As I Lay Dying

This section presents terms and phrases that are central to understanding the text and may present a challenge to the reader. Use this list to create a vocabulary quiz or worksheet, to prepare flashcards for a standardized test, or to inspire classroom word games and other group activities.

1. undulations (plural noun):

actions of moving smoothly up and down, like a wave

“Between the shadow spaces they are yellow as gold, like soft gold, bearing on the flanks in smooth undulations the marks of the adze blade: a good carpenter, Cash is.” (Chapter 1, Page 4)

2. bazaar (noun):

market

“‘Maybe I can sell them at the bazaar Saturday,’ I say.” (Chapter 2, Page 7)

3. beholden (adjective):

owing someone something in return for a service or help

“We would be beholden to no man,’ he says, ‘me and her.’” (Chapter 5, Page 19)

4. bounteous (adjective):

given generously

“He just looked at her, and I felt the bounteous love of the Lord again and His mercy.” (Chapter 6, Page 24)

5. victuals (noun):

food

“And now I got to pay for it, me without a tooth in my head, hoping to get ahead enough so I could get my mouth on God’s own victuals, and as hale and well as ere a woman in the land until that day.