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. Where will Helen's brother be going after his visit with her family?

2. How long have Carey and Helen been friends?

3. Helen does not seek out Carey for spiritual solace but ______________________.

4. To what city do Helen and Maudie travel in November of 1942?

5. Why does Peyton tell Harry that she married him?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What is Dolly's response to Helen's accusations and demands at the tearoom?

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

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

6. How does the author show that Milton has inappropriate feelings for Peyton?

7. What comment does Helen make to Carey as they leave for the cemetery which acts as foreshadowing?

8. What trip do Helen and Maudie take in November of 1942?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain the ongoing conflict between Helen and Peyton. What is the source of the conflict? Why does it perpetuate? Is it really possible for a mother and daughter to hate each other to the degree that Helen and Peyton seem to hate? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

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 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 1,000 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample