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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 Dolly sense about Milton lately?

2. Why does Helen get mad at Milton at the birthday party?

3. With whom has Milton been having an affair for many years?

4. Where was Milton's daughter living when she wrote him the letter that he reads while waiting at the train station?

5. Who is the Loftis family's cook?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. What did Peyton and Buster do to Maudie that ends in Helen's slapping Peyton in front of people?

5. Describe Peyton's interactions with men and what value they have for her.

6. Describe the activity surrounding Daddy Faith.

7. What is the symbolism of the hearse that keeps breaking down on the way to the cemetery?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is the significance of the funeral hearse that keeps breaking down. What did Styron want the reader to take away from this recurring incident? What symbolism does the hearse have for the main characters? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

The author uses more than one iteration on the theme of love. Identify at least two themes about love in the book. Then cite an example to support each theme you name.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 995 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample