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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Whose body arrives at the train station?
(a) Helen's.
(b) Peyton's.
(c) Grammy's.
(d) Maude's.

2. With whom has Milton been having an affair for many years?
(a) Dorothy Barton.
(b) Doris Bowman.
(c) Deborah Brackman.
(d) Dolly Bonner.

3. Who is the funeral director?
(a) Mr. Gaspar.
(b) Mr. Denning.
(c) Mr. Casper.
(d) Mr. Collins.

4. What is the tone of Helen's memories?
(a) Hopeful.
(b) Somber.
(c) Erratic.
(d) Joyful.

5. Who had bound and gagged Maudie?
(a) Peyton and Boomer.
(b) Pamela and Bulldog.
(c) Patricia and Buster.
(d) Peyton and Buster.

Short Answer Questions

1. What was Milton's nickname in college?

2. Who comforts Peyton when her parents fight at the party?

3. In what year does the novel open?

4. What did Helen call the person in #48?

5. Where does the Loftis family live?

Short Essay Questions

1. For what reasons do Helen and Milton blame each other for their collapsing marriage?

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

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

4. How does LIE DOWN IN DARKNESS begin?

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

6. What is significant about the letter that Milton reads while waiting for the train?

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

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

9. How do Dolly and Helen differ in their views on motherhood?

10. Describe Dolly's feelings about Peyton.

(see the answer keys)

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