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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 Quentin commit suicide?

2. Where does Dilsey tell Luster to take Benjy?

3. What causes Benjy to moan?

4. Where is Luster driving Benjy to?

5. For what reason does Quentin get into fights?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Jason Compton's role in the novel.

2. What complaints does the female Quentin have about Benjy?

3. Describe the two parents of the Compson family.

4. Do you think Caddy spoiled Benjy too much?

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

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

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

8. Why is Benjy's section so hard to understand?

9. What is Quentin's relationship with his sister Caddy?

10. Describe Quentin's role in the novel.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Examine Faulkner's life as a writer and a person. How much of the novel do you think comes from Faulkner's personal experience?

Essay Topic 2

All the children grow up into very different characters. Why do you think they strive for individuality? Do you think it is more damaging than healthy? Do you think they are ever likely to find themselves?

Essay Topic 3

Faulkner writes in a southern Gothic style. What is the southern Gothic style? Where does it originate from? What meaning do you think it gave Southern literature?

(see the answer keys)

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