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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. The bullwhip is described by the narrator as long, round, limp, and what?

2. What substance does Delia demand that Sykes stop grinding into the clothes?

3. What instruction does Sykes insist that he has given Delia over and over again without her capitulation?

4. What does the narrator say that the men on Joe's porch do with the cane-knots on the day Sykes and Bertha come to the store, due to the extreme heat?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. In what ways do the men on Joe Clarke's porch express admiration of Delia?

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

3. Describe the symbolism of the iron skillet.

4. What is demonstrated about Sykes's character when the narrator states, "It pleased him for Delia to see" (3) him ordering for Bertha at the store?

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

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

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

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

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

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 the significance of the Chorus within the short story. What is the author's purpose for including the group of men who gather on the porch of Joe Clarke's store?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss how the author goes about building the character of Bertha, even though her character does not speak any dialogue within the story.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the author's use of song as a symbol within the narrative of the story.

(see the answer keys)

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