The Cost of Being "Man Enough"

The Cost of Being "Man Enough"

Elijah Skinner 10/10/25 Dr.Ayewoh

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Thesis

In the story "Spunk," I believe Ms. Zora Neale Hurston was trying to convey three important social trends. Firstly, I believe she was trying to show how toxic masculinity can lead to poor decision-making. Next, she illustrates how the thirst for power can ultimately lead to one's downfall. Lastly, I think she is trying to show how misogyny and the treatment of women can go unnoticed in the world.

Key Points

Key points

Toxic Masculinity

Toxic Masculinity

In the beginning of the story, we are introduced to Joe at the tavern who is absolutely upset with quotes like "Joe started and all but dropped the bottle he held in his hands. He swallowed several times painfully and his lips trembled." and "He knew that the men lounging in the general store had seen her; moreover, he knew that the men knew he knew." These quotes show he knew the affair that was going on behind his back, but because he felt like he had to prove himself to the people of the tavern, he left that tavern and attempted to kill Spunk and ultimately died to Spunk.

Key Points

Key points

Toxic Masculinity

Quest for Power

Quest for Power

I believe the prominent flaw with Spunk is that, regardless of the circumstances, he always sought more power. Throughout the story, Spunk is driven by his need to control everything around him, from his relationships to his reputation, and even life and death. Spunk is shown as a man who measures his worth by dominance and not morality. When he openly takes Lena from Joe and parades her through town, Hurston writes, “Spunk Banks strutted up the street… with Lena Kanty on his arm,” showing his arrogance and his desire to be admired by others. This moment reflects his obsession with power and how it blinds him to the pain he causes. Even after killing Joe, Spunk refuses to feel guilt or remorse, claiming he acted in self-defense, when in reality it was pride that drove him to kill him. His downfall at the end of the story reveals how the hunger for control and power destoyed him without ever taking accountability.

Key Points

Key points

Toxic Masculinity

Quest for Power

Misogyny

Misogyny

I believe Hurston wants us to see just how deeply rooted misogyny is the black community with the potrayal of lena is in the story. Lena is seen as something for the men to fight over instead of someone with her own feelings or choices. Because the story is told from their perspective, readers only get the men’s version of events filled with exaggerations and sexist attitudes, one man even calls her “spoilt goods,” implying her worth depends on which man she belongs to. When Spunk takes her from Joe, no one in the town questions Lena’s perspective. Hurston co-signs this by saying “Lena’s just as happy as a bird,” reducing her emotions to a simple, dismissive image.

Key Points

Key points

Toxic Masculinity

Quest for Power

Current Day

Misogyny

Current Day

I believe this trend is very prominent today as we enter the digital era. As technology advances and becomes more accessible, toxic internet culture has emerged as a major force in current media. Podcasts and social media platforms give people the ability to openly promote toxic masculinity and misogyny, often profiting off a largely young audience. A clear example of the misuse of power can be seen with Trump. Once he got back in office, trump has been acting as tyrants, sending military forces to states, defunding programs, and cutting initiatives that benefit the middle and lower classes while favoring the upper class.

Key Points

Key points

Toxic Masculinity

Quest for Power

Conclusion

Current Day

Misogyny

Conclusion

In summary, Hurston's "Spunk" demonstrates how misogyny, toxic masculinity, and the thirst for power can ruin lives. Lena's story emphasizes how women's voices are frequently disregarded, while Joe and Spunk's rivalry shows how pride and control result in bad decisions. These problems still exist today because political leaders like Trump abuse their positions of authority to enrich a select few at the expense of the majority, and social media magnifies toxic behavior. Hurston's tale serves as a reminder that despite their longevity, these trends still influence society and call for awareness.

End

Thank You

Beginning