Symbolism, Imagery, Allegory
When Delia stands up to Sykes, a new woman emerges.
She seized the iron skillet from the stove and struck a defensive pose, which act surprised him greatly, coming from her. It cowed him and he did not strike her as he usually did. (22)
Yep, Delia's a changed woman and from here on out she speaks up for herself and eventually kicks Sykes out.
An iron skillet can be pretty dangerous when wielded like a baseball bat. Getting slammed in the face with that could knock Sykes's teeth out. It's a symbolic and literal weapon against Sykes's threats of abuse and it reveals that Delia has the capacity to act in a violent manner.
Also, have you ever heard the cringeworthy phrase, 'A woman's place is in the kitchen'? Hurston flips that idea on its head here, as Delia uses the skillet—a symbol of domesticity and, well, the kitchen—as a tool of empowerment.
The skillet is large, heavy, and in the hands of an angry woman like Delia, it's definitely not something to laugh at.