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

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

3. The narrator says that each time Delia attempts what type of friendliness toward Sykes, her efforts come to naught?
(a) Forced.
(b) Shy.
(c) Timid.
(d) Subtle.

4. What adjective does Walter use to describe what type of customers he and the other men are during the men's requests for watermelon?
(a) Generous.
(b) Loyal.
(c) Steady.
(d) Regular.

5. What does Old Man Anderson suggest that the men do to Sykes and Bertha in Lake Howell swamp?
(a) Whip them.
(b) Imprison them there.
(c) Bury them up to their necks.
(d) Drown them.

Short Answer Questions

1. In what town does Delia attend church at the time Sykes is keeping the rattlesnake?

2. What kind of silence does the narrator say falls on the porch when Sykes and Bertha arrive at the store?

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

4. What tool does Joe Clarke offer to lend the men so they can cut the watermelon for sharing?

5. In what town had Bertha lived previously before coming to Eatonville?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the significance of the snake baring its "scimitar" (6)-like fangs at Delia?

2. For how long has Bertha been in Eatonville and how does she support herself?

3. What argumentative method does Delia use in order to convince Sykes that he needs to take the snake away from her home?

4. How are Delia's efforts to remain "blind and deaf" (5) to Sykes's adulterous actions thwarted?

5. What plans does Sykes make with Bertha and what is the significance of these plans?

6. What is ironic about Sykes's statement to Bertha that the town is his and that she can have it if she wants it?

7. How does Sykes go about showing the rattlesnake to Delia after he has brought it home?

8. What arguments do the men present when they are trying to get Joe Clarke to bring out a watermelon for them to share?

9. When Old Man Anderson suggests that the men kill Sykes, what is the men's reaction?

10. In what way does Sykes accuse Delia of being insincere about her fear of snakes when he brings home the rattlesnake?

(see the answer keys)

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