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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Though Styron admits all professions are susceptible to depression, which profession is the most susceptible?
(a) School teacherrs.
(b) Doctors.
(c) Artistic types.
(d) Lawyers.

2. What symptoms did Jarrell suffer from that caused Styron to believe in Jarrell's suicide?
(a) He wanted his wife to have money and his insurance would give it to her.
(b) He often mentioned life wasn't worth living.
(c) Black despondency, violent fluctuation of mood, and his deep depression.
(d) He had a terminal illness and was in pain.

3. What causes Styron to lose his voice in Paris?
(a) Damp weather.
(b) Screaming until he was hoarse.
(c) Bronchitis.
(d) Severe depression and resulting lethargy.

4. What reaction does Styron have to a flock of Canadian geese?
(a) He tries to shoot them.
(b) He is frozen in anxiety at the sight of them.
(c) He thinks they are graceful.
(d) They temporarily restore his good feelings.

5. How does Camus's essay influence Stryon's philosophy of life?
(a) It makes him realize life is too short.
(b) It makes him realize mankind's responsibility for the larger world.
(c) It makes him realize depression was a personal thing.
(d) It makes him realize depression could be overcome if the person just cheered himself up.

Short Answer Questions

1. What drugs does Styron's doctor give him that are NOT recommended for people with depression?

2. According to Styron, what is between Gaelic and Americana?

3. Why does Styron say that physical symptoms accompany depression?

4. What is unusual about Styron's visit to Paris?

5. What two people does Styron think of while leaving Paris?

Short Essay Questions

1. What did Styron say about the impression his intense thoughts of suicide would have on others?

2. What are some of the ways Styron indicated he had thought of as a means to commit his own suicide?

3. What sort of attachments did Styron form as his depression progressed?

4. What hope does Styron offer to those who survive depression?

5. Who did Styron say the depressed person was dangerous to, and why?

6. What event caused Styron to realize he needed to go to the hospital?

7. What did Styron say about his physical condition after he got released from the hospital?

8. What did the suicides of several of his friends, who had distinguished careers and were obviously intelligent and known for their strong character, cause Styron to do? How was his beliefs opposed to the general public view?

9. What role does Styron say friends and family play for the person with depression?

10. As Styron contemplated and planned for his suicide, what two feelings did he describe?

(see the answer keys)

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