What is a theme for sweat?

An important theme of "Sweat" that is embedded within the story's title itself is that of hard work and suffering. Because Sykes refuses to help Delia, and indeed actively obstructs her in many ways, Delia can rely only on herself for her own survival, all while supporting Sykes as well by paying for their house, food, and other supplies. Delia underscores this theme when she says to Sykes, "Ah been married to you fur fifteen years, and Ah been takin' in washin' fur fifteen years. Sweat, sweat, sweat! Work and sweat, cry and sweat, pray and sweat" (1023). The repetitiveness of the phrase as well as the emotion with which Delia expresses it communicates the difficulty of the life that she leads: Delia works constantly, every day of the week, and the only form of relaxation or leisure activity that we see her engage in are the religious services she attends on Saturday. The difficulty of Delia's economic circumstances is only compounded by the physical and emotional abuse she endures from Sykes, from whom she no longer hopes for love.