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

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

3. What does Tull describe Addie wearing in her casket in Chapter 20: "Tull"?

4. Who does Tull describe as standing like a scarecrow in Chapter 16: "Tull"?

5. What does Vardaman describe Jewel's eyes as looking like when he stands off with is father in Chapter 24: "Vardaman"?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Who is Lafe and what is his role in the novel?

4. Why does Anse Bundren complain about Jewel in Chapter 26: “Anse”? How does Darl respond when he sees Jewel?

5. What is foreshadowed in Chapter 20: “Tull”?

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

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

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

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

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

Discuss the character of Jewel Bundren in As I Lay Dying. How old is Jewel? What are Jewel's relationships like with his parents? What are Jewel's relationships like with his siblings? What are Jewel's main objectives in the novel?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the author's use of irony in As I Lay Dying. What are examples of dramatic irony in the novel? What are examples of situational irony? How does each example in the novel serve the story?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the genre of As I Lay Dying. Why is William Faulkner known for this genre? What are the qualities of the genre? What are examples in the text of each?

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