View a FREE sample

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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Where are Milton, Dolly and Ella going in a limousine?
(a) A funeral.
(b) An anniversary party.
(c) A wedding.
(d) The train station.

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

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

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

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

Short Answer Questions

1. What type of relationship did Milton have with his father?

2. Why did Peyton go to the city mentioned in #70?

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

4. Who is Dolly's son?

5. The body is being transported from the train station to ___________________.

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 883 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample