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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. When Sykes tells Delia that it is no use "puttin' on airs makin' out out lak" (6) she is feeling a certain emotion in response to the snake, what is that emotion?
(a) Shyness.
(b) Pride.
(c) Bravery.
(d) Fear.

2. What event does Sykes cite as the only one that will prompt him to get rid of the snake?
(a) When hell freezes over.
(b) When the snake bites someone.
(c) When he decides to get rid of the snake.
(d) When winter comes.

3. What type of rattlesnake does Sykes say the snake is?
(a) Mojave.
(b) Canebreak.
(c) Diamondback.
(d) Timber.

4. In what town had Bertha lived previously before coming to Eatonville?
(a) Talahassee.
(b) Apopka.
(c) Orlando.
(d) Apalachicola.

5. When the men all grunt in approval in response to Old Man Anderson's suggestion that they kill Sykes, what does the narrator say then melts with the heat?
(a) Their determination.
(b) Their civic virtue.
(c) Their stick-to-it-iveness.
(d) Their moral turpitude.

6. When Delia first sees the soap box Sykes has brought home, next to what object is the soap box sitting?
(a) The washtub.
(b) The chair.
(c) The garden hose.
(d) The stairs.

7. For how long has Bertha been living in Eatonville on the day Sykes takes her to the store?
(a) Two weeks.
(b) Three months.
(c) One week.
(d) Four months.

8. What does Delia nearly do as a result of being pushed by Sykes when he is blocking the kitchen doorway?
(a) She nearly steps on the soap box.
(b) She nearly claws Sykes's arm.
(c) She nearly falls off the steps.
(d) She nearly falls down onto the porch.

9. What term is used to describe the color of the rattlesnake's fangs?
(a) Jaundice-yellow.
(b) Eggshell-white.
(c) Chalky-white.
(d) Off-white.

10. Why does Delia pay little attention to the soap box when she first sees it?
(a) Because it was just another piece of refuse littering her yard.
(b) Because she knows Sykes must have brought it there.
(c) Because she often keeps old soap boxes lying around.
(d) Because the reverend had come over earlier in the day and had used it as a stool.

11. What does Delia tell Sykes he has killed by bringing the snake to the house?
(a) Her peace.
(b) Her spirit.
(c) Her contentment.
(d) Her insides.

12. What reason does Sykes provide for his conclusion that the snake would never bite Delia?
(a) Because snakes do not bite masculine women.
(b) Because the snake knows it would be killed.
(c) Because the snake would not want to risk breaking his fangs on her bony legs.
(d) Because the snake would recognize her as a fellow demon.

13. Who owns the disreputable boarding house in Eatonville?
(a) Joe Clarke.
(b) Della Lewis.
(c) Sally Anderson.
(d) Elijah Moseley.

14. What object does Walter say is best to use when charming a rattlesnake?
(a) A basket.
(b) A flute.
(c) A shotgun.
(d) A club.

15. How much chewing gum does Sykes buy for Bertha at the store?
(a) A pound.
(b) Five gumballs.
(c) A block.
(d) Ten sticks.

Short Answer Questions

1. What action does Dave say causes Bertha to look like a particular animal?

2. Before Delia begs Sykes to kill the rattlesnake he has brought home, what does she ask him to do with it?

3. What adjective does Sykes delightedly use to describe Bertha's shape?

4. What skill does Sykes learn from a Northern white woman?

5. When Delia says that Sykes can lie with Bertha as much as he wants, what condition does she put on her assent?

(see the answer keys)

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