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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. On whose money was Milton essentially living?
(a) His mother's.
(b) His father's.
(c) Helen's.
(d) His own.

2. Who is the protagonist of the story?
(a) Milton.
(b) Maude.
(c) Arnie.
(d) Barclay.

3. What distinguishing characteristic has Milton had since childhood?
(a) One ear is lower than the other one.
(b) A slight limp.
(c) One blue eye and one green eye.
(d) A patch of grey hair.

4. Where are Milton and Dolly as they talk over drinks?
(a) A fundraiser.
(b) A bar.
(c) A cookout.
(d) The country club.

5. What was Milton's nickname in college?
(a) Left us.
(b) Frat boy.
(c) Blow.
(d) Bud.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is Peyton unable to do in relationships?

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

3. What position did Helen adopt in life?

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

5. What does Mr. Casper do to the hearse at the beginning of Chapter 2?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

7. As Dolly rides in the limousine on the way to the cemetery, what are her thoughts about her relationship with Milton?

8. How can Dolly best be characterized?

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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