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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. To where does Miss Burden make arrangements for Christmas to go?

2. What does Hightower's grandfather wear during the Civil War?

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

4. Of what does Hightower think his mother died?

5. What happens after Miss Burden opens up about her family history?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10. New life has significance in more than one way in this chapter. Explain.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain Faulkner's use of symbolism and imagery in the book as related to the topic of light. What does the light in August represent? Which characters are especially affected by this light and what does it mean to them?

Essay Topic 2

Explain the mixed feelings Christmas must have when he trades the woman for the shoes of the black man and can feel his black blood manifesting itself in the physical world.

Essay Topic 3

Faulkner is a master at literary devices. Choose three examples of symbolism, metaphors, etc., and briefly describe them and identify the technique which they embody.

(see the answer keys)

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