Spunk

“All the loungers in the store tried to walk to the door with an air of nonchalance but with small success.” 

This passage reveals the hypocrisy of the men in the store. Their desire to appear uninterested indicates they feel shame for prying into the dispute between Joe and Spunk. Despite their shame, they still follow the events closely and offer their opinions on the matter. Hurston presents their actions as an ill-advised invasion of Joe’s privacy. This passage also sets the scene for the community’s involvement in the affairs of its neighbors and the fickleness of their perspectives. 

“But that’s one thing Ah likes about Spunk Banks—he ain’t skeered of nothin’ on God’s green footstool—nothin’!” 

Elijah’s admiration of Spunk is rooted in Spunk’s apparent lack of fear in multiple situations, including his work at the sawmill and his pursuit of Lena. Most of the men in the store agree with Elijah’s assessment of Spunk, indicating that Elijah represents the received or popular opinion. His simple admiration of Spunk is eventually undermined both by Spunk’s growing fear of Joe, whom he believes to be haunting him, and by Walter’s alternative conception of bravery.

“One could actually see the pain he was suffering, his eyes, his face, his hands and even the dejected slump of his shoulders.”

Here and elsewhere, Hurston draws attention to bodily manifestations of Joe’s fear. Beyond simply inviting sympathy, these details provide context for his actions, including his choice to attack Spunk, who is stronger and better armed.