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Symbolism in Zora Neale Hurston’s Sweat - Papers Online

Symbolism in Zora Neale Hurston’s Sweat

Zora Neale Hurston’s short story, “Sweat” revolves around the story’s main character Delia. It shows the journey of a woman who was timid and would take abuse from her husband to a strong, powerful woman with a backbone. Hurston’s story is rich in symbolism and focuses on strength, the differences in good versus evil, and karma. Symbolism is very prominent in Hurston’s story. The first symbol I noticed in the story was sweat. First and foremost, it is the title of the story. This puts forward the idea that it is of importance as all titles do. Next, it is discussed in the story multiple times. Delia’s sweat symbolizes the hard work she has done struggling to get by, working to wash the ...

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the story is the snake. In the beginning of the story, Sykes frightens Delia with the bull whip that she suspects is a snake. Delia is afraid of snakes, and Sykes plays this to his advantage in the story. The snake also ends up being the central element of Syke’s scheme against Delia. Ultimately it leads to Sykes’ demise when he tries to kill her by putting a poisonous snake in her washtub. The snake can symbolize a few different things. It can symbolize evil (the evil in Sykes), karma, or even Delia’s new strength or the backbone she gained throughout the story.

Both symbols are a big part of the story. They show different aspects of Delia’s character and life. The new strength she finds, karma, or even the fight between good versus evil. “Sweat” is a story full of meaning, symbolism, and teaching of life’s ...

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Symbolism in Zora Neale Hurston’s Sweat. (2011, March 21). Retrieved January 7, 2026, from http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Symbolism-in-Zora-Neale-Hurstons-Sweat/96483

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PAPER DETAILS

Added: 3/21/2011 06:48:16 PM
Submitted By: stephanieeeexo
Category: English
Type: Premium Paper
Words: 372
Pages: 2

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