Timed Writing #6 Spunk

It is quite common for the human race to discuss anything and everything going on around them, or merely in their world. The act of sharing information, and analyzing thoughts of others is often seen as gossiping, especially when it occurs behind somone's back, or about a particular action looked down upon by society. In Hurston's short story Spunk, the story is related in such a way, which makes the readers "mirror her gossiping crowd." The absurdity which weaves its way into the story, along with an over exxageration of the "gossiping crowd" allows the reader to accept Spunk as satirical.

First of all, the way in which the gossiping crowd is exagerated creates a hyperbole similar to many other satires. When Hurston writes "all the loungers in the store tried to walk to the door," this creates a humorous depiction of a simultaneous action made by everyone. Also, because the group merely stands by, adding commentary, but not taking part in any of the action, it adds to the overall ridiculousness of the events. Especially so, because they are men, who are usually less gossipers than women. Their curiousity concerning the "affairs" of Joe, Spunk, and Joe's wife allows the reader to understand what is occurring, and at the same time brings the reader into their conversation and group, almost to a point where the reader is participating in the gossip.

Also, the way in which the group idolizes Joe after he is dead, even though they basically labeled him as cowardly beforehand, adds to the absurdity of the ongoings. Then, the account that Spunk was seeing Joe's ghost, that the saw was "wobblin'" and that someone "pushed" him, foreshadows the death of Spunk: either by superstitious thoughts and paranoia, or by the actual ghost of Joe. Because the gossiping crowd seems so scared of going to see Spunk, it implies that they believe he did die from Joe's ghost.

The irony weaved through the story adds to the overall satirical piece. The way in which the gossipers allude to Joe dying by Spunk's gun, and then denying he would shoot an unarmed man, is ironic because their prediction eventually came true. It is also ironic that almost directly after becoming married, Spunk died.

The obvious target in this story includes the gossipers, and the participants of their focus. However, although the reader may criticize the adulterer and murderer, it can be concluded that Hurston really wanted to criticize the gossipers and the reader, because of their quick judgement and free reign of thoughts about the story taking place.

Therefore, because of the presence of absurdity, hyperbole, target, and irony, it becomes clear that Spunk was written satirically.