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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Chapter 3.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What effect does Styron's op-ed piece have on the general public?
(a) Many suffering from depression were suddenly willing to come forward and admit it.
(b) Many felt he didn't deserve the del Duco award.
(c) Many felt he was justified in feeling depressed.
(d) Many people thought Styron was weak.

2. Why is Styron not worried about the loss?
(a) He knows he will be okay later.
(b) He is so depressed and lethargic that nothing matters to him.
(c) He feels he is justified in getting angry.
(d) He knows his friend will be his friend again.

3. How old was Levi when he committed his suicide?
(a) 67.
(b) 26.
(c) 74.
(d) 39.

4. What does Gary reveal to Styron about the effect the death of his ex-wife had on him?
(a) He was afraid she had committed suicide.
(b) He was afraid he would be suspected in her death.
(c) He began to suffer greatly from deep depression.
(d) He finally felt free again.

5. In what year does Styron first realize his illness could lead to his death?
(a) 1990.
(b) 1989.
(c) 1985.
(d) 1950.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Camus's essay about a prisoner on death row impact Styron's writing?

2. What city is Styron in at the beginning of the memoir?

3. What philosophical question does Gary present as central to all philosophy; a question that confuses Styron until years later when he suffers his depression?

4. What reaction to the op-ed piece causes Styron to decide to write this memoir?

5. Why would Jarrell's widow not want to admit he committed suicide?

(see the answer key)

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