Though it was the third story to be published by Hurston, “Spunk” came across as well written and for that, it became one on Zora Neale Hurston’s most successful literary works. On reading the short story, the impression one gets of the characters is that of individuals who are not ready to make small sacrifices and with that in mind, a detailed analysis of “Spunk” and how the various characters presented therein find it hard to sacrifice hence bringing about misfortunes amongst themselves is not only timely but also relevant.
A Discussion
In the short story, the author presents quite a number of instances where an individuals inability to forego some wants ends up informing their downfall. For instance, two individuals whose downfall can be attributed to the desire for a single woman and their inability to cede ground include Spunk and Joe. Each in his own way sees it as his personal mission to enhance the happiness of Lena and hence neither is ready to give up the fight for what he or she believes in. Not even Lena.
To highlight their unyielding desire which fuels their insensitivity and inability to make sacrifices, it would be appropriate to look at the specific actions of Lena, Joe and Spunk. To begin with, Spunk’s insensitivity is demonstrated by his inability to guide Lena as to the choices which are most appropriate given the issues at play. For instance, instead of being involved with Lena while he knew very well she was still married to Joe, he would have encouraged her to pursue a divorce instead.
This would have gone a long way to facilitate Joe’s healing. Further, the communal outrage would have probably been lower. However, Spunk’s approach to the whole issue can be viewed as reckless and insensitive. This is also a view held by Jones (212). Hence the inability of Spunk to sacrifice here is clear in that he didn’t exercise the options that were at his disposal to ensure that less damage was caused by his involvement with Lena.
When it comes to Joe, he also shares a significant burden of blame for his inability to sacrifice. Joe could have read and interpreted the desires of his wife and acted accordingly when it was apparent she had a burning desire for Spunk. One of the options at his disposal included letting Lena go. In that regard, less damage would have been caused if he chose to let Spunk have Lena. However, the inability of both men to sacrifice is what ends up bringing about their deaths.
Hence in more that one way, their deaths act as a sacrifice for their inability to make sacrifices.It is also important to note that the inability to make sacrifices as well as a tendency towards insensitivity is not only limited to Joe and Spunk. Lena also stands as accused as far as insensitivity is concerned. For instance, her insensitivity and inability to sacrifice is demonstrated by her irresponsiveness to Joe’s position as well as her failure to secure a divorce which in this case is the better option.
Further, by her being involved with Spunk, she fails to make sacrifices to avert the resulting disaster. Essentially, there are several options she should have exercised including but not limited to ignoring her desires for Spunk for the sake of her involvement with Joe etc. She however throws all caution to the wind and a perfect example of this is when she gives Joe a rather disgusted look when he asks “ain’t I yo husband?” To further illustrate her inability or refusal to make sacrifices thereof, Lena refuses to keep her mouth shut though she could have seized the moment to express herself by saying that though she did not tend to hurt him (Joe), the person she was really in love with was Spunk.
According to Jones (149), “Spunk” has many similarities to “John Redding” as well as “Brittainy” in a sense that individuals especially in the family setting show their hardliner position by their inability to make sacrifices for the common good. In the case of Spunk, a woman is convinced she no longer wants to be with her husband but the husband refuses to let go. Therefore, in similarity to “John Redding” where the death of John is also informed by the inability to make sacrifices, “Spunk” presents the death of two men as a result of insensitivity and hardliner stands. However, it is important to note that while Joe and Spunk are convinced they are staying, John is conceived of leaving.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is important to note that in “Spunk”, the insensitivity of two characters, that is, Joe and Spunk is not the only issue that can be taken as the main cause of their death. This is because a number of other factors are at play and they hence set about to aggravate an already bad situation. However, the inability of Lena, Joe and Spunk to sacrifice informs the death of the two men which can be taken as a sacrifice for heir hardliner positions.
Works cited
Jones, Sharon. Critical companion to Zora Neale Hurston: a literary reference to her life
and work. Infobase Publishing, 2009.
