Proceedings of the 5th International Conference on Gender Studies and Sexuality
Year: 2024
DOI:
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The Dual Burden: Gender and Racial Inequality in Hurston’s Sweat
Dr. Shokhan Mohammed Fatah
ABSTRACT:
Themes of gender and racial inequality are clearly intertwined in Zora Neale Hurston’s short story Sweat, written in the early 20th century American South. Focusing on the protagonist, Delia Jones, this paper discusses how she copes with dual burdens as a black woman. A feminist reading supported by critical race theories indicates how these intersecting oppressions can be seen from Delia’s abusive husband Sykes to broader social and racial prejudices existing at that time. By analyzing Hurston’s depiction of Delia as strong and able to make choices under systemic oppression, this research contributes to understanding the complex nature of gender and race relations in the text. In essence, Sweat is a poignant exploration of race and gender intersections revealing long lasting struggles against discrimination on African American women fighting for their rights. The significance of this paper lies in the depiction of the endurances and challenges faced by Black women. Being both Black and a woman, compared to a white woman, Delis has a heavier load.
keywords: Black women, feminist, gender, race, struggle