Symbolism In Sweat By Zora Neale Hurston Essay

for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and cherish, till death do us part Although the author, Zora Neale Hurston, utilizes a varying array of symbolism, imagery, irony, and a magnitude of other literary techniques in the short story “Sweat”, it is the grim themes of marriage, abuse, and karmic irony that are the driving forces throughout the story. The protagonist’s role in her emotionally and physically abusive marriage was a reflection of the meager amount of self-respect and dignity she possessed. Furthermore, “Sweat” was a representation of the majority of African-American women in the early 1900s. Like most authors and novelists, Hurston did not write to simply put words on a page. Hurston was a conduit for the muffled voices of the oppressed African-American people during the early to mid-twentieth century. While she did not lead over 20,000 people in marches through Selma or Washington, Hurston was an influential civil rights activist by her own merit. Laurie Champion states, “although critics initially objected to Hurston 's works because she failed to take a political stance that focused on the plight of blacks in a racist society, during the 1970s, her works were rediscovered and fresh critical interpretations pointed out social and political concerns she…

can look for to indicate whether something good or bad is about to happen to them. In the story Sweat by Zora Neale Hurston, the main character Delia deals with a lot as she tries to continue to live with her adulterous husband. There are things that are regionally, culturally, and geographically accepted. This essay will illustrate how the motifs, historical background and symbols of Zora Neale Hurston 's "Sweat" illuminate the theme of the story. In the story, Delia, a wash worker is being…

Sweat Symbol Analysis “Sweat”, by Zora Neale Hurston, is a short story that paints a clear picture on how sometimes a man belittles his wife and makes her seem worthless. What men do not know however, is that wives are mostly always smarter than their husbands, at least in this case. This story portrays an unemployed man with an employed wife that is insecure with the fact that his wife is the main provider in their household. Having to live with this, he makes her life a living hell. Three…

Warren’s biographical essay about Zora Neale Hurston, her mother‘s death influenced her writing, when Hurston 's mother died her father swiftly moved on (Warren 3). His new wife had no love for his children, and at that point Hurston 's father stepped out of her life. In “Sweat” he is portrayed in the evil seen in Sykes. His actions lead to the beginning of “Sweat”. Hurston 's father being a minister also influenced her writing. Hurston constantly refers, alludes, and symbolizes aspects in…

It is often said that a story is only as good as its villain and, while argued by many, there is much truth in this statement. In the short story “Sweat” by Zora Neale Hurston, the villainous figure is represented by Sykes, Delia’s husband, who abuses her not only physically but emotionally as well. His innate moral corruption makes him a clear candidate as the antagonist in the story. Hurston develops Sykes’ depravity using dialogue, symbolism, and flashbacks, and, in turn, she expresses the…

servant of the whites. Nevertheless, society sees them as one. So he takes it all out on Delia and blames her for having to work for the whites, although he prefers this, instead of him having to be the one to do the whites’ work. “She squatted on the kitchen floor beside the great pile of clothes, sorting them into small heaps according to color, and humming a song in a mournful key.” (Hurston 01). This quote demonstrates that Delia is not a racist, but instead, a humble woman who doesn’t want…

There are two significant components that make up the short story “Sweat", written by Zora Neale Hurston, that assist the reader in interpreting the character of Delia Jones. First and foremost, the use of biblical allusions exemplifies the morality matters present in the short story to the audience. At the start of the opening paragraph, the reader is made known how Delia is a God fearing woman, “Sunday night after church, she sorted them and put the white things to soak,” (Hurston 386). It is…

Character development in literature can be extremely well illustrated through literary techniques. One novel in particular, Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston, is written in such a way that literary devices accomplish this purpose. Because of her use of various literary techniques, Hurston is able to develop Janie as a character and free her from the judgement that she experiences throughout the novel. The novel opens with the conclusion of Janie’s struggles. No longer married,…

It is still considered her best work and is currently considered a classic of American literature. However, during the Harlem Renaissance, this work was not only controversial but one that was heavily criticized by the Black Intellectual community. "Their Eyes Were Watching God" begins and ends with Janie, the main character, telling her life story to her dear friend Phoeby on one starry Florida evening. Janie describes her childhood, young adulthood and current middle age predicament through…

continuing the written history of the Hebrews and establishing the basis of Judaic tradition with Moses’ receiving of the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai. The description of the escape from Egypt as well as God’s intervention with the Plagues serves as reinforcement to prove that God is almighty and that that the Hebrews will prosper under his watch. The intention of the author is different in “Moses Man of The Mountain” as Hurston was writing in an artistic movement centered on the concept of…