3. What is the literary technique used when portraying Helen as restrained on the day of her daughter's funeral when the person in #100 has an emotional outburst?

4. What is Helen's demeanor as they leave the house for the funeral?

5. Where is Dolly's ex-husband living at this time?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why does Carey find it difficult to minister to Helen?

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

4. How does Peyton and Harry's first night as a married couple mirror Milton and Helen's marriage?

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

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

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

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

9. What do Carey and Milton talk about while waiting in the roadhouse for the hearse to be repaired?

10. What was the nature of Helen's meeting with Dolly at the tearoom?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Styron uses more than one instance of irony in the book. Cite at least two examples you can identify in the novel and note why they are examples of irony.

Essay Topic 2

There is much symbolism in this story regarding the alarm clock. What does the alarm clock symbolize for the story? What does it symbolize for Peyton in particular? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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