Ah, marriage. To have and to hold, in sickness and in health…and through beatings and adultery? Let's just say—the union between Delia and Sykes in "Sweat" is by no means a pretty one. We find ourselves scratching our heads at how the pair lasted so long, especially with such a nasty start:
Two months after the wedding, he had given her the first brutal beating. (25)
Sounds like red flags to us, but hey, who are we to judge?
Questions About Marriage
- Why do you think Delia stays with Sykes for 15 years?
- Do you think Delia is a good wife?
- Was it easy or hard to get a divorce in the 1920s? Do you think this has something to do with Delia staying with Sykes?
- Can we find any redeeming qualities in Sykes as a husband?
Chew on This
Try on an opinion or two, start a debate, or play the devil’s advocate.
"Sweat" is a story that encourages women to be single.
Lots of marriages were unhappy marriages in the 1920s because men and women were not considered equal.