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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Dolly sense about Milton lately?
(a) He is very ill.
(b) He is going to ask her to marry him.
(c) He is going to divorce Helen.
(d) He is no longer in love with her.

2. As the novel opens, the narrator describes a train trip from __________________ to Port Warwick.
(a) Richmond.
(b) Charleston.
(c) Atlanta.
(d) Savannah.

3. Where is Peyton living after leaving college?
(a) New York City.
(b) Atlanta.
(c) Boston.
(d) Chicago.

4. Why is Peyton struggling in her new life after college?
(a) Her car broke down.
(b) Unable to find a job.
(c) Difficult adjustment to married life.
(d) Can't find a decent apartment.

5. Where does Dolly find Milton?
(a) A phone booth.
(b) A newspaper stand.
(c) A diner.
(d) A bar.

Short Answer Questions

1. What did Helen call the person in #48?

2. How old is Peyton on her birthday in Chapter 3?

3. Who is the Loftis family's cook?

4. Who is the funeral director's assistant?

5. Where was Milton's daughter living when she wrote him the letter that he reads while waiting at the train station?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is significant about the letter that Milton reads while waiting for the train?

2. What are some of the things Milton remembers as he waits for the train bearing Peyton's body?

3. What is the symbolism of the hearse that keeps breaking down on the way to the cemetery?

4. How does the author indicate the importance of Milton's father's words?

5. How does the narrator address the reader and how is setting established in the novel?

6. Describe Peyton's interactions with men and what value they have for her.

7. Why is Dolly disheartened by Milton's behavior when they're having drinks at the country club?

8. How do thoughts of Peyton lead Milton to think about his own father and what does he recall about that relationship?

9. How does LIE DOWN IN DARKNESS begin?

10. For what reasons do Helen and Milton blame each other for their collapsing marriage?

(see the answer keys)

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