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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 Armstid say had told him that the levee through Haley bottom had done gone for two miles in Chapter 43: “Armstid”?

2. Armstid says in Chapter 43: “Armstid” that Jewel Bundren went to get Dr. Peabody but he was gone to Inverness, so who came back with Jewel?

3. Where do the Bundrens decide to stop for medicine for Cash in Chapter 44: “Vardaman”?

4. What do Mack and Gillespie use to cover the animals’ eyes in Chapter 50: “Darl”?

5. Who is afraid to make the return trip after crossing the remains of the bridge in Chapter 33: “Tull”?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. How do the Bundrens make a cast for Cash in Chapter 46: “Darl”? What does this foreshadow?

4. How does Dewey Dell lose her money to Anse Bundren in Chapter 58: “Dewey Dell”?

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

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

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

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

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

10. What symbolism can be seen in Jewel Bundren’s actions in Chapter 36: “Tull”?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Analyze and discuss the character of Darl Bundren in As I Lay Dying. How old is Darl? What are the notable qualities of Darl's personality? What happens to Darl in the course of the narrative?

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 unique narrative style in As I Lay Dying. What characters are also narrators in the novel? Why do you think the author employs different narrators? Are any narrators more reliable than others? Why or why not?

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