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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 does Vardaman hope to see as he and Dewey Dell walk through Jefferson at night in Chapter 56: “Vardaman”?

2. What do the Bundrens do to relieve Cash of the heat in his leg in Chapter 48: “Darl”?

3. Who is impatient to cross the river with the wagon and get it over with in Chapter 34: “Darl”?

4. Who does Armstid say has three to four horses in Chapter 43: “Armstid”?

5. What is the name of the counter boy at the pharmacy in Chapter 55: “MacGowan”?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is the river accident described through Vardaman’s perspective in Chapter 35: “Vardaman”?

2. What is foreshadowed through Anse’s actions in Chapter 53: “Cash”?

3. What implications do you discern from Anse’s introduction of his children to “Mrs. Bundren” in Chapter 59: “Cash”?

4. What is significant about Cash Bundren’s mindset and concerns after the accident in Chapter 37: “Darl”?

5. How do Jewel and Cash Bundren differ in their approach to the problem in Chapter 34: “Darl”?

6. What question does Vardaman pose to Darl in Chapter 47: “Vardaman”?

7. What thoughts occupy Anse Bundren as the family travels in the wagon in Chapter 28: “Anse”?

8. What happens between Dewey Dell Bundren and MacGowan in Chapter 55: “MacGowan”?

9. What does Darl discuss in Chapter 57: “Darl”? What is symbolized through this monologue?

10. How does Cash react to his pain and injuries in Chapter 44: “Vardaman”? Where does the family stop for medicine?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

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

Analyze and discuss the character of Vardaman Bundren in As I Lay Dying. How old is Vardaman? How does this character differ from his siblings? What is Vardaman's relationship to his parents?

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