Zora Neale Hurston\'s \"Sweat,\" Zora

Zora Neale Hurston's "Sweat,"

Zora Neale Hurston's short story, "Sweat," is a tale about the struggle of African-American women in the south. Delia works hard for the money she earns and has a home to show for it. Sykes, on the other hand, is nothing but an abusive lazy excuse for a man. Even for her hard work, Delia had to endure some rather unpleasant circumstances; including knowing Sykes was cheating on her. "Sweat" is about Delia's courage to fight for what is hers, even if it means turning away from Sykes in his moment of need. On the surface, this story seems to be about spite but beneath we see that this story is about karma.

While she and Sykes are married, they have not equally contributed to the house. Delia has paid for it with her "sweat" (350). Sykes calls her a hypocrite for washing "white fools' clothes on the Sabbath" (350) but he is too dense to realize that she makes it possible for him to play around. It should be noted that he simply does not waste Delia's money frivolously; he also spends it to pay for his mistress' rent. He even tells Bertha that she can have the house once he gets Delia out of it. Beating his wife and dominating her in anyway possible allows him to feel proud. We also read that the couple fights "all the time with no peaceful interludes" (353). Even when Delia tried to be nice, Sykes rebuffs her.

Hurston paints the picture of a woman shamed into avoiding passing people in town. She avoids passing through town where she might hear any gossip or met anyone that wanted to speak to her about Sykes. Those living near the couple know of Sykes' behavior. They know he beats Delia enough to "kill three women" (352). He also has a reputation for cheating on his wife. He is such a despicable person that Old Man Anderson believes he should be killed. Delia seems to be in a losing situation. Her husband hates her and there seems to be nothing she can do. Her strength is overlooked to a certain extent. Through it all, she manages to work and work hard. She retains her dignity when others might have given up.