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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. Whose wagon stands beside the spring in Chapter 1: "Darl"?

2. How far has Vardaman walked to reach the Tull residence in Chapter 16: "Tull"?

3. Who says "I mislike undecision as much as ere a man" in Chapter 5: "Darl"?

4. How much does Peabody say he weighs in Chapter 11: "Peabody"?

5. What was Cora cooking that made Vardaman become crazed, according to Tull in Chapter 20: "Tull"?

Short Essay Questions

1. What question does Darl pose to Jewel in Chapter 10: “Darl”? How does Jewel respond?

2. What are the individual agendas of the Bundren family members as they prepare to depart for their journey in Chapter 24: “Vardaman”?

3. What is significant about Vardaman’s assessment of his mother in Chapter 15: “Vardaman”?

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

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

6. What actions and events comprise Chapter 22: “Cash”? How does the chapter end?

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

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

9. How are Cash Bundren’s feelings for his father illustrated through his actions in Chapter 17: “Darl”?

10. What does Jewel do when he family departs in Chapter 25: “Darl”? Why?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the character of Addie Bundren in As I Lay Dying. Why do you think that the author chooses to include a chapter with Addie's first-person perspective? What does the reader learn about Addie in this chapter? What does the reader learn about Addie through the other characters?

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 sequence of events in As I Lay Dying. Is the narrative presented in a linear fashion? What is noteworthy regarding the linear vs. nonlinear elements of the novel? Where are flashbacks or flash-forwards employed?

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