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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. Who storms into the barn in Chapter 25: "Darl"?

2. Who shouts at the other pallbearers to pick up in Chapter 23: "Darl"?

3. How far away does Tull say New Hope is in Chapter 8: "Tull"?

4. What is notable about Dewey Dell's narrative style in Chapter 7: "Dewey Dell"?

5. How old does Tull say his mother lived until in Chapter 8: "Tull"?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is indicated by Kate Tull’s concern about the cakes that don’t sell in Chapter 2: “Cora”?

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

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

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

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

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

7. Why is Jewel Bundren angry in Chapter 4: “Jewel”? What does his anger indicate about Jewel’s character?

8. What is indicated by Anse’s superstitions about moving in Chapter 9: “Anse”?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How are each of the characters in the novel illustrated through the language that they use? How does the style of language differ among the narrators? How is the dialogue different from the direct narration?

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the plot structure of As I Lay Dying. Where in the narrative are the exposition and rising action? Where does the climax occur? What is revealed in the falling action and denouement of the novel?

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