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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 Anse anticipate getting at the end of his journey in Chapter 28: “Anse”?

2. Anse Bundren says in Chapter 58: “Dewey Dell” that his own daughter accuses him of being a what?

3. Which of Addie’s children does Cora tell Addie is her punishment on earth in Chapter 39: “Cora”?

4. What does Cash describe stopping to borrow in the house in Chapter 59: “Cash”?

5. What does Vardaman ask Darl about the buzzards in Chapter 47: “Vardaman”?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What actions does Reverend Whitfield commit in Chapter 41: “Whitfield”? Why?

4. How are the animals saved from the fire in Chapter 50: “Darl”?

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

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

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

8. How is the timeline of the Bundren children described in Chapter 40: “Addie”?

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

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

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

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?

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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