How we cite our quotes: (Paragraph)
Quote #1
Sunday night after church, she sorted them and put the white things to soak. (1)
Right from the first paragraph we know how important work and church are to Delia—one feeds her belly and the other feeds her soul. As the story progresses, we see that religion and faith are just as important as her job in getting her through life.
Quote #2
"Ah aint for no fuss t'night Sykes. Ah just come from taking sacrament at the church house." (12)
Delia uses church as a reason to not fight with her husband, but to no avail. This quote places Delia and Sykes at odds with each other—she tries to maintain harmony and peace, while he tries to pick a fight. If she's a saint, Sykes is definitely a sinner. This isn't the only time we might be led to make this comparison, either.
Quote #3
"Yeah, you just come from de church house on a Sunday night, but heah you is gone to work on them clothes." (13)
Sykes tries to make Delia feel bad for working and tries to exert power over her by forbidding her to work on a Sunday—it is the Sabbath, after all. But, hello, if she doesn't work, how would he eat and how would she pay for the house? Maybe if Sykes did a little more than just shout and cheat she could afford to take time off. What a loser.