Describe symbolism in Sweat by Zora Neale Hurston

The author uses sexual and religious symbolism in the story to represent important themes in the lives of black women. Oppressed black men would often times inflict inappropriate sexual behavior on their women as a means of control. The "long, round, limp and black" bullwhip which brushes Delia's shoulder and the rattlesnake itself are obvious phallic symbols by which Sykes controls Delia. Sykes even shows off the rattlesnake to the men in town so that his boasts symbolize his superior masculinity and prowess.