So what exactly is the answer?

answer: the tobacco industry has traditionally been one of the most important industries in north carolina and a backbone of the state's agricultural heritage. yet as the north carolina economy continues to transition from an agricultural economy to a manufacturing and, increasingly, service-based economy, the industry faces new challenges, both at home and abroad

explanation:

the opening scene of "sweat" exposes the great emotional charge of the story. it shows the violence and abuse that dyes the marriage between delia jones and skyes.

skyes decides to terrorize his wife by pulling a bull whip (which resembles a snake), knowing that she is terrified of those animals. skyes laughs cruelly at her and kicks the laundry with which delia has been working hard, telling her to get rid of it. skyes also comments on her religious manners, telling his wife how ridiculous they are. delia reacts by threatening skyes with her frying pan, generating even more conflict