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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Chapter 2.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What philosophical question does Gary present as central to all philosophy; a question that confuses Styron until years later when he suffers his depression?
(a) Are all suicides due to weak character?
(b) Does man depend on other men?
(c) Why does life have hardships?
(d) Is life worth living?

2. How does Camus's essay influence Stryon's philosophy of life?
(a) It makes him realize depression was a personal thing.
(b) It makes him realize mankind's responsibility for the larger world.
(c) It makes him realize life is too short.
(d) It makes him realize depression could be overcome if the person just cheered himself up.

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

4. Which group of people have more incidence of depression than all others?
(a) Rich people.
(b) Poor people.
(c) Children.
(d) Women suffer more than any other group of people.

5. What does Styron lose at the luncheon in Paris?
(a) His best friend.
(b) His mind.
(c) His check for $25,000.
(d) Control of his anger.

Short Answer Questions

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

2. What does Styron say the award he received should have done for him?

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

4. What bothers Styron about his meeting with Gary's estranged wife?

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

(see the answer key)

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