Journal for Hurston

The reading for today is "Sweat" by Zora Neale Hurston. The story is about the relationship of an abused woman and her abusive husband. The story brings up some questions about the main character Delia. I find it strange that she would put up with a person like Syke for so long despite how abusive he is and how seemingly useless he is when it comes to earning a livelihood. On the other hand, I find it sad how Delia regains her love for Syke at the worst possible time, immediately before his death. The symbolism in this last scene I find interesting in that Syke is a man who has spent many years poisoning Delia with his venom and in the end he dies at he fangs of a snake that he himself brought into his home. I actually do not like either of the main character, because Delia possesses a self limiting timidness and Syke possesses sadistic mannerisms.