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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. Why does Hightower think he let down the people of Jefferson?

2. What does Joe Brown do after the murder?

3. The baby's first cry also has a strong emotional release for Byron. Why?

4. What does Mrs. Hines reveal to Hightower?

5. Of what does Hightower accuse Byron of doing?

Short Essay Questions

1. Explain the irony in Miss Burden's nearly nymphomaniac behavior?

2. How does Christmas know that he has run far enough for now?

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

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

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

6. Why does Byron force an encounter with Brown after Brown flees from Lena in the cabin?

7. Why do the Negroes of Mottstown support Mr. Hines who preaches white supremacy in Negro churches?

8. What does Hightower mean when he says the fading afternoon light is audible?

9. As Christmas runs to avoid the law, he stops at a cabin and trades shoes with a Negro woman. What is the significance of the traded shoes?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Why does Christmas have trouble accepting kindnesses, especially from women? What role, if any, do the dietitician, Mrs. McEachern and Miss Burden play in his inability to receive kindness?

Essay Topic 2

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

Essay Topic 3

Another literary technique Faulkner uses is to give a voice to the towns of Jefferson and Mottstown. Why does Faulkner do this? How can one voice encompass the opinions and feelings of all the people in a town? What would the reader not know if these voices were not apparent in the story?

(see the answer keys)

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