"Sweat" written by Zora Neale Hurston is filled with symbolism, which give the readers a deeper understanding of "Sweat". The readers easily capture some of the descriptions Hurston uses, however some require more insight though in the end the readers are able to analyze. .
"Sweat" portrays the hardship that Delia Jones was subjected to from her husband Sykes of 15 years. After surviving years of her husband's physical and psychological abuse Delia finally get control of her life by using God to guide and protect her from her husband's physical and emotional abuse. .
The most obvious symbol of the story is Delia's sweat. Throughout the story readers were better able to understand the full meaning of "Sweat". Readers are able to understand her pain they are also able to understand her fear of Sykes because of his cruelty and countless beatings. .
Sweat mentioned in the story, "Looka heah, Sykes, you done gone too fur. Ah been takin" in washin" fur fifteen years. Sweat, sweat, sweat! Work and sweat, cry and sweat, pray and sweat!" (Kennedy, Gioia p.390) The sweat described is the result of Delia's hard work, her sweat.
Delia shows care in the laundry, much like her work the laundry is a big part of her life the laundry can symbolize Delia's home. The time spent on the laundry is much like the time she spends on her home. Delia defends her home and dedicate her time, her attention, and her body and her sweat into building the house that she shares wit Sykes. "Too late for everything except her little home. She had built it for her old days, and planted one by one the trees and flowers there. It was lovely to her, lovely". (Kennedy, Gioia p.391).
