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

Short Answer Questions

1. What simile does Hurston use to characterize Delia's throwing off of her most habitual character trait?

2. What "habitual" character trait of Delia's seems "to slip from her shoulders" (1) after Sykes threatens her with physical violence?

3. What does Walter say he sees Sykes do every time he passes a woman?

4. What does Delia do with the clothes after Sykes steps on them?

5. What object does Delia credit with paying for the house she and Sykes live in?

Short Essay Questions

1. In what ways does Sykes's character emerge within the story's very first featured encounter between Sykes and Delia?

2. How does Sykes react to Delia's questions whenever she asks him a question?

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

4. How is foreshadowing incorporated into the very first encounter between Delia and Sykes?

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

6. What is ironic about Sykes's stating that his reason for ordering Delia to cease taking in laundry from white folks is that he has promised God that she will do so?

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

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

9. Why does Delia's knowledge that Sykes is out with her pony and carriage worry her?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the author's message regarding hard work within the short story Sweat.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the rising action and climax stages of the story and discuss how the story's themes are brought forth within these two plot arc stages.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the author's use of song as a symbol within the narrative of the story.

(see the answer keys)

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