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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. Who has an emotional outburst in Helen's bedroom?

2. From whom does Milton get a telegram while Helen is out of town?

3. What is Peyton's husband's religious affiliation?

4. What reason does Dolly give Helen for Milton's interest in Dolly?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What does Milton remember about the Christmas of 1941?

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

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

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

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

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

8. Who does Helen blame for Maudie's death?

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

10. What news does Helen have about Maudie and why is she so angry at Milton and Peyton when they finally return to the hospital?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

LIE DOWN IN DARKNESS is a classic story of betrayal. What does that classification entail? Why does this novel fit into this category? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

The novel is filled with the definite demarcation of whites and blacks as typical for the South in the 1940s. How does the author show the class distinctions between the races? What racial stereotypes does the author use? Why were these behaviors and stereotypes considered acceptable in the 1940s? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

Hate takes on an almost human persona in this story. What is this literary technique called? Cite examples that support this position.

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