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

2. When the narrative shifts to Peyton's birthday, what year is it?

3. What was Dolly's ex-husband's nickname?

4. What is the main industry in Port Warwick?

5. Whose face did Helen slap after Maudie was found bound and gagged?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Helen feel about Dolly and her husband and when does she know there is something going on between Dolly and Milton?

2. How do thoughts of Peyton lead Milton to think about his own father and what does he recall about that relationship?

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

4. What is the role of the country club for the Loftis family's dysfunctions?

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

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

7. How does the author provide more in-depth information about Milton and Helen's marriage?

8. As Dolly rides in the limousine on the way to the cemetery, what are her thoughts about her relationship with Milton?

9. Describe the activity surrounding Daddy Faith.

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Even though they are both important in Milton's life, Helen and Dolly are very different. Compare and contrast Helen and Dolly. What similarities do they share? How are they different?

Essay Topic 2

Explain the concept of loneliness as it exhibits in the story. Which of the characters are lonely? Are they all lonely in some way? Explain the loneliness and the methods and attempts to overcome it.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 945 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample