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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. How does Darl say that Peabody has "pussel-gutted himself" (13) in Chapter 10: "Darl"?

2. When does Tull say he got back with Peabody's team hitched to the back of the wagon in Chapter 20: "Tull"?

3. What does Anse claim is in his heart in Chapter 9: "Anse"?

4. Who is Tull talking to in Chapter 8: "Tull"?

5. What do Anse and Jewel argue about in Chapter 24: "Vardaman"?

Short Essay Questions

1. What religious philosophy is presented in Chapter 16: “Tull”?

2. How is Anse Bundren characterized in Chapter 5: “Darl”? How does Jewel differ from his father?

3. What is indicated by Darl’s assessments of his mother Chapter 21: “Darl”?

4. What does "luck" mean to Anse Bundren?

5. What is the main setting of As I Lay Dying? Where does the story begin?

6. What is indicated by Anse Bundren’s behavior after Addie’s death in Chapter 12: “Darl”?

7. What is the narrative style of As I Lay Dying? Who is introduced in Chapter 1: “Darl”?

8. What conversation are Vernon Tull and Anse Bundren engaged in, in the beginning of Chapter 8: “Tull”?

9. What does Vardaman do after fleeing the house in Chapter 13: “Vardaman”?

10. What sentence comprises Chapter 19: “Vardaman”? What is the meaning behind this chapter?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the unique narrative style in As I Lay Dying. What characters are also narrators in the novel? Why do you think the author employs different narrators? Are any narrators more reliable than others? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Describe and analyze the characters of Tull and Cora in the novel. What are Tull and Cora's relationship to the Bundrens? In what ways do the Tulls assist the Bundrens when Addie becomes ill?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the themes of loss and grief in As I Lay Dying. How does the author explore these themes through symbolism and imagery? How are these themes illustrated through character and setting?

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