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

2. How long does Dewey Dell say it took for Addie to die in Chapter 14: "Dewey Dell"?

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

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

5. Who blames Ma's decline on the sound of her coffin being built in Chapter 5: "Darl"?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 Bundren’s behavior after Addie’s death in Chapter 12: “Darl”?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the impact and symbolism of the barn fire in the narrative. What causes the fire? How is this obstacle overcome by those affected by the fire? How are the animals saved?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the theme of identity in As I Lay Dying. How does this theme relate to Darl, Jewel, and Cash? How does this theme connect to Dewey Dell? How does it relate to Anse Bundren?

Essay Topic 3

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?

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