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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Chapters 6 and 7.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Styron believe about a depressed colleague's decision to ride with a reckless driver?
(a) That it was a form of suicide.
(b) That his friend didn't have any choice about who to ride with.
(c) That his friend didn't want to embarrass his friend by refusing a ride.
(d) That he probably didn't know the driver was so reckless.

2. Who is the doctor from Johns Hopkins who gave the name depression to the disease?
(a) An unnamed psychiatrist.
(b) Dr. Gold.
(c) Dr. Adkins.
(d) Dr. Adolf Meier.

3. When is depression at its worst?
(a) Painful sorrow.
(b) Fake feelings of sadness.
(c) A blue state.
(d) Madness.

4. What does Gary confess to Styron about Camus's depression?
(a) He knew Camus was going to commit suicide and did nothing about it.
(b) That Gary saw the same depression in himself, though it was controlled.
(c) He didn't believe Camus really suffered from depression.
(d) He had tried to convince Camus to get help.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. How does his diary represent his mental state?

2. How does Styron explain his approach to his self-destruction?

3. What happens before Styron meets with Camus?

4. What does Styron realize in Paris that helps him understand what is happening to him?

5. What is the hardest piece of writing Styron attempted during his depression?

(see the answer key)

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