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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What effect does Styron's op-ed piece have on the general public?
(a) Many people thought Styron was weak.
(b) Many felt he didn't deserve the del Duco award.
(c) Many suffering from depression were suddenly willing to come forward and admit it.
(d) Many felt he was justified in feeling depressed.

2. What three factors does Styron name as contributing to depression?
(a) Anger, fear, and desolation.
(b) Family trouble, job loss, and financial worries.
(c) Early loss, weak character, and no support.
(d) Chemicals in the brain, behavior, and genetics.

3. What does Styron say about not returning to France?
(a) It cost so much to go and he was nearly broke.
(b) He doesn't like to travel.
(c) He believes one day in the near future he will take his own life.
(d) He had such a miserable time in Paris.

4. What does Styron say about assigning reasons for suicide to those who take that route?
(a) That people who commit suicide don't love their families.
(b) That only weak people commit suicide.
(c) That people who commit suicide are justified in doing it.
(d) Most of the time the cause is not one incident, but overwhelming depression.

5. What happens before Styron meets with Camus?
(a) Camus dies in a car accident.
(b) Camus leaves on his honeymoon.
(c) Camus gets upset at Styron for his moods.
(d) Camus leaves Paris.

Short Answer Questions

1. In addition to anxiety, what other characteristic of depression becomes manifest?

2. How old was Levi when he committed his suicide?

3. What does Styron believe about a depressed colleague's decision to ride with a reckless driver?

4. What happens to Styron's writing as he descends into depression?

5. Who is Styron's literary guide?

(see the answer key)

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