Sweat Religion Quotes

Right from the first paragraph we know how important work and church are to Delia—one feeds her belly and the other feeds her soul. As the story progresses, we see that religion and faith are just as important as her job in getting her through life.

Delia uses church as a reason to not fight with her husband, but to no avail. This quote places Delia and Sykes at odds with each other—she tries to maintain harmony and peace, while he tries to pick a fight. If she's a saint, Sykes is definitely a sinner. This isn't the only time we might be led to make this comparison, either.

Sykes tries to make Delia feel bad for working and tries to exert power over her by forbidding her to work on a Sunday—it is the Sabbath, after all. But, hello, if she doesn't work, how would he eat and how would she pay for the house? Maybe if Sykes did a little more than just shout and cheat she could afford to take time off. What a loser.

Wait—Sykes is religious, too? He must be talking about the village men, but we know for a fact they don't like him, so he must be just talking out of his backside…if you know what we mean. And how does he figure it's his house? Sykes doesn't pay for anything and has a lot of nerve posing as a devout, property-owning man.

Delia is convinced that either God or the Devil will eventually punish Sykes for all of his bad deeds. We're not sure if this faith is a good coping mechanism, or a way for Delia to avoid taking matters into her own hands.

Oh, snap—it looks like Delia has finally found the way to free herself from Sykes. By moving her church membership she is physically and spiritually severing herself from Sykes and her old life.

Hmm, sounds like the opposite of what's going on in Delia's house. The church is like chicken noodle soup for her tired soul—it's a way for her to feel some sort of love in her life, because she sure ain't getting any from Sykes.

Nope, Delia's not talking to Sykes here; she's talking to the snake. Unfortunately, 'satan' is not where he's supposed to be (in his box) and has escaped, appearing in the most sacred of places—the bed.

We're with Delia on this one. If we were God, we'd be on her side, too. She's been a good, faithful wife for 15 years, cooking, cleaning, keeping house, and going to church. In fact, in many people's books, she's a model wife, and Sykes definitely doesn't deserve her.

Oh Sykes, there's probably no use in pleading for help from God when all your life you've been a jerk. You cheat on your wife and beat her, and you're a glutton and a liar. Good luck on the other side.