Zora Neale Hurston- “Sweat”
Unit # ______
Name: _____________________
Directions: Complete the following questions on the memoir “Sweat.”
1. At the end of the story, does Sykes get what he deserves? Is Delia justified in her actions?
2. How does she feel about what happens to her husband?
3. What are some places in the story that foreshadow the ending?
4. Find some biblical imagery/ religious symbolism in the story.
5. Explain the treatment of women in the story.
6. What does the story reveal about society during this era?
Directions: Read the selection first, and then fill in the graphic organizer in order to write a critique
of the short story.
Discuss your
overall impression
of the story.
What is your
reaction to the
story (thesis)?
Identify passages
to support your
reaction.
Explain how/why
these passages
validate your
reaction.
What conclusions
have you drawn
from the story?
Your critique should follow the format below and be around 1 paragraph long (5-10
sentences)
Hook (grab the reader)
Link (explain the hook)
Thesis (Reaction to story)
Passages that support reaction/why they validate it
Conclusion
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