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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 strikes the wagon as it crosses the ford in Chapter 35: “Vardaman”?

2. Dewey Dell says in Chapter 30: “Dewey Dell" that the land runs out of Darl's eyes and swims to what?

3. Who tends to Cash Bundren on the riverbank in Chapter 37: “Darl”?

4. What does Cash ask about whether it is safe when he is tended to on the riverbank in Chapter 37: “Darl”?

5. Who prepares to take the wagon across the ford as the others walk over the remains of the bridge in Chapter 33: “Tull”?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. What is Samson’s opinion of Anse Bundren in Chapter 29: “Samson”? What does Samson offer the family?

5. What is symbolized and foreshadowed when the family passes the sign for New Hope in Chapter 30: “Dewey Dell”?

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

7. How does Dr. Peabody react to Cash’s injury in Chapter 54: “Peabody”?

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

9. What conflict almost arises in Chapter 52: “Darl”? Why?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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 3

Discuss the character of Jewel Bundren in As I Lay Dying. How old is Jewel? What are Jewel's relationships like with his parents? What are Jewel's relationships like with his siblings? What are Jewel's main objectives in the novel?

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