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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Chapter 4.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. 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 they had no other way to escape.
(d) That secrecy and shame are not the right reaction.

2. How old was Styron when he published his first novel?
(a) Mid-20's.
(b) 40.
(c) 15.
(d) 35.

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

4. 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) Why does life have hardships?
(b) Are all suicides due to weak character?
(c) Does man depend on other men?
(d) Is life worth living?

5. What happens to Styron's writing as he descends into depression?
(a) He gets published much easier.
(b) It eventually becomes non-existent.
(c) He begins to write much faster and more productively.
(d) His writing doesn't make sense.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Gary confess to Styron about Camus's depression?

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

3. What causes Styron to lose his voice in Paris?

4. How did Levi commit suicide?

5. What does the suicide of another of Styron's friends lead him to believe?

(see the answer key)

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