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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. Vardaman says that Jewel does not have what anymore in Chapter 47: “Vardaman”?

2. MacGowan says to send Dewey Dell to see whom upstairs in Chapter 55: “MacGowan”?

3. Who does Vardaman describe waking up the hill with him in Chapter 47: “Vardaman”?

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 comes up with a plan that compromises the other two plans in Chapter 34: “Darl”?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. How is Cash’s condition described in Chapter 42: “Darl”? Where is the Bundren family going in this chapter?

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

6. What does Vardaman think about the setting and situation in Chapter 56: “Vardaman”?

7. What are Vernon Tull’s impressions as they cross the river in Chapter 33: “Tull”?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the plot structure of As I Lay Dying. Where in the narrative are the exposition and rising action? Where does the climax occur? What is revealed in the falling action and denouement of the novel?

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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