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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. Why does Peabody hope for Addie's impending death in Chapter 11: "Peabody"?

2. Who comes to inform those at the Bundren home that the bridge has gone out in Chapter 20: "Tull"?

3. Who is described as the only one of Addie's children that "had his mother's nature, had any natural affection" (19) in Chapter 6: "Cora"?

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

5. Who does Dewey Dell sit next to in the wagon in Chapter 25: "Darl"?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What scenario does Dewey Dell recollect in Chapter 7: “Dewey Dell”?

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

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

5. What is the narrative style of As I Lay Dying? Who is introduced in Chapter 1: “Darl”?

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the unique narrative style in As I Lay Dying. What characters are also narrators in the novel? Why do you think the author employs different narrators? Are any narrators more reliable than others? Why or why not?

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

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?

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