Delia's Path to Bee Free in Zora Neale Hurston's Sweat

Introduction

Zora Neale Hurston's short story, "Sweat," is a profound exploration of the challenges faced by women in a racially divided and patriarchal society. Through the character of Delia, Hurston vividly portrays the intersectionality of race and gender, offering a narrative that uplifts women in their quest for freedom and empowerment. Delia's journey from oppression to liberation is marked by her resilience in the face of an abusive husband and societal prejudices. This essay delves into the themes of intersectionality, the oppression of women and African Americans, and the symbolism of power in "Sweat." It examines how Delia's physicality, financial independence, and ultimate triumph over her oppressors reflect her transformation from victim to empowered woman.

Delia's Physicality as a Manifestation of Power and Repression

From the outset of the story, it is evident that Delia's physical body serves as both a source of power and a symbol of her repression. Although she may appear meek and physically inferior, Delia possesses an irrepressible spirit. Hurston describes a pivotal moment when Delia defies her domineering husband, Sykes:

"Delia's habitual meekness seemed to slip from her shoulders like a blown scarf. She was on her feet; her poor little body, her bare knuckly hands bravely defying the strapping hulk before her" (Hurston 1023).

This moment signifies a transformative shift for Delia, showcasing her ability to assert herself despite societal expectations.

However, it becomes apparent that the patriarchal society surrounding Delia reduces her worth to her physical appearance. The white porch dwellers, for instance, objectify her based on her looks and make demeaning comments. Elijah Moseley's statement, "Too much knockin' will ruin any 'oman," highlights not only men's power to devalue women but also their indifference to the struggles women face (Hurston 1024). The men on the porch further objectify Delia by likening her to a sugar-cane, diminishing her to a mere external entity devoid of intrinsic value. In this context, Sykes and the men on the porch serve as representative figures of masculine oppression.

Power Dynamics in Delia and Sykes' Marriage

The dynamic between Delia and Sykes is not solely about marriage or the representation of femininity and masculinity; it revolves primarily around power. Delia exerts power through her financial independence, as she rightfully earns her income. Nevertheless, financial power does not shield her from Sykes' abuse. A complex power play unfolds in their relationship, as Sykes, feeling emasculated by his dependence on Delia, seeks to assert control in other ways. He tantalizes Delia with the illusion of power, only to snatch it away by making decisions for her. Sykes states,

"Git whatsoever yo' heart desires, Honey. Wait a minute, Joe. Give huh two bottles uh strawberry soda-water" (Hurston 1025).

This manipulation demonstrates his desire to maintain dominance.

Sykes escalates his power struggle by introducing a snake into their home, attempting to intimidate Delia into submission. However, as Delia confronts her fear of the snake, her initial terror transforms into resilience and anger. Hurston writes,

"She stood for a long time in the doorway in a red fury that grew bloodier for every second that she regarded the creature that was her torment" (Hurston 1027).

Confronting her fear empowers Delia, enabling her to break free from Sykes' oppressive grip. In this transformative moment, Delia reclaims the power that had been taken from her, ultimately overcoming the obstacles that sought to disparage and subjugate her.

Symbolism of Power in "Sweat"

"Sweat" employs symbolism to highlight Delia's oppression and her path to freedom. Three prominent symbols in the narrative— the snake, the interplay of light and dark, and the Chinaberry tree — underscore Delia's journey.

The snake serves as a phallic symbol, representing both men and masculinity. Significantly, it is the snake that ultimately kills Sykes, suggesting that the unchecked authority of men can lead to their downfall. Furthermore, the snake holds biblical connotations of evil, aligning masculinity with malevolence. Hurston skillfully intertwines these symbols to critique the oppressive nature of patriarchy.

The interplay between light and dark represents contrasting themes in the story. Light symbolizes purity, enlightenment, and optimism, aligning with Delia's journey toward freedom. Her escape from the darkness of her home into the light underscores her empowerment. On the other hand, darkness symbolizes death and beauty, representing Sykes' entrapment in the shadows. However, it is essential to recognize that Delia, a black woman, emerges as the hero despite the darkness surrounding her. This contrast highlights the complexity of intersecting identities and challenges societal expectations.

Finally, the Chinaberry tree symbolizes peace and freedom, two elements Delia attains only after Sykes' demise. Her freedom signifies not only personal strength and resilience but also a scathing critique of patriarchal culture.

Conclusion

Zora Neale Hurston's "Sweat" is a powerful feminist narrative that explores the oppression of women within a racially divided and patriarchal society. Through Delia's transformation from victim to empowered woman, Hurston illuminates the intersectionality of race and gender and highlights the significance of resilience and determination in the face of adversity. Delia's physicality, financial independence, and ultimate triumph over her oppressors serve as a testament to the strength of women in their quest for liberation. The symbolism of power, embodied by the snake, the interplay of light and dark, and the Chinaberry tree, further underscores the themes of the story. "Sweat" ultimately empowers women, challenging notions of female inferiority and offering hope for their emancipation from oppression.