Modern Mag May 2014 | Page 31

During life, peoples’ views tend to fluctuate during certain periods of time, as demonstrated in Hurston’s short story Spunk. Throughout the story the main character Spunk is confronted with situations that parallel the situations confronting society at this time. These situations show the strain on society with ideas like feminism, as demonstrated by Spunk’s quest for the hand of his lover Lena. How ever certain parties do not welcome this relationship. These parties center on Lena’s husband and his anger over Lena’s affair. Spunk is confronted by Lena’s husband and is forced to kill him in self defense. Despite this unfortunate event Lena and Spunk become engaged. However their happiness is short lived and an event occurs that shatters their lives’. Right before the wedding, Spunk is killed and Lena is now ostrich sized. In conclusion Hurston demonstrated in her short story “Spunk” how throughout history dramatic changes in societal views.