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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. What characteristic of depression make Styron's memoir limited in benefit?

2. In the depth of his depression in Paris, what does Styron realize he would have to decide?

3. What does Styron call the DSM?

4. How does Camus's essay influence Stryon's philosophy of life?

5. How did Levi commit suicide?

Short Essay Questions

1. How did Styron describe the internal struggle with depression? What was causing this internal struggle, beside just the depression?

2. What devastating therapy did Styron avoid, and why did he say he was able to avoid it?

3. What did Styron say was his most difficult piece of writing, and how did he describe it?

4. What did Styron discover about himself in Paris, during one of his more lucid moments?

5. What did the diary represent to Styron? What did he do with it?

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

7. Styron gave little credence to his outpatient therapy, but said what about the 50 minutes involved?

8. What did Styron say caused the incipient insomnia that depressed people often experienced?

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

10. Why were the new medicines becoming available in the 1980's and Dr. Gold's approach to them indicative of how depression was viewed and treated during that time? Why was it not sufficient?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss Styron's comments and thoughts about the stigma associated with mental illness. Include his recommendations for how to overcome that stigma. Give examples from the book showing both his thoughts and his recommendations.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss Styron' s quote from his book, "A great book should leave you with many experiences, and slightly exhausted. You should live several lives while reading it." If this statement is indeed true, did Styron fulfill that quote? Explain why or why not. Do you agree with this quote? Give examples pinpointing the point from the book.

Essay Topic 3

Styron suggests that brainstorm would be a better name for the physical ramifications of depression, but brainstorm means the opposite of what he meant it to be. What does brainstorm mean, as used normally, and what is it as Styron meant it? Compare and contrast the two meanings.

(see the answer keys)

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