Foreshadowing and Irony in “Sweat” by Zora Neale Hurston

The short story Sweat, by Zora Neale Hurston, manipulatems to exemplify the epitome of a bad marriage. Hurston uses foreshadowing and banter to demonstrate the disintegrated relationship between the scurrilous husband and the diligent wife. Throughout the story, it be add ups obvious that the husband does not oblige by the motto, Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Hurstons use of irony and foreshadowing helps reveal the fact that the good will prevail and Sykes will finally get what he deserves. From the very beginning, the reader notices the psychological and verbal ill-usage that Sykes puts on Delia.It was a Sunday and Delia decided to get ahead on her work for the week by separating piles of clothes by color. Fear and so came upon her when something long, round, limp, and black fell upon her shoulder and slithered to the floor beside her (355). Sykes bull whip, mistaken for a snake, invokes great terror (355) and extreme fear in Delia, foreshadowing an event t hat is to come in the future. It also demonstrates the distant relationship between Sykes and Delia. With full knowledge of Delias fear of snakes, Sykes continues to haunt her with them throughout the story.While Delia falls to the oppression of her husband, Sykes just about commits these acts as torture. Because of Hurstons strong use of irony, it is evident that one day Delia will prevail and a clue to Sykes fate is provided that one day he will be haunted by a snake as well. Delia is obviously the breadwinner of the family and works hard to support both herself and Sykes. Unfortunately, Sykes takes this for granted by pic relatedgs advantage of the free housing while saving his rarely earned money to spend on other women.Fully aware of this, Delia mentions that whatever goes over the Devils back is got to come under his belly. Sometime or ruther, Syke, like everybody else, is gointer reap his sowing (357). The use of irony here demonstrated that what goes around, comes around a nd in one case again alludes to Sykes fate. Many more indications throughout the story seem to allude to Sykes death. The other men in the town seem to disrespect Sykes and even invoke that he should die. While Delia started to deliver the clean laundry in town one ay, the men talked about how Delia is too good for Sykes and that she deserves better, They also despise Sykes for running around with an ugly and fat woman, ultimately cheating on his hardworking wife. Finally, one man says, Syke Jones aint wuth de shot an powder hit would tek tuh get the better of em. Not to huh he aint (357) while another man adds, an we oughter kill im (358). It seems like Hurston portrays this hostility to reiterate to the reader that Sykes will fall victim to a well deserved death. Perhaps the most important event in the story occurs when Sykes brings home a huge six-foot living snake.Fear erst again overcomes Delia and she pleads, Syke Syke, mah Gawd You take dat rattlesnake way from heah You gottuh. Oh, Jesus, have mussy (360). Sykes, on the other hand, stands in amusement almost as if he loves to see Delia psychologically abused. His cockiness unravels as he acts like he is invincible and like anyone and anything should and will comply with him. In regards to the enormous snake, Sykes boasts, He wouldnt routine me cause Ah knows how tuh handel im (360). He makes sure to instill fear into Delia by telling her to be careful because the snake would have no problem coming later her.Hurston also has Sykes portray his own death. In this alike scene, Sykes reply to Delias request of getting rid of the snake is, Ah aint got to do nuthin uh de kin fact is Ah aint got tuh do nothin but die (360). This statement only means that Sykes will not listen to Delia at anytime and enjoys torturing her in any way possible. He admits that he would rather die than give Delia the pleasure of control at any moment. This scenario is perhaps the most ironic because it is this same snake tha t takes Sykes life once and for all.