preview

Dynamic Characters In Sweat, By Zora Neale Hurston

Decent Essays

Ethics and morals are often used equally, but with different meanings. What they do have in common is deciding the difference between good and bad, or right and wrong. The differences lead to morals referring to personal beliefs or principles regarding good or bad behavior. However, ethics are laws we people must follow without agreeing if they are right or wrong. In “Trifles,” by Susan Galspell, “Sweat,” by Zora Neale Hurston, and “The Storm,” by Kate Chopin, they use dynamic characters to strengthen the theme of ethics and morals. First, in “Trifles,” the character of Mrs. Peters develops as a dynamic character throughout the play, expressing ethical and moral dilemmas. Originally, the sheriff’s wife, Mrs. Peters, seems to be a big supporter of her husband and a …show more content…

Peters expressed emotion towards Minnie’s struggles, realizing they shared some similar experiences in marriage. Mrs. Peter states, “I know what stillness is. When we homesteaded in Dakota, my first baby died – after he was two years old – and me with no other than him” (Glaspell 988). This quote shows Mrs. Peter’s realization of the hardships that are faced by women, which unfolds her moral dilemma. Also, Mrs. Peter’s ethical dilemma is deciding to hold the evidence that could expose Minnie, which shows the conflict between her law following and respect for Minnie. In Holstein’s article, she states, “Although neither they nor the men realize it, they too are conducting an investigation” (283). This quote highlights that Mrs. Peter and Mrs. Hale are conducting their investigation by staying silent and piecing together the truth of Minnie’s situation. This not only shows Mrs. Peter’s growth, but also the silent suffering of women in society, which justifies a dynamic character. Next, in the short story “Sweat,” Delia appears to be a dynamic character due to the ethical and moral dilemmas she faces in her marriage. To begin with, Delia represents a suffering wife experiencing abuse by her husband,

Get Access