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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 Byron do when he returns to town?

2. How does Milly Hines die?

3. How has Hightower always perceived his parents?

4. The sheriff has his men beat a Negro so that he will them what?

5. What favor does Byron ask of Hightower?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Mrs. Hines indirectly cause the death of Christmas, her grandson?

2. How does Faulkner show that women are more realistic and more forgiving in this chapter?

3. Other than the fact that he is a good person, why does Hightower feel the need to help Christmas?

4. What does Hightower finally realize as he sits at his window watching the fading light?

5. Why does Percy Grimm castrate Christmas while he is still alive?

6. The cries of Lena's newborn child are significant for Byron. Why?

7. Why is Hightower so upset that Byron has asked for his help with the situations regarding Lena and Christmas?

8. What is the symbolism of the odor in Hightower's house?

9. Why does Christmas refuse to marry Miss Burden and raise a family?

10. Why does Christmas feel he will be safe at Miss Burden's place?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain Faulkner's use of symbolism and imagery in the book as related to the topic of light. What does the light in August represent? Which characters are especially affected by this light and what does it mean to them?

Essay Topic 2

The town of Jefferson seems to be filled with misfits. This is not uncommon in the Southern Gothic style of literature which Faulkner writes. Why do you think there are so many unusual or eccentric characters? Could the story be told with more average characters or is it necessary to populate the town with eccentrics? Explain in context with other Southern Gothic literature with which you may be familiar.

Essay Topic 3

There is much hypocrisy throughout the novel. Identify three situations of hypocritical behavior and what makes them prime examples of hypocrisy.

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