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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 follows the Bundrens’ wagon as they travel in Chapter 44: “Vardaman”?

2. Anse claims in Chapter 28: "Anse" that there is nowhere in this world that an honest, hardworking man can do what?

3. Who analyzes the bridge situation methodically in Chapter 34: “Darl”?

4. Who walks across the remains of the bridge as the others prepare to take the wagon across the ford in Chapter 33: “Tull”?

5. Who is drug by Jewel’s horse from the water in Chapter 36: “Tull”?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How is Jewel’s arrival described from Darl’s perspective in Chapter 27: “Darl”?

3. What elements of the story are foreshadowed in Chapter 49: “Vardaman”?

4. What suggestions are made for crossing the river in Chapter 31: “Tull”? How are the suggestions received?

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

6. How is Anse Bundren’s selfishness illustrated in Chapter 43: “Armstid”?

7. What is foreshadowed through Cora and Addie’s conversation in Chapter 39: “Cora”?

8. What does Darl recall as the reason Jewel had been unable to stay awake when he was 15 years old in Chapter 32: “Darl”?

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

10. What is indicated by Darl’s question to Jewel in Chapter 48: “Darl”? How does Jewel respond?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the themes of loss and grief in As I Lay Dying. How does the author explore these themes through symbolism and imagery? How are these themes illustrated through character and setting?

Essay Topic 3

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?

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