One of the key components of literature is the use of elements, these elements of literature provide readers with underlying themes that authors place in their story. Without these literary elements, the author would have no way to convey their true messages in their works. In the short story “Sweat” by Zora Neale Hurston, Hurston uses many elements of literature to convey the seriousness and true relationship of couples who have a history of domestic violence. However, one specific element of literature that Hurston uses are symbols that give readers a clearer understanding of domestic abuse and, more importantly, the characteristics of the victim and perpetrator of an abusive relationship. The symbols Hurston uses in her story are what fortify the plot and characters of “Sweat.” The symbols that Hurston uses are necessary because they destroy typical gender role stereotypes between men and women. This is necessary because there is a big difference between the representation of men and women, as men are often superior to women. Hurston uses her symbol to show some equality between men and women or in some places women can even be superior to men. A symbol found in Hurston's story, "The Sweat", which Hurston uses to destroy the … It was much tidier than a number of bundles lying around. (Hurston 731). This quote shows that Delia represents the clothes that are in the hamper because they were tidier than the other bundles. We see order disrupted by disorder when Sykes antagonizes Delia over her job. Hurston, once again, breaks another gender role stereotype and shows that Sykes, the “man” of the relationship, is immature and most likely provides nothing to their relationship. Hurston shows readers that Sykes is not the breadwinner and has a very rude and quirky personality and lets himself go