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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) Scandalous.
(b) Snaggle-toothed.
(c) Ugly.
(d) Sinful.

2. For what purpose does the narrator say Delia had built and improved upon her little home?
(a) For her old age.
(b) For her security.
(c) For her children.
(d) For her husband's happiness.

3. Elijah says that Sykes has beaten Delia enough to kill how many women?
(a) 3.
(b) 10.
(c) 5.
(d) 20.

4. What gesture does Delia make toward the men on Joe's porch as she passes by?
(a) She makes the sign of the evil eye.
(b) She nods.
(c) She turns away.
(d) She waves.

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) Conversation.
(b) Common sense.
(c) Friendships.
(d) Good will.

Short Answer Questions

1. When Delia tells Sykes that she has been taking in laundry the whole time they have been married, what question does he immediately ask her?

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

3. When Sykes calls Delia a hypocrite, what sin does he accuse her of committing to warrant this label?

4. When Delia tells Sykes she is not in the mood for a fight because she has just come from a particular place, what is that place?

5. Against what object does Sykes strike his match?

Short Essay Questions

1. 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?

2. 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?

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

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

5. Describe the symbolism of the iron skillet.

6. 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?

7. 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?

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

9. In what ways do the men on Joe Clarke's porch express contempt for Sykes?

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

(see the answer keys)

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