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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. Who is the protagonist of the story?

2. Where does the Loftis family live?

3. What does Dolly sense about Milton lately?

4. Why did Helen think Milton invited the Bonners to their home so often?

5. Who is Milton Loftis' older daughter?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Dolly's feelings about Peyton.

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

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

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

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

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

7. How does Helen use Maudie's physical afflictions as a tool?

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

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

10. How can Dolly best be characterized?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The author uses more than one iteration on the theme of love. Identify at least two themes about love in the book. Then cite an example to support each theme you name.

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

Create a brief character study of Milton. What does he look like? What are his positive personality traits? What are some of his negative characteristics? What are his hopes and fears? What motivates him--if anything--at this point in his life?

(see the answer keys)

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