In "Lie Down in Darkness," Peyton Loftis's tragic end through suicide in New York City sets off a somber journey as her body is transported to its final resting place. The aftermath of this event sees her family members grappling with their past and future, as they make their way to the cemetery. This poignant tale explores the complex dynamics within the Loftis family, revealing the deep-seated issues that have shaped their lives.

The Family's Journey

The hearse carries Peyton's body from the train station, as family members follow in separate cars. Her mother, Helen, rides alongside the minister in a limousine, while her father, Milton, shares a vehicle with his lover, Dolly. As they proceed towards the cemetery, each person is lost in their own thoughts about the life they shared with Peyton and the decisions that led them here.

Complex Parental Relationships

Milton Loftis, a man with a penchant for alcohol and infidelity, struggles with his own demons. His wife, Helen, presents a stark contrast, being cold, self-righteous, and intolerant. Their marriage, despite producing two daughters, was more a product of societal expectations than genuine affection. Maudie, their older daughter, faces severe physical and emotional challenges, while Peyton, the younger, captivates attention with her beauty and charisma.

The Strained Marriage

The Loftis marriage crumbles under the weight of unspoken resentments and unmet expectations. Helen's inability to connect with Peyton only deepens the chasm, while Milton's undeniable favoritism towards Peyton drives a wedge between the parents. This father-daughter relationship becomes increasingly inappropriate, blurring the lines of familial bonds.

The Father-Daughter Bond

Milton and Peyton share a bond that teeters on the edge of propriety. While Peyton's youthful innocence should protect her, she becomes entangled in a web of affection and desire that she barely comprehends. Her interactions with Milton are openly affectionate, even flirtatious, leaving no doubt of their inappropriate undertones. Each moment they share is tinged with a tension that neither fully understands nor addresses.

Forbidden Affections

Though Milton never crosses the physical boundaries with Peyton, his emotions are unmistakably inappropriate. Peyton, in turn, uses her allure to tease, maintaining a delicate balance that never tips into overt action. Despite this, the relationship is fraught with an undercurrent of forbidden desire, which neither can fully act upon nor escape.

Escaping Reality

Milton seeks to dull his conflicted feelings through alcohol and the company of Dolly Bonner, his mistress. Meanwhile, Helen turns to Carey Carr, the family’s minister, for solace, despite his uncertain faith and lack of genuine empathy. Her attempts to impose order on the chaos of her family life are ultimately in vain, as she fails to bridge the emotional distance within her household.