Sweat By Zora Neale Hurston Character Analysis

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“Sweat” Essay In the short story, “Sweat” Zora Neale Hurston developed characterization by having the character grow throughout the story. She used literary elements to help form the character. In the story the main character Delia changed quite a bit. Delia was a hardworking, independent and strong woman. She had an abusive husband named Sykes. He was violent, cruel and a flirt. The setting was in Eatonville, Florida during the 1920’s and depression time. Delia was a wash woman. “Ah done told you time and again to keep them white folks’ cloths outa dis house,” this meant Delia washed the white peoples clothing for money. Sykes was not okay with this. He obviously had a problem with people, especially since he didn’t want Delia to wash the clothes inside his house. This shows his side of anger and violence towards Delia. “Naw you won’t,” she panted,” that ole-snaggle-toothed…foot foremost.” This was when Delia first showed her defensive and independent side of her. Sykes was shocked by her standing up to him so he just left. “It cowed him and he did not strike her as he usually did.” From this point it was clear that he’s physically abusive towards her and her rebellion was shocking. “Sykes, what you throw…Ah is of snakes,” this shows one of Delia’s fears. Sykes threw a…show more content…
It was when John Clarke compares women to sugar canes. “There’s plenty of men dat takes his wife lak dey do a joint un sugar-cane.” It was used to show how men used women for all their needs and when they’re done they just throw them out. Another metaphor she used was when Delia compared her relationship with Sykes to a flower. “Anything like flowers had long ago been drowned in the salty stream that had been pressed from her heart.” Her relationship with him wasn’t cared for like a flower should have been. Therefore their relationship died because of that. The salty stream is compared to her tears that Sykes made her

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