From reading “Sweat” it can be interpreted that the plot focuses more on the African American lower class, their religions, and how it affects their lives. Zora Neale Hurston’s theme of extreme love and hate within the African American family can be related to a cosmic struggle between good or bad, and God and Satan. In the 1920s, Florida was a world dominated by men who don’t much, except cheating, abusing, and gossiping. Analysis of text Within this scheme, the character Sykes (antagonist) represents those who defy God and rebel against compassion. He is already hardened, and does not see good within others. Throughout the story, the voice of Delia has virtues closely associated with Christian principles in America.
With hard work and “sweat”, she earns her way in life. In the bible, snakes ar
...e portrayed in many evil forms. With Sykes already being associated with evil, it was ironic that he is the one who dies by the snake bite, rather than Delia who it was intended for, because she lives such a path of righteousness and Sykes did not. During the time period in which it was written (1926), The Harlem Renaissance was underway and in its prime. Hurston soon found herself at its center. At the time, it was known as the “New Negro Movement”, and it was an intellectual and artistic explosion for the black community that took place in Harlem, New York. It marked a moment where African American culture was being recognized by white America, and also where black people started promoting the vision of self worth. Personal response With life already being hard enough, Delia’s husband Sykes, only makes
things worse for the entire family.
It seems af if most of the other citizens in town dislike Sykes for him being such a womanizer and cheater to his wife, who works so hard. In the middle of sorting clothes, Sykes attempts to intimidate his wife by using his bullwhip in place of a snake, Delia’s number one fear. He berates her for bringing “white people” clothes into their home, and demands her to quit her job as a washwoman. She refuses, causing Sykes to kick around the clothes she just finished folding. His persona is that of a narcissist and control freak, who lashes out when he doesn’t get his way. Although he treats Delia like dirt, she vows to never let Sykes bring her out of her good-mannered character. Conclusion Throughout the short story “Sweat”, it can be interpreted that the plot is not only about an unstable person who willingly tortures his wife in order to gain power and stability, but it also tells about the struggle of resistance. In the end, Sykes will accomplish his overall mission of scaring his wife Delia, however, it backfires to end up being his own demise.
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