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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 Helen reveal to Carey at Peyton's wedding?

2. What did Milton watch during Peyton's wedding?

3. What does Carey try to talk to Milton about in the roadhouse?

4. What is the topic of the meeting between Helen and Dolly?

5. What is notable about Peyton on her wedding day?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the significance of the characters coming closer to the cemetery?

2. What does Milton remember about the Christmas of 1941?

3. In addition to the other parent/child relationships in the novel, how does Carey Carr's personal story fit in?

4. What is the nature of Christmas 1941 in the Loftis household?

5. What does Helen do when Dolly calls the Loftis home on Christmas?

6. Does Helen seek out Carey for her belief in God or something else?

7. What is the perception of the Southern wedding guests toward Harry?

8. What is ironic about La Ruth's outburst on the day of Peyton's funeral?

9. What does Carey recall about the Loftises a year after Maudie's death?

10. Why is Helen so angry with Peyton and Milton on Peyton's wedding day?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Chapter 7, the author provides Peyton's thoughts through a technique called stream of consciousness. Define stream of consciousness. Then explain how Chapter 7 uses this technique. Why would the author choose to use this technique in his novel? 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

Explain the significance of the book's title. What did the author mean by calling the novel LIE DOWN IN DARKNESS? Cite an example to support your answer.

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