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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. When does Gavin think they must wait until to dig up the body?

2. Who does Charles ride into town with to see Lucas?

3. Who do they find inside the coffin?

4. What do the black prisoners normally do?

5. Why does the sheriff think the towns people will not lynch during the day?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is significant about the man on the mule in chapter four?

2. Why do you think Lucas does not discourage Gavin from giving him a version of his own story?

3. What is Uncle Gavin opinion on Lucas' request to dig up the dead body?

4. What is Charles' attitude towards his black servant Aleck Sander?

5. Why does Lucas want Charles to dig up Gowrie's body?

6. Why does Charles become so involved in the murder case?

7. Why is Sheriff Hampton so reluctant to react to Charles story about the mule?

8. Why does Miss Habersham help Lucas out?

9. Describe the ride to the cemetery.

10. Why is Lucas not popular with white people in the town?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Examine the relationship between Aleck and Charles. Do you think they are more friends than master and servant? What does that say about the changing racial attitudes in south at that time? How different do you think there relationship would of changed if they met again today?

Essay Topic 2

Faulkner is a native of the area he writes about and adhering to the rule writers should always write about what they know. Do you think it is obvious that Faulkner was a native of Mississippi? What difference do you think it makes to the story? Are there any moments where you think Faulkner does not portray a character or setting so well? What affect does it have on the story?

Essay Topic 3

Closely consider at the novel's plot.

1) Identify the main plot points of the story. How do they work towards a final resolution?

2) How does Faulkner use character to further the plot?

3) How does Faulkner use dialogue to further the plot.

(see the answer keys)

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