Final answer:
The men on the porch criticize Sykes for his abuse of Delia, shocked when she demands he leave without saving him later, symbolizing her break from the cycle of violence.
Step-by-step explanation:
The men on the porch criticize Sykes for his poor treatment of Delia, his wife. The community members generally disapprove of Sykes's abuse towards Delia, feeling a mix of pity and anger towards the situation. When Delia discovers Sykes's bullwhip, it serves as a forewarning to the reader about potential violence that may occur later in the story, contributing to the story's tension and sense of impending doom.
Regarding Delia's reaction when she finally confronts Sykes and tells him to leave, Sykes reacts with disbelief and anger, but does not follow through with his threats to harm her. It is possible that he is taken aback by Delia's newfound courage or realizes he has pushed her too far. Delia does not attempt to save Sykes later in the story because she has reached her breaking point after years of suffering. Whether she will have regrets about her actions is open to interpretation and could be the subject of analysis and debate.