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Sweat By Zora Neale Hurston

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"Sweat" is a short story by Zora Neale Hurston that explores the relationship between Delia and Sykes, a married couple living in rural Florida in the early 20th century. Before the time of the story, their relationship was characterized by Sykes' abuse and infidelity towards Delia. Sykes spent Delia's hard-earned money on other women and forced her to wash the laundry of white people to support their household. The men on Joe Clark's porch are a reflection of the larger community's attitudes towards Delia and Sykes' relationship. They view Sykes as a lazy and abusive husband and sympathize with Delia's struggles. However, they also reinforce gender roles by suggesting that Delia should be more submissive to her husband, even if he mistreats

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