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Resilience In 'Sweat'

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Lulu Mihyar Ms. Gommermann Honors English 10 03 February 2023 Resilience in “Sweat” Through the use of imagery and symbolism in her story “Sweat,” Hurston highlights the theme that individuals write their own destinies. In the story, the protagonist, Delia is being abused by her husband of 15 years, Sykes. Throughout the exhausting relationship, Delia’s confidence in standing up to Sykes increases. The author creates a vivid image with explicit details of a scene to emphasize the theme. During an argument at dinner, Delia commands Sykes to remove the snake that he had brought to the house to scare her. Delia bursts out her pent-up rage by declaring she wants him out of her house. Sykes is so awestruck: “[He] almost let the huge wad of corn bread and …show more content…

Sykes’ reaction reveals the rarity of her confidence and independence. Specifically, his “amazement” was so strong that his mouth released his dinner and it portrayed Delia’s assertiveness and how unusual it was for her to make her own decisions and demands. Additionally, Sykes asked a question during another meal that implied he was not a financial burden to her, even though he spends excessive amounts of her earned money. Afterward, Hurston forms a detailed scene of a heated argument between the characters. Furiously, Delia “seized the iron skillet from the stove and struck a defensive pose…It cowed [Sykes] and he did not strike her as he usually did” (2). Hurston’s juxtaposition of the intense words “seized” and “cowed” portrays the abruptness of the act, as well as the character roles reversing. Delia intimidates Sykes, as he has done to her in the past, displaying how Delia takes charge of her destiny. The abuse Delia endures forces her to become resilient over time and overcome any hardships. The author utilizes symbolism to show the theme that individuals write their own destinies. Earlier in the narrative, Delia states she

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