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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 the deputy tell the sheriff about Lena?

2. Christmas finds that Miss Burden's behavior is like that of a what?

3. Of what does Hightower think his mother died?

4. What does Hightower learn when he returns to town?

5. Who do the townspeople think inspired Christmas to attempt an escape?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why are the townspeople anxious to find Miss Burden's killer?

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

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

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

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

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

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

9. Explain why Christmas' arrival in the town of Mottstown means that he has come full circle in his life.

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Compare and contrast Byron and Hightower. The men are friends but their core beliefs are at odds at points during the book. Also, Byron does not feel he is as good as Hightower yet he shows more compassion toward people. What other similarities and dissimilarities are there between the two characters?

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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