The Importance Of Life In Zora Neale Hurston's Sweat

Throughout the Harlem Renaissance time period, many black Americans struggled to make ends meet and live a fulfilling life. Most black Americans were poor and few had the luxury of comfortably working and living among white Americans – who often reject their identity as a black person. In addition, some poor black Americans hid their frustration and/or depression by appearing to be satisfied through smiles and singing. In Zora Neale Hurston’s “Sweat,” Delia Jones hides her frustration about her unfaithful husband, Sykes, and the hard work she must do with songs and an overall contemptuous tone – even when feeling angry. Hurston highlights that Delia labors as hard as a man by maintaining a well-paying job and being the sole provider of the family; Delia is also given immense emotional strength to kill Sykes with no remorse. Moreover, Hurston makes subtle claims about race and segregation when describing Delia’s job as a washwoman. Black Americans were increasingly trying to get proper jobs during the Harlem Renaissance, but Delia was lucky enough to have an acceptable job as a clothing
Hurston introduces a hardworking, black woman who demolishes the stereotypes of a man being the sole or main provider of the family and women being completely submissive. Hurston makes Delia the provider, instead of her husband, Sykes, gives her a job that pays well enough to provide for three people, and imbues her with a kind and meek personality paired with a strong heart and soul. Through all of this, Delia is able to climb the descending staircase that many black Americans had to go through. Although some opportunities were being opened to them, they still had to fight to live comfortably – whether it be financially or for personal gain, and the issues within the black community