View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What drink do Milton and Dolly have at the bar?

2. As the novel opens, the narrator describes a train trip from __________________ to Port Warwick.

3. Who was Milton's favorite child?

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

5. What item is mentioned in the letter to Milton?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Describe Dolly's feelings about Peyton.

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

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

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

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

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

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

9. Who are the main characters in LIE DOWN IN DARKNESS?

10. How can Dolly best be characterized?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain the concept of loneliness as it exhibits in the story. Which of the characters are lonely? Are they all lonely in some way? Explain the loneliness and the methods and attempts to overcome it.

Essay Topic 2

The author uses some important instances of foreshadowing in the story. Explain what foreshadowing is and cite at least two examples making sure to explain what makes each an example of foreshadowing.

Essay Topic 3

LIE DOWN IN DARKNESS is a classic story of betrayal. What does that classification entail? Why does this novel fit into this category? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 901 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample