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. Where does Vardaman describe not being able to breathe in Chapter 15: Vardaman"?

2. What does Darl describe the air as smelling like as he watches Cash work in Chapter 17: "Darl"?

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

4. Whose raincoat is offered to Cash while he works on the coffin in Chapter 17: "Darl"?

5. What does Dewey Dell say she is taking to town in a package in Chapter 24: "Vardaman"?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. What makes Darl Bundren unique as a narrator in As I Lay Dying?

5. How does Peabody feel about his objective at the Bundren residence in Chapter 11: “Peabody”?

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

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

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

9. What is foreshadowed about Dewey Dell’s condition in Chapter 14: “Dewey Dell”?

10. How would you describe Jewel Bundren’s actions in carrying the coffin in Chapter 23: “Darl”?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the author's use of symbolism and imagery in As I Lay Dying. What are some of the predominant symbols in the novel? What do they represent? What characters in the story have symbolic significance? How?

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

Analyze and discuss the character of Dewey Dell Bundren. How old is Dewey Dell? What qualities stand out the most in her character? How does Dewey Dell differ from the other members of her family?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 731 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample