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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What "habitual" character trait of Delia's seems "to slip from her shoulders" (1) after Sykes threatens her with physical violence?

2. What word does the narrator use to describe Delia's thoughts about her garden?

3. When Sykes leaves and Delia feels certain that he will not be home until a certain time, when is that time?

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

5. What does the narrator say that the men on Joe's porch usually would do with the cane-knots if it were not so stiflingly hot outside?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. How is the role of community portrayed within the scene on Joe Clarke's porch?

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

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

6. How does the author make a change in Delia's speech in order to portray her newly-won defiance toward Sykes and his attempts to control her?

7. 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?

8. What is the reason for the listlessness of the men who gather on Joe Clarke's porch?

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. At what point does the author show the first change in Delia's character and how does she portray this change?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss how the author uses various characterization methods to depict the antagonist of the story, Sykes.

Essay Topic 2

What is the significance of the first scene in the story when Sykes frightens Delia with his bullwhip?

Essay Topic 3

What is signified by Delia's worry that Sykes is out with her horse and carriage at the start of the story and how does her worry relate to the themes inherent in the story?

(see the answer keys)

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