“Sweat” by Zora Neale Hurston is a moving story about the human struggle as it relates to women. The story begins with a hard-working black washerwoman named Delia, who folds laundry contentedly and peacefully in her quiet home. Her placidity doesn't last long when her abusive husband, Sykes, appears just in time to put her in her abused place. Délia has been affected by this abuse for around fifteen years. She lived with constant beatings, adultery, and even six-foot-long venomous snakes placed in places she needed access. Her husband's vindictive acts of torment and the way he used her selfishly can only be defined as malignant. In the end, the hard-working woman has no choice but to make the most arduous decision of her life. In other words, either defend yourself and let your husband expire, or continue to serve as a victim. “Sweat” reflects the plight of women in the 1920s and 1930s, as African American culture underwent a shift in domestic dynamics. During the era of slavery, women typically headed African American families and assumed the role of family members. assuming domestic responsibilities. On the other hand, men, enslaved at the time, were emasculated by their obligations and the treatment at the hands of white masters changed this dynamic as African American men began working paid jobs and women were abandoned. at home, African American women were only superficially assimilated into a subcategory of human existence defined by gender discrimination. (Chambliss) In keeping with this story, Delia was the winner of the bread, strengthening herself and Sykes. 1926 "Sweat" demonstrates vigor as well as middle of paper......ng point, "Mah cup is done run ovah", again, another metaphorical illustration of how she is tired of being mistreated physically and mentally by Sykes, her rage is therefore channeled into protecting her and the property she has assumed through her dedication as a washerwoman. Hurston makes this very clear as Delia yells at Sykes, "Don't think Ah'm going to be executed in a 'fum mah house' sense either." » Sykes has been unfaithful to Delia for a while now and she finally won the finale. straw. Hurston empowers Delia, writing, “Delia said this without any sign of fear and Sykes left the house, threatening her, but made no move to carry out any of them. » This is an important step for Delia towards independence. Delia is no longer afraid of Sykes, but she still has one more fear to overcome before she can completely free herself from oppression..