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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Chapter 3.

Multiple Choice Questions

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

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

3. What percentage of artistic types who suffer from depression die from suicide?
(a) 10%.
(b) 100%.
(c) 20%.
(d) 60%.

4. 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 depression could be overcome if the person just cheered himself up.
(c) It makes him realize mankind's responsibility for the larger world.
(d) It makes him realize life is too short.

5. What does Styron think after his flashback?
(a) That he didn't like visiting Paris.
(b) That he did have some good times in the past.
(c) That he has come full circle.
(d) That his life has been great.

Short Answer Questions

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

2. How did Levi's friends and admirers react to his suicide?

3. Who arranges a meeting between Albert Camus and Styron?

4. What reaction to the op-ed piece causes Styron to decide to write this memoir?

5. What is unusual about Styron's visit to Paris?

(see the answer key)

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