View a FREE sample

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

Short Answer Questions

1. Who posts bond so Sutpen can be released from jail?

2. Upon hearing that Judith is engaged, what does Rosa offer to teach Judith?

3. What is Mr. Coldfiled's association with Sutpen after the marriage?

4. Which three characters have speaking roles in Chapter 1?

5. Who is Rosa engaged to at one point in her life?

Short Essay Questions

1. Repeatedly throughout Chapter 3, Ellen is referred to as "a butterfly." Why is she characterized this way, and what does it mean?

2. Characterize Thomas Sutpen as he is portrayed by Rosa Coldfield's description in Chapter 1.

3. What reason did Sutpen give for not joining the Klan?

4. Why was Rosa offended that Wash Jones came to the front of the house when he arrived to notify her of Charles Bon's death?

5. The story of Sutpen's youth as a poor white on a plantation describes considerable hostility from poor whites directed at black slaves. What was the cause of this hostility?

6. Chapter 6 reveals the way in which Thomas Sutpen insulted Rosa, an insult that led to Rosa calling off their engagement. How did Sutpen insult her?

7. Explain why Sutpen chooses Ellen Coldfield to be his bride over all the other women in Jefferson.

8. How did Judith's fiance die?

9. Why did Ellen ask Rosa to protect Judith but not Henry?

10. In Chapter 3, how does the breakout of the war affect the main characters of the story?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In what ways can the novel be interpreted as Quentin's story rather than Thomas Sutpen's story? Be sure to use specific examples from the novel.

Essay Topic 2

Describe the different narrative techniques used in the novel and what their effects are on reader interpretation. How much of the novel is factual and how much is speculation?

Essay Topic 3

In what ways are children in this novel punished for what their parents have done? Is this punishment intended to be a larger commentary? If so, of what? Be sure to use specific examples from the text.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 958 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample