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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 does Milton recall about Dolly?

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

3. Who is the protagonist of the story?

4. How does Helen react when the person in #48 apologizes?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. Describe Peyton's interactions with men and what value they have for her.

5. Describe Dolly's feelings about Peyton.

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

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

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

9. What does Milton tell Dolly about Peyton's distressful adjustment to New York City?

10. How does LIE DOWN IN DARKNESS begin?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is the significance of the funeral hearse that keeps breaking down. What did Styron want the reader to take away from this recurring incident? What symbolism does the hearse have for the main characters? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

Project into the future ten years and write a brief synopsis for the lives of Milton, Helen and Dolly. Be sure to include emotional states as well as physical characteristics, geographic locations, work, hobbies, socialization, etc.

Essay Topic 3

The role of women is a main topic addressed in this story. Explain the theme that extends through all the female characters. What is the presumed role of women in America during the 1940s? Explain by giving examples.

(see the answer keys)

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