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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. Who does Mrs. Compson worry about leaving in the house?

2. Who is sitting in the swing in present time?

3. What is the name of Caddy's boyfriend?

4. What does Caddy do when Charlie wants Benjy to go away?

5. How old is Benjy on the day Faulkner recites his narrative?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does a tale of such hopelessness maintain such power?

2. Describe Quentin's role in the novel.

3. Why do you think both Caddy and Quentin continuously search for love elsewhere?

4. Why do you think Benjy wants his sister back so much?

5. Why does Benjy's mother change his name from Maury to Benjamin?

6. Describe the two parents of the Compson family.

7. Describe Caddy's role in the novel.

8. Describe Dilsey's role in the novel.

9. Do you think Caddy spoiled Benjy too much?

10. What does Benjy remember about his brother Quentin?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

A southern family is often depicted as close knit and bonded by religion and a strong identity. Why do you think Faulkner chose to portray a dysfunctional southern family during this time? What was happening in American life where he could make such a negative portrayal?

Essay Topic 2

In what way does Faulkner express Benjy and Quentin's obsessive behavior? Why do you think Jason is the only narrator not to have obsessive behavior? What meaning does it give to his character and the novel?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss Caddy's relationship with the following characters:

1) Quentin

2) Benjy

3) Jason

(see the answer keys)

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