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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Chapter 5.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How does Styron's body feel in the beginning of his depression?
(a) Manic, hyper, shaky, and strange.
(b) Energetic, strong, capable, and lively.
(c) Numb, frail, disjointed, and clumsy.
(d) Heavy, lethargic, awkward, and bloated.

2. Why is Styron so sad about Hoffman's suicide?
(a) He was not really depressed, so why did he commit suicide?
(b) He was so valuable to mankind.
(c) He was such a good writer.
(d) He was so young and vital.

3. What drugs does Styron's doctor give him that are NOT recommended for people with depression?
(a) Prozac and Ativan.
(b) Penicillin and Halcion.
(c) Halcion and Ativan.
(d) Halcion and Ibuprofen.

4. What does Styron want us to understand about those who commit suicide?
(a) That they were always good writers.
(b) That secrecy and shame are not the right reaction.
(c) That they were weak and couldn't handle pain.
(d) That they had no other way to escape.

5. According to Styron, who wrote about depression and seemed to really understand it?
(a) Dante.
(b) Chaucer.
(c) Camus.
(d) Gary.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Styron think of these two people, who were close literary friends?

2. For Styron, what is the most devastating loss of physical functions?

3. What bothers Styron so much about not being able to meet Camus?

4. Who is Styron's literary guide?

5. How old was Styron when he published his first novel?

(see the answer key)

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