I need help regarding Seweat by Zora Neale Hurston.?

Question

What theme does the story present about human nature or the society in which the story is set? I also need to discuss how plot, characterization, conflict, and setting contribute to the understanding of the theme? I have to write an essay on this and I am having a hard time thinking of anything. Any help would be appreciated.

Answer 1

What about this:

Zora Neale Hurston's "Sweat" is a short story about the struggles and hardships in the life of an African American woman living in the south. The short story talked about the treatment of women in these times. Many women of present times can identify with the hardships that Delia encountered in her marriage. The story also deals with adultery in relationships and the dishonesty and heartache it brings to a relationship. The story gives many women of domestic violence the strength and the courage to stand up for themselves and against their husbands.
In these times it was hard for African American women to stand up to their abusive husbands. Getting a divorce was not a very common thing to do. Most women endured the pain and troubles of being physically and mentally abused everyday. A number of women were too poor to get a divorce or even runaway from their husbands. Husbands of these times supported the family and were the only ones who had a job in the family. In "Sweat" Delia was the supporter of the family she worked every day supporting herself and Sykes. This was not very common in these times. Most women stayed home and watched the children while the men supported the family. With women not working this made it hard for them to get enough money to leave their husbands and support themselves and their children without their husbands.

This link may assist you very much:

http://itech.fgcu.edu/faculty/wohlpart/alra/hurston.htm#Hurston%20Biography

Good luck

Answer 2

I haven't read the book, but you may want to try sparknotes.com

Answer 3

It depends..