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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. With whom does Darl return from the fields in Chapter 1: "Darl"?

2. Who does Vardaman blame for his mother's death in Chapter 13: "Vardaman"?

3. What does Darl claim Jewel's mother is in Chapter 21: "Darl"?

4. How old does Tull say his mother lived until in Chapter 8: "Tull"?

5. Who advised Cora to get a good breed of chickens in Chapter 2: "Cora"?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is significant about Vardaman’s assessment of his mother in Chapter 15: “Vardaman”?

2. What are the individual agendas of the Bundren family members as they prepare to depart for their journey in Chapter 24: “Vardaman”?

3. What is foreshadowed about Dewey Dell’s condition in Chapter 14: “Dewey Dell”?

4. What does Vardaman do after fleeing the house in Chapter 13: “Vardaman”?

5. What actions and events comprise Chapter 22: “Cash”? How does the chapter end?

6. How are Cash Bundren’s feelings for his father illustrated through his actions in Chapter 17: “Darl”?

7. What is the narrative style of As I Lay Dying? Who is introduced in Chapter 1: “Darl”?

8. What does "luck" mean to Anse Bundren?

9. What makes Darl Bundren unique as a narrator in As I Lay Dying?

10. What is the main setting of As I Lay Dying? Where does the story begin?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Analyze and discuss the character of Dewey Dell Bundren. How old is Dewey Dell? What qualities stand out the most in her character? How does Dewey Dell differ from the other members of her family?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the genre of As I Lay Dying. Why is William Faulkner known for this genre? What are the qualities of the genre? What are examples in the text of each?

Essay Topic 3

Analyze and discuss the character of Darl Bundren in As I Lay Dying. How old is Darl? What are the notable qualities of Darl's personality? What happens to Darl in the course of the narrative?

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