Character Analysis Of Delia In Lois Tyson's Sweat

Delia in the story “Sweat” had an abusive husband, which some say she stayed with because of her moral aptitude as a church going lady, some say because she feared being alone, or that in that era subservience was normal for most women then. Delia, as a church going lady, took her religion and spirituality very seriously. She believed that a woman should always be faithful to her husband and God. Despite all the abuse that her husband, Sykes subjected her to, she kept her mind and heart focused on her work and the word of God she heard at the church meetings. These meetings gave her desire and strength to carry on even though she was talked about by the towns’ people who periodically witnessed the abuse she suffered from her husband. …show more content…
If we keep ourselves distant, we do not have to remember feeling abandoned, neglected, and other painful aspects of trauma.” (18). Delia mentally removed herself from her pain and anguish, she trusted God to help her to look past her husbands’ mean and hateful ways. Her chaotic life had become normal and for her, she at least had someone to talk to even if it was not perfect. She would rather stay and endure the hardships and hurtful pleasantries than to be alone. Sykes was all that she had known and the fear of the unknown would weigh heavy upon …show more content…
Delia’s quest to be the righteous, spiritual and Godly woman brought her hope. She knew that if she could just hang on to what she knew about her God, that someday she would be okay. The fear that she felt about being alone or the fear of the unknown, could have been a mirage that caused her to see things that really weren’t there. Delia was a woman who dealt with the hand that was drawn for her; she suffered as well as enduring all of the turmoil that plagued her life. She weathered the storms of her life and through it all, she found strength to accept what was unknown to her and she embraced the peace that it would bring. In conclusion, as I read the story of Delia, I found myself relating to her in more ways than one. In my past, I recount the time I was in an abusive relationship. Young and lacking experience, I encountered similar situations as Delia. My hurtful and abusive childhood seemed to spill over into my young adult relationship with a man whom I thought loved me. I later found that love is not hurtful, love is not abusive, love is not controlling nor manipulating. Love is caring; love is peace, joy, and laughter. Love is unconditional, not expecting anything in