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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. What position did Helen adopt in life?

2. What is Peyton unable to do in relationships?

3. Why does Milton ask Dolly to accompany him to the train station?

4. What is the state of the Loftis' marriage?

5. Where are Milton and Dolly as they talk over drinks?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the author provide more in-depth information about Milton and Helen's marriage?

2. What did Peyton and Buster do to Maudie that ends in Helen's slapping Peyton in front of people?

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

4. Where does Dolly find Milton when the train arrives at the station?

5. Explain the narrative structure of LIE DOWN IN DARKNESS.

6. What is the premise of LIE DOWN IN DARKNESS?

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

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

9. What are some of Helen's recollections in Chapter 1?

10. What are Milton's feelings toward Dolly at this point and why has she accompanied him to the train station?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain the concept of loneliness as it exhibits in the story. Which of the characters are lonely? Are they all lonely in some way? Explain the loneliness and the methods and attempts to overcome it.

Essay Topic 2

The author uses several instances of flashbacks in the story. Explain what a flashback is and cite at least two examples making sure to explain what makes each a flashback.

Essay Topic 3

LIE DOWN IN DARKNESS is a classic story of betrayal. What does that classification entail? Why does this novel fit into this category? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

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