1. What does Styron realize in Paris that helps him understand what is happening to him?
(a) He can't talk to his wife any more.
(b) He can't think clearly anymore.
(c) The circadian cycle gives him moments of brief respite from the deep depression, giving clarity of thought.
(d) He begins to cry incessantly and realizes he is depressed.

2. What causes Styron to lose his voice in Paris?
(a) Damp weather.
(b) Screaming until he was hoarse.
(c) Severe depression and resulting lethargy.
(d) Bronchitis.

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

4. How does Camus's essay about a prisoner on death row impact Styron's writing?
(a) It gives him some ideas about stories he wants to write.
(b) It causes him to want to write much better than he felt Camus did.
(c) It leads to his using a narrator on death row to tell the story in "Confessions of Nat Turner."
(d) It causes him to stop writing for a while.

5. What is Styron not able to recover?
(a) His fame.
(b) His family.
(c) His friendships.
(d) His lucidity.

Short Answer 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?

2. What happens to Styron during his museum visit in Paris?

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

4. What puzzles Styron about Camus's book, "The Fall"?

5. Which group of people does depression never happen to?

(see the answer key)

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