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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In addition to the adjective black, what other adjective does Delia use to describe Bertha the first time she brings her up to Sykes?
(a) Snaggle-toothed.
(b) Ugly.
(c) Sinful.
(d) Scandalous.

2. When Joe Lindsay says that there ought to be a law about Sykes's behavior, he says that Sykes "ain't fit tuh carry guts to a" (3) what?
(a) A bear.
(b) A vulture.
(c) A seagull.
(d) A hyena.

3. What substance does Delia demand that Sykes stop grinding into the clothes?
(a) Grime.
(b) Dirt.
(c) Mud.
(d) Dust.

4. What adjective does the narrator use to describe Delia's washtub?
(a) Shiny.
(b) Galvanized.
(c) Rusty.
(d) Dented.

5. On the afternoon when Sykes and Bertha come to the store, what does the narrator say had even "collapsed under the heat"? (3)
(a) Common sense.
(b) Conversation.
(c) Good will.
(d) Friendships.

Short Answer Questions

1. For how long has Delia been married to Sykes?

2. On what day of the week does Delia collect and deliver clothes using her pony and buckboard?

3. What does Delia say she does for her pony that makes him belong to her?

4. What simile does Walter use to describe how pretty Delia had been as a young woman?

5. When Sykes laughs at Delia for being scared of the bullwhip, what physical movement does he make?

Short Essay Questions

1. In what ways does Sykes's character emerge within the story's very first featured encounter between Sykes and Delia?

2. What behaviors does Delia display that demonstrate her familiarity with Sykes's abusive behaviors?

3. In what season does the story begin its narrative and what does this choice by the author symbolize?

4. What is the significance of Joe Clarke's pronouncement that some men treat women like pieces of sugar-cane?

5. What is the significance of Delia's comment that she does not want to fight with Sykes because she has just come back from church services?

6. What is shown about Delia's character traits in the very first paragraph of the story?

7. How does the author depict Sykes as being childish?

8. Why does Delia stay up so much later on Sunday nights than on any other night of the week and how does Sykes find fault with this practice?

9. Before Delia's decision to stand up to Sykes by raising the iron skillet in a defensive pose, how does she react to his verbal abuse?

10. What does Sykes's bullwhip symbolize within the story?

(see the answer keys)

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