Question

How does the author's characterization of Bertha help reveal Delia's attitude toward Sykes' affairs? A. The author describes Bertha through the gossip of other villagers, who shield Delia from information that they know would hurt her. B. The author provides few details about Bertha, which emphasizes Delia's lack of curiosity about the women that Sykes pursues. C. By describing only Bertha's negative characteristics, the author hints at Delia's confidence in her own desirability as a wife. D. By portraying Bertha as a demanding and spoiled lover, the author implies that Delia feels jealousy as a result of Sykes' affairs.

Answer 1

This short story is called “Sweat”, written by Zora Neale Hurston.  

Question: How does the author's characterization of Bertha help reveal Delia's attitude toward Sykes' affairs?

Answer: C. By describing only Bertha's negative characteristics, the author hints at Delia's confidence in her own desirability as a wife.

Delia had for some time already been fed up with her no-good husband and she knew that she was the breadwinner in the home,  so in fact she did not need him to live happily ever after. Therefore,  she was confident in her own desirability as a wife.