View a FREE sample

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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How long after their wedding had Sykes brutally beaten Delia?
(a) Three months.
(b) Two months.
(c) Two years.
(d) Three years.

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

3. What kind of nuts had Sykes brought as a present to help him woo one of the men's wives?
(a) Peanuts.
(b) Brazil nuts.
(c) Pecans.
(d) Cashews.

4. What word does the narrator use to describe Delia's thoughts about her garden?
(a) Beautiful.
(b) Lovely.
(c) Bountiful.
(d) Serene.

5. What kind of indifference does the narrator say Delia comes to feel about everything Sykes says or does after she realizes that his evil deeds will revisit him in the end?
(a) Triumphant.
(b) Uneasy.
(c) Bored.
(d) Tremendous.

Short Answer Questions

1. Where does Sykes say that he will kick the clothes the next time she brings them home?

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

3. 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?

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

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. 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?

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

6. What is meant by the piece of narration that states, "It was plain that the breaches must remain agape" (6)?

7. Describe the symbolism of the iron skillet.

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. 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?

10. 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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,196 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample