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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. Where is the wagon when Darl begins laughing in Chapter 25: "Darl"?

2. Darl says in Chapter 3: "Darl," "When I was a boy I first learned how much better water tastes when it has set for a while in" what (9)?

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

4. How old is Peabody?

5. What environmental change does Anse blame for Addie's illness in Chapter 9: "Anse"?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

7. What is indicated by Cash’s detailed list in Chapter 18: “Cash”?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

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 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?

(see the answer keys)

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