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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What term does Styron give to the loss of a parent or something early in life?

2. What therapies are used in the hospital?

3. What does Styron call the condition of the person suffering unrelenting depression?

4. What sort of people does Styron say is more prone to depression?

5. Styron compares the theories about depression to the theories about what?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss what Styron's purpose is for writing "Darkness Visible." What might he want us to know and understand about his subject? Include what he states openly as well as what you understand him to want to say. Why does he think it is important to make us understand this?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss Styron's account of his treatment, including his treatment during hospitalization, and its impact on his recovery. Use examples from the book to support your answers.

Essay Topic 3

The title of Styron's book, "Darkness Visible," comes from a quote from Milton's "Paradise Lost," describing Hell. Discuss why Styron might have chosen such a work to quote from. What about his condition might have led him to be attracted to such a work? What is the significance of choosing a quote describing hell to open his memoir on depression?

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This section contains 276 words (approx. 1 page at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample