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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why did Styron's publisher have to reschedule a photo session?
(a) Styron refused to come out of his room.
(b) Styron had only smiled in a few pictures but still looked as if in despair.
(c) Styron was in the hospital.
(d) Styron had left to go to Paris.

2. What does Styron say is the most important consideration in depression?
(a) Discovering a cure.
(b) Discovering how early diagnoses can be made or predicted.
(c) Discovering what causes depressed people to commit suicide.
(d) Discovering which medicines are most effective.

3. How did Lincoln attempt to vanquish death due to his own hand?
(a) By being the best family man he could.
(b) Through his work that was valued by posterity.
(c) By declaring war.
(d) By taking medicines prescribed to him.

4. What is the hardest piece of writing Styron attempted during his depression?
(a) He stopped writing altogether.
(b) Any upbeat writing.
(c) His goodbye letter.
(d) Poetry, due to its emotional nature.

5. What note does Styron want to copy for his goodbye letter?
(a) "Life is no longer worth it."
(b) "This is the end. Don't mourn."
(c) "I am sorry for any pain I cause. My pain is greater."
(d) "No more words; an act. I'll never write again."

6. What does this music make him realize?
(a) That his suicide would hurt his wife too much.
(b) That music could restore his soul.
(c) That he didn't want to life any more.
(d) That he couldn't leave all the pleasant memories that the house around him held.

7. What does Styron believe he needs to get well that can be provided by the hospital?
(a) Freedom from other people and their advise.
(b) More medicine.
(c) Psychotherapy.
(d) A controlled environment and more time.

8. What hope does Styron say a depressed person can have?
(a) That family and friends will be supportive.
(b) That it will eventually subside and healing will occur.
(c) That suicide will relieve their distress.
(d) That medicines can cure depression and it will never recur.

9. What term does Styron use to describe his depression?
(a) A deep hole.
(b) A hole in his heart.
(c) An excruciating pain.
(d) A black tempest.

10. What is Styron's avoidance of death due to?
(a) His love for his wife.
(b) The recognition he got from others.
(c) His homage to his mother.
(d) His writings and intellectual endeavors.

11. What three brand-name items does Styron use to destroy his diary?
(a) Cheez-its box, 3M tape, and Brawny towels.
(b) None, just throws it away in the garbage.
(c) Viva towels, Scotch tape, and Post Raisin Bran cereal box.
(d) Diamond matches, Kingsford Charcoal lighter, and Viva towels.

12. What therapies are used in the hospital?
(a) Group therapy, art therapy, and watching TV shows.
(b) Shock treatment and medicines.
(c) No therapies; Styron just rested.
(d) Medicines and psychotherapy.

13. What reaction does Styron have to group therapy?
(a) He doesn't participate.
(b) It makes him seeth but gives him a way to pass the time.
(c) It is the major source of his healing.
(d) He has no reaction to it, and just endures it.

14. What happens to Styron's speech as he becomes more depressed?
(a) He is unable to make certain sounds.
(b) Nothing happens to his speech.
(c) It becomes very rapid.
(d) It slows to a halting rate.

15. To what does Styron compare medical treatment for depression?
(a) To the early evolution of dinosaurs.
(b) To cancer treatment.
(c) To a child's early life.
(d) To fighting infection before the discovery of penicillin.

Short Answer Questions

1. In addition to anxiety, what other characteristic of depression becomes manifest?

2. What piece of music moves Styron to his breakthrough and hospitalization?

3. What is a common occurrence in people planning suicide?

4. What is a daily presence during the depth of Styron's depression?

5. What does the depression and sense of hopelessness cause Styron to do?

(see the answer keys)

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