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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. The body is being transported from the train station to ___________________.
(a) The cemetery.
(b) The funeral home.
(c) The crematorium.
(d) The church.

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

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

4. What did Helen call the person in #48?
(a) An embarrassment.
(b) A devil.
(c) A scourge.
(d) A witch.

5. Who becomes hysterical when Maudie is found bound and gagged?
(a) La Ruth.
(b) Dolly.
(c) Peyton.
(d) Helen.

Short Answer Questions

1. Where is the train at the beginning of Chapter 2?

2. Who is the funeral director's assistant?

3. How had Dolly always felt about Milton's relationship with Peyton?

4. Where did Milton take Peyton to cheer her up after the altercation with her mother?

5. What does Dolly realize about why Milton asked her to go to the train station with him?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How do Dolly and Helen differ in their views on motherhood?

3. Who are the main characters in LIE DOWN IN DARKNESS?

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

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

6. Describe Dolly's feelings about Peyton.

7. What is the role of the country club for the Loftis family's dysfunctions?

8. How can Dolly best be characterized?

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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