The Notion of Karma in Sweat - Essay Example

Total Word Count 220 September 10, A Karma in Sweat One is convinced that a person’s conduct and behavior towards fellowmen influences the way one’s life turns out in the end. In Zora Neale Hurston’s “Sweat”, the author focused on the challenges faced by the main character, Delia Jones, through her apparently abusive husband’s actions and intents. The concept of karma seemed to have decided the fate of Sykes, Delia’s husband, and contributed to her ultimate redemption. The characters in the story, as well as the evolving theme and style would affirm that karma, an ancient belief in Buddhism, apparently still applies in the discourse. The protagonist and main character, Delia, was depicted as a strong; yet submissive wife to Sykes. As a wash-woman, she was apparently perceived as the income earner and one who had tediously saved to pay for the house. The title of the story, sweat, seemed to be manifested and symbolized through Delia’s hard work and persistence in struggling to fight the challenges in life; particularly enduring the ridicule and abuse from her husband. At the onset, it was clearly disclosed that Sykes intentionally made fun of Delia to the point of scaring her out of her wits. Likewise, Delia was openly criticized by Sykes for her being skinny; likewise, her hands and limbs were aptly described, to wit: “knotty, muscled limbs… harsh knuckly hands” (Hurston 3). As a result of her physical appearance, submissive and meek nature, Delia was verbally and physically threatened by Sykes. She also knew that her husband has been unfaithful to her and the whole town knew about Bertha, Sykes other woman. The antagonist, Sykes, was pictured as an abusive, philandering, and insensitive husband. He knew that Delia was mostly scared of snakes. As such, he deliberately shoved a bull whip at Delia at the beginning of the story to ignite her fear. In addition, he was noted to be critical of Delia’s consistent practice of affirming her belief through attending regular Sunday services. He was noted to say that “You aint nothing but a hypocrite. One of them amen corner Christians--sing, whoop, and shout, then come home and wash white folks clothes on the Sabbath” (Hurston 2). As such, it could be deduced that he did not believe in taking part of becoming affiliated with the Christian faith. Eventually, Sykes’ behavior of antagonism and wanting to bring in fear and destruction was manifested when he brought in a rattlesnake in their home. The behavior and action of Sykes indicated that his desire was to instill fear, hatred, anger, and intense negative emotions on Delia. His actual intention for bringing in the snake was to eventually drive Delia out of their home or potentially inflict death to her so that his other woman, Bertha, could live with him. Bertha, the other woman, though only a minor character, was described as bold and fat. Likewise, Sykes took fancy of her so much that he even affirmed that “this was his town and she could have it if she wanted it” (Hurston 5). Her character is still relevant in the story since it was because of her consensual affair with Sykes that Sykes had the desire and initiation to inflict destructive conduct and behavior to Delia. As such, her role could be deemed contributory to the events that ensued. One of the themes that emerged in the story was karma, or actions that determine the fate and destiny of the characters. Through the embodiment of Delia as a meek and submissive wife, she was subjected to ridicule, abuse, and had to contend with the fact that she has to continue living and supporting her husband despite knowing of his wanton unfaithfulness. Thus, she could be viewed as a martyr or as a fool. However, despite the apparent physical weakness, as compared to the antagonist, in the end, it would be revealed that there were other forces beyond the exemplified traits that led to Delia’s redemption. On the other hand, the overpowering strength exhibited by Sykes enabled him to impose his aggressive behavior on Delia. The fear that he was able to instill enticed the intended reaction. He ultimately would have wanted to inflict death to Delia so that he can have the house to himself and to Bertha. Thus, his bad behavior and action did not go unnoticed. His eventual fate defined what he really deserved. Another theme in the story was the strong belief and faith in God. Delia was noted to be a strong believer in her faith through consistently attending Sunday service. As a Christian, Delia was described as steadfast in her belief. This could have rationalized her conviction to sacrifice and sustain the hardships of matrimony due to the belief that what God has joined together in marriage should not be separated by men. Likewise, her faith could also be instrumental in providing her strength and protection against the snares of the devil. In the story, the snake could symbolize the devil and one that is potentially capable of inflicting injury, pain, or even death. On the other hand, since Sykes was not a firm Christian believer, it could be deemed that his lack of faith and belief in the Supreme Being led to his ultimate demise. Finally, the style of writing included the use of colloquial language that made the discourse more authentic and unique. It could be observed that the dialogue between Delia and Sykes using colloquial language was predominant. This style contributed to affirming that the characters lived at a time where the local language proved their authenticity as traditional black folks. Likewise, it was noted to be set from the author’s local community at Florida where Christianity was known to be evidently practiced. Delia was described to be attending Sunday services and have apparently gained strength from the beliefs and hopes in the promise of salvation. In addition, there was irony in the story as Sykes, who knew that he could not be bitten by the snake due to his known ability to handle them, was the one who finally got snared by it. His wicked plans did not pay off. Through the forces of karma, his abusive and offensive behavior against his wife, who had supported him all through his life, generated the kind of action and effect that is totally due him. Overall, it was clearly evident that the characters in the story, in conjunction with the evolving theme and style finally affirmed that the forces of karma decided the fate of Sykes and Delia. Sykes, who did not exhibit any kind word or behavior towards his wife and who intended to inflict fear, destruction, and death was the recipient of these negative intentions. On the other hand, Delia, who was meek and submissive; yet strong in belief in God through her Christian faith, was finally redeemed from the sacrifices, challenges, and sweat inflicted by her abusive husband. In the end, it was a story of good overcoming evil; a triumph of consistently manifesting good work, of her belief in Christian values and of the hope in salvation. As such, despite being subjected to such pain and agony from the person who was expected to have given her love and support, her stance in life affirmed that her good behavior would eventually lead her to the life that she longed to have. Work Cited Hurston, Zola Neale. "Sweat." n.d. lists.wsu.edu. http://lists.wsu.edu/pipermail/english/attachments/20130206/4fdc96a6/HurstonSweat.pdf. 9 February 2014. Read More