Hurston Spunk Analysis

In Hurston’s Spunk, the author’s usage of imagery to characterize key characters gives an insight into the prevalence of gender roles within the story. Being told from the perspective of a townsperson, Spunk is first introduced as a “giant of a brown-skinned man” and as “big as life an’ brassy as tacks”(1) from the point of view of one of the townspeople. When walking into the town, he had Lena, “small pretty woman clinging lovingly to his arm” (1). Using imagery to show their physical appearance, Hurston demonstrates both the roles of a masculine and feminine character. With the repeated usage of the word “big” by the narrator, Spunk is portrayed as a masculine figure showing authority and control. On the contrary, Lena, who is described using words like “small” and “pretty” embodies the feminine traits

First and foremost, Lena leaving Joe for Spunk immediately sets the two men apart, further strengthening Spunk’s position as the ultimate male authority while also invoking imagery of Joe being a pathetic powerless man. Secondly, Joe’s acceptance of the situation and the public humiliation of getting his wife stolen puts him in a submissive position. Finally, when the townspeople work Joe up enough for him to stand up for himself and attempt to murder Spunk and claim his wife, he ends up getting killed. Unlike Spunk who is big and reeks of masculinity and authority, Joe hunches and twitches nervously, making him a weaker and submissive character. Moreso, using his masculine authority, Spunk is shown as a man who takes what he wants. On the contrary, Joe’s failure to take back his wife shows his lack of masculine authority. Therefore, Joe, who fails in every aspect to be masculine, is more of a feminine character than a masculine character. This all culminates to show the influence that gender roles have on character’s actions within