Zora Neale Hurston\'s \"Sweat\"

¶ … Justice Served

Justice is served in Zora Neal Hurston's "Sweat." The writer shows the central character as a person who is subjected to a great deal of pain through her marriage with Sykes and thus makes his death seem less of a sad incident. This episode actually frees Delia and makes it possible for her to actually consider life without him -- a lifestyle that would involve her doing what she pleases rather than to be pressured by her husband. "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." (Neal Hurston)

We learn immediately that Delia is the worker in the family. In spite of his attitude and in spite of the fact that he generally employs an authoritarian position when he is in his wife's presence, Sykes is actually the one who doesn't work in the house, with his wife struggling to earn a living for both of them. "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. Mah sweat is done paid for this house and Ah reckon Ah kin keep on sweatin' in it." (Hurston)

3. Although she is a hard-working and loyal, Delia has been and continues to be abused by Syked. It is noted, she goes through a great deal of effort as she tries to provide the basic necessities for her and her husband. Instead of appreciating her work, Sykes actually wants to leave her and is unhesitant about making her life a living hell. Delia is a victim in her marriage and the more time she spends with Sykes the worse her life becomes.

4. Sykes, on the other hand, is neither hard-working nor loyal. Delia says that he takes advantage of her and that he is generally unhesitant about laying around all day while she endeavors to provide for the household. "When dey's satisfied dat dey is wrung dry, dey treats 'em jes lak dey do a cane-chew. Dey throws em away." (Hurston) When considering Clarke's position with regard to Sykes and Delia's relationship, it would be safe to say that he and the other men discussing about the couple are somewhat empathic about the woman's situation. Even with this, they see matters as being part of a natural flow of life, with Delia's condition being no different from the condition of many other women that are abused and forced to work while their husbands virtually take the life out of them across time.

5. In addition, Sykes has and continues to abuse Delia. It is noted, however, that she is hesitant about doing something with regard to this. While she usually accepts his behavior and silently waits for each day to pass without experiencing too much suffering because of him, at one point she is actually reluctant to accept to be used and surprises both him and readers. "She seized the iron skillet from the stove and struck a defensive pose, which act surprised him greatly, coming from her." (Hurston) This intimidated Sykes and for a second made it possible for him to comprehend that he is much more vulnerable than he thinks he is.

6. In the end, justice is served for Delia. It is noted, however, that she is confused about the overall chain of affairs leading to her husband's death. The fifteen-year period she spent in constant fear probably had a strong influence on her perception of their relationship and even though it made her happy that he was gone, she still had problems processing this information.

Delia practically experienced a purging ritual as her husband's life is slowly leaving his body. She feels a type of peace that plays an important role in making her stronger and in making her feel that fate finally turned in her favor.

7. In the end, justice is served to Sykes. It is noted, however, that this type of justice should trigger feelings related to confusion than to clarity. It is difficult to determine whether one should feel happy because Delia is finally free or if he or she should feel compassion with regard to Sykes in spite of the fact that he deserves to be bitten by the snake. "A surge of pity too strong to support bore her away from that eye that must, could not, fail to see the tubs." (Hurston) Delia herself appears to feel sorry for him, and this happens despite that she was subjected to fifteen years of abuse.