Sweat by Zora Neale Hurston Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards for Sweat by Zora Neale Hurston

Delia Jones

The protagonist, a hardworking washerwoman who endures years of abuse from her husband.

Sykes Jones

Delia’s cruel and unfaithful husband, who torments her and flaunts his affair.

Bertha

Sykes’ mistress, whom he brings into town to humiliate Delia.

Sweat (Symbolism)

Represents Delia’s hard work and suffering.

The Snake (Symbolism)

A symbol of Sykes’ evil nature and eventual fate.

The Laundry (Symbolism)

A metaphor for Delia’s perseverance and cleansing of her life.

The House (Symbolism)

A representation of Delia’s independence and survival.

What is the setting for this Story?

The story is set in a small rural African American community in central Florida during the early 20th century.

What does Delia’s home serve as?

A symbol of her hard work and the fruits of her labor.

What are the themes present in this story?

Female empowerment & Resilience, Abuse & Justice, Race, Class and Gender