Spunk

Hurston introduces Joe Kanty as “a round-shouldered figure in overalls much too large” (55). The closest thing this story has to a protagonist, Joe is dwarfed not only by his clothes but also by the task at hand: reclaiming his wife, Lena, from Spunk, who, apart from being larger and stronger than Joe, is also better dressed and better armed. Joe’s primary motivation is his love for Lena: As Walter puts it, he “ain’t never had nothin’ nor wanted nothin’ besides Lena” (60). Joe’s inner conflict between his love for Lena and his fear of Spunk is painfully obvious to those around him, whether in the twitching of his Adam’s apple or in the way his voice comes out as a “whine” when he calls to Lena. Despite his fears, Joe follows through with his plan to attack Spunk. Though his attack falls short, Joe’s influence and possibly even his presence continue to haunt Spunk, leading to Spunk’s death. His apparent revenge provides a measure of redemption, as evident in Joe’s father’s “triumphant” look at Spunk’s funeral. By presenting Joe as a hero more deserving of admiration than Spunk, Hurston pushes back against traditional masculine ideals.

Lena Kanty is the focal point of the love triangle that pits Joe and Spunk against each other. Lena’s introduction as a “small pretty woman clinging lovingly” to Spunk’s arm makes it clear that she unambiguously prefers Spunk to Joe (55), whom she regards with disgust during his first feeble attempts to win her back. Although Lena’s appearances in the narrative, and therefore her characterization, are limited, her assertiveness is apparent both in her willingness to carry on a public affair with Spunk and in her quick-witted personal interactions. In the end, however, the women of the town voice their expectation that Lena will soon enter another relationship comparable to her relationships with Joe and Spunk, both of whom sought to possess and control her. Lena’s circular arc demonstrates the rigidity with which society defines her role as a woman.

Elijah Mosely is a man who works at the sawmill with Spunk and spends much of his time off in the general store. To the amusement of the other men who frequent the store, Elijah teases Joe and goads him to confront Spunk, whose impressive demeanor Elijah admires, with little thought of the consequences. Whether or not Elijah plays a critical role in Joe’s choice (Joe may have gone without Elijah’s encouragement), his actions show a superficiality and lack of judgment. Elijah thus represents the common or received viewpoints that Hurston hopes to challenge in “Spunk.”