Summary Of Sweat By Zora Neale Hurston

In the short story "Sweat" by Zora Neale Hurston, the author creates a tone of sympathy through her language and imagery. Delia also comes across as a spiritual person, a woman of faith. However, when Delia's husband Syke is mentioned, there is a shift in tone. When Syke is speaking, his tone comes across as very unlikable and disrespectful. Other characters, including the author, tend to sound hostile towards Syke. This tone shines through more when the men in the shop are talking about his abuse towards Delia. In the beginning of the story, Hurston's sympathy for Delia is reflected in her writing. She is a very hardworking woman, who is described as having a "poor little body" and "bare knuckly hands". In an argument with Syke, he indirectly calls her a
It also shows his lack of respect for Delia. Around mid-story, the village men saw Delia passing by. They began to talk about how bad Syke was to her. They felt bad for Delia and disliked Syke. The men had even talked about killing Syke, as suggested by Anderson. Hurston sums up their conversation about Syke as “civic virtue”, expressing their hostility towards Syke Jones. Despite all the verbal and physical abuse Delia is put through by her “strapping hulk” husband, she still is strong in her faith. Hurston portrays this in Delia's dialogue and the overall story. Delia goes to church every Sunday, and she even changes her church membership when she decides that Syke has fallen to the Devil. Further in the story, Syke attempts to scare Delia out of the house by bringing in a rattlesnake, which Delia calls “ol' Satan”.Ultimately, the overall tone of the story is maintained consistent. The author is empathetic to Delia's situation. This is expressed through dialogue, language, and imagery. At the end of the story, when Syke is attacked by the snake, Delia leaves him. Despite this, the author is not against Delia, but in support of