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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. Why does Helen get mad at Milton at the birthday party?
(a) He gets drunk and passes out.
(b) He is caught kissing Dolly.
(c) He dances with all the women but her.
(d) He gives alcohol to Peyton.

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

3. Why did Milton feel such a sense of shame?
(a) Because he had multiple affairs.
(b) Because he had two failed businesses.
(c) Because he was fired.
(d) Because his marriage was a fiasco.

4. What was Dolly's ex-husband's nickname?
(a) Champ.
(b) Bud.
(c) Pookie.
(d) Killer.

5. Who comforts Peyton when her parents fight at the party?
(a) Charlie.
(b) Skip.
(c) Seth.
(d) Clay.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who becomes hysterical when Maudie is found bound and gagged?

2. Whose face did Helen slap after Maudie was found bound and gagged?

3. Whose words are italicized in the book?

4. Who is Milton Loftis' younger daughter?

5. Who is the funeral director's assistant?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the experience of the black people contrast with the lives of the supposedly more fortunate Loftis family?

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

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

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

5. How does LIE DOWN IN DARKNESS begin?

6. How does Helen feel about Dolly and her husband and when does she know there is something going on between Dolly and Milton?

7. How can Dolly best be characterized?

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

9. Describe the activity surrounding Daddy Faith.

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

(see the answer keys)

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