View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. When one of the men's wives had repelled Sykes's advances, she had told him that Delia worked so hard that she bet everything in the house tasted like sweat and what?

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

3. How long after their wedding had Sykes brutally beaten Delia?

4. For what purpose does the narrator say Delia had built and improved upon her little home?

5. What does Sykes tell Delia he will do if she argues with him about taking in white people's laundry?

Short Essay Questions

1. 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?

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

3. At what point does the author show the first change in Delia's character and how does she portray this change?

4. Describe the symbolism of the iron skillet.

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

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

7. How is the reader made aware that Delia used to love Sykes and still could if he would only change his behavior?

8. How does the author depict Sykes as being childish?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the theme of rebirth within the story Sweat.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss how the author uses various characterization methods to depict the antagonist of the story, Sykes.

Essay Topic 3

What is the role of sexuality within the short story Sweat?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,060 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample