Sweat E-Book

Zora Neale Hurston

• Herausgeber: Alien Ebooks
• Kategorie: Gesellschafts- und Liebesromane
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 25

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2024

Beschreibung

Delia Jones endures the relentless cruelty of her husband, Sykes, in a small Florida town. As a hardworking washwoman, she finds solace in her routine and the church, despite Sykes's abusive behavior and infidelity. When Sykes brings a deadly rattlesnake into their home to terrorize her further, Delia's fear transforms into a cold, determined rage.

Leseprobe

Table of Contents

COPYRIGHT NOTE

INTRODUCTION, by Karl Wurf

SWEAT, by Zora Neale Hurston

COPYRIGHT NOTE

Originally published in Fire!! A quarterly devotedto the younger Negro artists, Vol. 1, No. 1 (1926).

Published by Alien Ebooks.

INTRODUCTION,by Karl Wurf

Zora Neale Hurston, an influential African American writer and anthropologist, is celebrated for her profound contributions to literature and folklore. Born in 1891 in Alabama and raised in Eatonville, Florida, Hurston’s works often explore the rich cultural tapestry of African American life in the South. Her short story “Sweat,” published in 1926, exemplifies her narrative prowess and is a significant piece within the Southern Gothic tradition. This genre, known for its exploration of decay, grotesque elements, and dark themes, provides a fitting backdrop for “Sweat,” which delves into domestic abuse, racial tensions, and the struggle for personal agency in the oppressive heat of Florida.

Hurston’s portrayal of Delia, a hardworking washwoman trapped in a loveless and abusive marriage, is a poignant reflection of resilience and endurance. Through vivid descriptions and powerful dialogue, Hurston captures the essence of Southern life and its inherent struggles.

Hurston’s work is also viewed as a cornerstone of the Harlem Renaissance, a cultural movement in the 1920s and 1930s that celebrated African American cultural, artistic, and intellectual achievements. Her unique voice and focus on African American folklore and vernacular distinguished her within this movement, solidifying her legacy as a key figure in American literature.

Modern readers should be aware that the language and depictions in the story are not politically correct by today's standards. The story includes themes which may be viewed as triggers, including domestic abuse, racial tension, and uses terminology that can be considered offensive. These elements, while authentic to the period and the experiences Hurston sought to portray, may be disturbing to some readers. Hurston's work remains a crucial part of American literature, offering valuable insights into the social and cultural issues of the early 20th century. However, it is important to approach this story with an understanding of its historical context and the evolution of societal norms and language.

SWEAT,by Zora Neale Hurston

It was eleven o’clock of a Spring night in Florida. It was Sunday. Any other night, Delia Jones would have been in bed for two hours by this time. But she was a washwoman, and Monday morning meant a great deal to her. So she collected the soiled clothes on Saturday when she returned the clean things. Sunday night after church, she sorted them and put the white things to soak. It saved her almost a half day’s start. A great hamper in the bedroom held the clothes that she brought home. It was so much neater than a number of bundles lying around.

She squatted in the kitchen floor beside the great pile of clothes, sorting them into small heaps according to color, and humming a song in a mournful key, but wondering through it all where Sykes, her husband, had gone with her horse and buckboard.