endures years of abuse at the hands of her cruel and unfaithful husband, Sykes. The story unfolds with a vivid, almost folkloric quality, delving into the symbolism of snakes, the relentless grind of labor, and Delia’s ultimate act of defiance in the face of oppression.

Main Events in “Sweat” by Zora Neale Hurston

1. Delia is verbally abused by her husband, Sykes. He scares her with a bullwhip, mocks her fear of snakes, and forces her to sort the white folks’ laundry in her house.
2. Delia stands up to Sykes. She refuses to be intimidated and talks about how he doesn’t contribute to the home but lives off of her hard work from washing clothes.
3. Sykes leaves and brings home a mistress. He flaunts his new relationship with Bertha.
4. Sykes continues to disrespect their home. He disregards Delia’s objections to keeping laundry in the house and undermines her values.
5. Local townspeople gossip about Sykes. They criticize his treatment of Delia and open relationship with Bertha, expressing sympathy for Delia.
6. Sykes brings home a rattlesnake. He deliberately tries to terrorize Delia by keeping it in a box by the kitchen.
7. Delia expresses her hatred of Sykes. She stands up for herself, saying her love has turned to hate, and she’ll no longer tolerate his abuse.
8. Sykes brags about his new mistress. He continually degrades Delia’s appearance and tells her he can’t wait to get rid of her.
9. Delia confronts the snake. She bravely lights her way into the bedroom to sort laundry and is horrified to find the snake now loose in the hamper.
10. Delia flees the house and hides. She escapes to the hayloft in terror, eventually gathering her strength and resolve.
11. Sykes returns and demolishes the snake’s box. Delia hears this from her hiding place.
12. Delia witnesses Sykes being bitten by the snake. She hears the struggle, the horrific screams, and watches him desperately trying to escape the bedroom.
13. Sykes calls for Delia’s help. He pleads desperately, knowing only she might be able to save him.
14. Delia refuses to help. She knows it is too late and that helping him would go against everything she now believes.
15. Sykes dies from the snakebite. Delia waits, knowing he is dying a slow, agonizing death, and feels only relief.

Literary Devices in “Sweat” by Zora Neale Hurston

1. Allusion: References to external ideas or texts to add meaning.

• Biblical Allusions: Sykes mistreating Delia and his eventual punishment evoke the story of Adam and Eve and the concept of reaping what you sow. “Whut’s de mattah, ol’ satan, you aint kickin’ up yo’ racket?” (Hurston).

2. Dialect: The use of regional, non-standard English to represent the authentic speech patterns of the characters.

• Southern African American Dialect: “Ah hates you tuh de same degree dat Ah useter love yuh.” (Hurston).

3. Foreshadowing: Hints of events to come, creating suspense.

• Sykes bringing a rattlesnake home: “He set it down carefully beside the wash-tub and stepped back respectfully but not hastily” (Hurston). This foreshadows his eventual demise.

4. Hyperbole: Intentional exaggeration for emphasis:

• Delia’s workload: “Sweat, sweat, sweat! Work and sweat, cry and sweat, pray and sweat!” (Hurston).

5. Imagery: Vivid language appealing to the senses:

• The Chinaberry tree: “A great tree that threw off cool, pungent odors…Delia used to sit there…a long time after Sykes had gone” (Hurston). Represents Delia’s peace and hope.

6. Irony: A contrast between expectation and reality:

• Sykes’ Death: Sykes intended to use the snake to torment and kill Delia. Instead, he is the one who dies in a horribly ironic twist.

7. Juxtaposition: Placing contrasting ideas near each other for emphasis:

• Delia and Sykes: Delia is hardworking and virtuous, while Sykes is lazy and immoral. Their differences are highlighted throughout the story.

8. Metaphor: A direct comparison between unlike things:

• Sykes’ comparison to the snake: “He is a snake in the grass” is an implied metaphor throughout the story, associating him with evil and treachery.

9. Motif: A recurring element that reinforces a theme:

• Sweat: Symbolizes Delia’s labor, suffering, and strength.

10. Paradox: A seemingly contradictory statement that reveals a deeper truth.

• Delia witnessing Sykes’ death: She is horrified by his suffering, yet feels both a “glorious independence” and the fear it brings (Hurston).

11. Personification: Giving human qualities to non-human things:

• Of the house: “Her house…had crouched down to shelter the space” (Hurston).

12. Repetition: Repeating words or phrases for emphasis:

• “Sweat, sweat, sweat!”: Drives home the magnitude of Delia’s hardship.

13. Simile: A comparison using “like” or “as”:

• Delia’s fear: “[Her voice] small like a frightened child’s” (Hurston).

14. Symbolism: Objects or actions representing ideas or concepts:

• The snake: Represents evil, corruption, and ultimately Sykes himself.

15. Understatement: Deliberately underplaying the significance of something for effect.

• Delia’s relief at Sykes’ death: “…she sobbed and subbed until she had no more tears left to fall” (Hurston). Though understated, her response implies deep relief after years of abuse.

Characterization in “Sweat” by Zora Neale Hurston

Major Characters

• Delia Jones:
  • Hardworking and Resilient: Her primary characteristic is her tireless work ethic as a washerwoman, even in oppressive Florida heat. “She squatted in the kitchen floor beside the great pile of clothes…Sweat, sweat, sweat!” (Hurston).
  • Religious: Initially, Delia is deeply religious, seeking solace in prayer and church. “[She] raced down the road to the church” (Hurston). This faith is later challenged by Sykes’ cruelty.
  • Transformation: While starting as timid and fearful, Delia gains strength against Sykes’ abuse. In the climax, she refuses to help him, leading indirectly to his death, “[She] could scarcely reach the Chinaberry tree, where she waited in the growing heat while inside she knew the cold river was creeping up and up to extinguish that eye which must know by now that she knew” (Hurston).
• Sykes Jones:
  • Cruel and Abusive: Sykes’ sadistic behavior defines him. He frightens Delia with the snake, flaunts his mistress Bertha, beats her, and tries to kill her. He represents toxic masculinity.
  • Lazy and Entitled: He refuses to work, living off Delia’s labor. This sense of entitlement fuels his belief he can treat her in any way.
  • Symbolic Death: His death by his own snake isn’t just ironic; it symbolizes how the evil he inflicted was his own undoing.

Minor Characters

• Bertha: Sykes’ mistress. She’s mostly symbolic, representing his brazen disregard for Delia and the community’s acceptance of his infidelity. Her physical size reinforces her power over Sykes in their relationship.
• The Village Men: They sit on Joe Clarke’s porch gossiping. They’re not active in the plot, but serve several roles:
  • Highlighting Gender Dynamics: Their comments about Delia and Sykes showcase the ingrained sexism of the community.
  • Establishing Community: They give a sense of a small-town where everyone knows each other’s business.
  • External Judgement: Their disapproval of Sykes creates a sense of social justice, even if they don’t directly intervene on Delia’s behalf.

Character Analysis Note

Zora Neale Hurston avoids painting fully “good” or “bad” characters. Delia is strong, yet her initial fear is understandable. Sykes, monstrous as he is, evokes pity on some level for being trapped in his own cycle of cruelty

Major Themes in “Sweat” by Zora Neale Hurston

Theme	Explanation	Textual References
The Destructiveness of Abuse	The story explores domestic violence’s physical and psychological toll on victims.	* Sykes’ physical cruelty: “Sykes knocked her down and dragged her over to the stove” (Hurston). * Delia’s psychological torment: “Sweat rolling down her face and neck. Sweat soaking her clothes…she kept throwing scared glances at the snake…” (Hurston).
The Struggle for Independence	Delia’s journey is about breaking free from oppression and claiming agency over her life.	* Work as a double-edged sword: “Work and sweat, cry and sweat, pray and sweat!” (Hurston). Labor is her burden, but also empowers her. * Refusal to save Sykes: “…she lay there…till she thought she felt his last drawn breath” (Hurston). Demonstrates her newfound strength.
Good vs. Evil	The story presents a clash between morality and wickedness, but with nuanced outcomes.	* Delia’s goodness vs. Sykes’ cruelty: Their contrasting characters are established throughout. * Biblical allusions: Sykes as the snake and his death evoke ideas of sin and retribution.
Gender Roles and Societal Expectations	The story exposes gendered power dynamics and the community’s complicated attitudes regarding them.	* Delia’s work: Washes clothes (traditionally women’s labor), yet supports them financially. * Men of the village: Gossip but don’t actively intervene, even though they dislike Sykes. * Bertha: Represents social acceptance of male infidelity.

Writing Style in “Sweat” by Zora Neale Hurston

• Vivid Dialect Reflects Roots (Ref: Dialogue throughout the story)
  • Hurston utilizes Southern African American dialect to showcase the characters’ heritage and add authenticity to the setting.
  • Examples: “Ah hates you tuh de same degree dat Ah useter love yuh.” (Hurston).
• Striking Imagery Paints a Picture (Ref: Descriptions throughout the story)
  • Hurston’s evocative descriptions bring the physical world and characters’ emotions to life.
  • Example: “The sweat beaded on her temples and ran down her face in streaks…Her arms were slick and wet…” (Hurston).
• Symbolism Unveils Deeper Meanings (Ref: Snake, Washerwoman)
  • Symbolic elements add layers of meaning to the story’s themes.
  • The snake represents evil and Sykes’ destructive nature (Ref: “He set it down carefully beside the wash-tub…” (Hurston)).
  • Delia, the washerwoman, embodies strength and resilience (Ref: “Sweat, sweat, sweat! Work and sweat…” (Hurston)).
• Shifting Perspectives Offer Insight (Ref: Narrative shifts)
  • The story transitions between Delia and Sykes’ perspectives, providing a well-rounded understanding of their motivations.
• Powerful Language Creates Impact (Ref: Overall Tone)
  • Hurston’s masterful use of language and imagery creates a powerful and moving story.

Literary Theories and Interpretation of “Sweat” by Zora Neale Hurston

Literary Theory	Explanation	Textual References
Feminist Criticism	Examines power structures and representation of women, often challenging the status quo.	* Delia’s struggle against abuse: Sykes’ violence highlights domestic violence as a systemic issue (Hurston). * Gendered labor: Delia’s washing work supports them financially, subverting traditional gender roles (Hurston). * Triumph over evil: Delia’s survival and Sykes’ death could be seen as a symbolic victory against patriarchal oppression (Hurston).
African American Literary Criticism	Focuses on works by Black authors, highlighting their experiences and cultural perspectives.	* Dialect and community: Authentic portrayal of Southern Black speech patterns and the dynamics within a rural Black community (Hurston). * Black female voice: Elevates Delia’s story of resilience and resistance as unique to her Black female experience (Hurston).
Marxist Criticism	Analyzes literature through a class-conscious lens, looking at economic exploitation and power imbalances.	* Labor exploitation: Delia’s hard work profits Sykes, reflecting a class divide and how capitalism intersects with domestic exploitation (Hurston). * Lack of worker solidarity: Though the village men disapprove of Sykes, they don’t take concrete action to help Delia. This points to the limitations of community compassion when social structures are unequal (Hurston).
New Historicism	Considers the historical context of a text and its relationship to social and political forces of the time.	* Post-slavery gender dynamics: While Delia gains some agency, the story was written in the 1920s, still within a world shaped by Reconstruction’s failures and Jim Crow’s rise (Hurston). * Emergence of the Harlem Renaissance: Hurston was part of this literary movement celebrating Black culture. “Sweat” offers a parallel, rural, and less idealized view of Black life (Hurston).

Questions about “Sweat” by Zora Neale Hurston

• How does Hurston use symbolism to portray the theme of oppression in “Sweat”?
• Thesis: Through the use of symbolic imagery such as the snake and the white clothes, Zora Neale Hurston conveys the theme of oppression and the struggle for liberation in “Sweat.”
• In what ways does “Sweat” reflect the historical experiences of African Americans in the rural South during the early 20th century?
• Thesis: Zora Neale Hurston’s “Sweat” provides a window into the social and economic realities of African Americans living in the rural South during the early 20th century, highlighting the effects of racial and gender oppression on their lives.
• How does the portrayal of gender roles in “Sweat” reflect the broader societal expectations placed on women during this time period?
• Thesis: Zora Neale Hurston’s “Sweat” depicts the struggles faced by women who were expected to conform to traditional gender roles and highlights the ways in which patriarchal oppression impacted their lives.
• What is the significance of the setting in “Sweat” and how does it contribute to the themes of the story?
• Thesis: Through the portrayal of the rural Southern setting in “Sweat,” Zora Neale Hurston conveys the cultural and historical context of the story, highlighting the challenges faced by African Americans living in this region during this time period.

Short Question-Answer “Sweat” by Zora Neale Hurston

• Question 1: How does the setting of “Sweat” contribute to its exploration of key themes?
• Answer: The rural Florida setting underscores themes of isolation and vulnerability. Delia’s entrapment within an abusive relationship is amplified by the lack of external support systems. The oppressive heat mirrors the suffocating atmosphere of her marriage. The community’s passive judgment reinforces the limited options available to women in her situation.
• Question 2: What is the most significant symbol in “Sweat” and how does it function?
• Answer: The snake is the most potent symbol. It embodies both Sykes’ malicious nature and the pervasive evil of domestic abuse. Its presence foreshadows his demise and serves as a reminder of the insidious ways violence can infiltrate the most intimate spaces.
• Question 3: In what ways does Delia exercise agency within the story?
• Answer: Despite the abuse she endures, Delia demonstrates agency through her industriousness and financial independence. Her transformation is marked by a growing defiance of Sykes, culminating in the morally complex decision to withhold aid. This act, while chilling, signifies an assertion of self-preservation in a desperate situation.
• Question 4: What are the literary functions of Hurston’s use of dialect in “Sweat”?
• Answer: Zora Neale Hurston’s use of dialect serves multiple purposes. It provides authenticity and depth to the characters, grounding them in their regional and cultural identity. Additionally, during the Harlem Renaissance, it was a form of literary preservation, celebrating the richness and nuance of Black vernacular.

Literary Works Similar to “Sweat” by Zora Neale Hurston

Fiction:

• “The Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman: This short story explores themes of female confinement within patriarchal structures and the psychological unraveling that can result.
• The Color Purple by Alice Walker: This novel delves into themes of domestic abuse, the resilience of the human spirit, and the transformative power of female bonds within the context of Black Southern life.
• Short Stories by Flannery O’Connor: O’Connor’s works share Hurston’s Southern Gothic sensibility, often featuring flawed characters facing moral dilemmas, with elements of violence and unexpected twists.

Non-Fiction:

• Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston: Hurston’s acclaimed novel explores themes of identity, love, and female agency within the Black experience, providing a counterpoint to the domestic oppression depicted in “Sweat”.
• Dust Tracks on a Road by Zora Neale Hurston: This autobiography offers insights into Hurston’s personal experiences, cultural influences, and perspectives, which shaped her storytelling style and thematic focus.

Poetry:

• Works by Langston Hughes: A leading voice of the Harlem Renaissance, Hughes’ poetry celebrates Black vernacular and explores a range of experiences reflecting Black life in America, often expressing themes of struggle, resilience, and cultural pride.

Suggested Readings: “Sweat” by Zora Neale Hurston

Scholarly Articles

• Bell, Bernard W. “Folk Art and the Harlem Renaissance.” The Massachusetts Review, vol. 31, no. 1/2, 1990, pp. 295–309. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/25090100. Explores Hurston’s use of folklore and its connection to broader artistic and cultural movements.
• Meisenhelder, Susan. “The Whole Picture in Hurston’s ‘Sweat’.” American Literature, vol. 52, no. 4, Duke University Press, 1980, pp. 613–19. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/2925498.
  • Provides in-depth analysis of the story’s narrative structure, symbolism, and thematic complexity.
• Willis, Susan. “Eruptions of Funk: Historicizing Zora Neale Hurston.” Black American Literature Forum, vol. 16, no. 1, 1982, pp. 34–41. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/3041623.
  • Situates Hurston’s work, including “Sweat,” within the broader context of African American literary history and critical debates.

Anthology with Critical Introduction

• Gates, Henry Louis Jr., and Nellie Y. McKay, editors. “Sweat.” The Norton Anthology of African American Literature. 3rd ed., W. W. Norton & Company, Inc. 2014, pp 1497-1505.
  • Contains the text of the story alongside insightful critical commentary by leading scholars.

Additional Resources

• Lester, Neal A. “Images of the Folk in Zora Neale Hurston’s ‘Sweat’.” Teaching American Literature: A Journal of Theory and Practice, vol. 3, no 2, 2010.
  • Examines Hurston’s portrayal of community and Southern Black culture within the story.
• Voices from the Gaps: Zora Neale Hurston. University of Minnesota. voices.cla.umn.edu/vg/Bios/entries/hurston_zora_neale.html.
  • Provides biographical information, critical essays, and access to primary source materials related to Hurston’s life and work.