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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 always good writers.
(b) That they were weak and couldn't handle pain.
(c) That they had no other way to escape.
(d) That secrecy and shame are not the right reaction.

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

3. Styron agrees with what literary guide's belief?
(a) Depression never causes suicide.
(b) Man's alienation from other men.
(c) Depression always leads to suicide.
(d) All men suffer from deep depression.

4. What does the suicide of another of Styron's friends lead him to believe?
(a) That he would soon have to face the fact that his own suicide is his only way out.
(b) That his friends must be weak.
(c) That life isn't worth living.
(d) That he isn't a very good friend to others since he can't help them.

5. Why doesn't Styron recognize Camus's depression?
(a) He didn't know Camus very well.
(b) He didn't believe in depression at the time.
(c) He had never experienced depression himself, so had no real clue.
(d) Camus hid it very well because he was embarrassed by it.

Short Answer Questions

1. Though Styron feels alone, who is always with him?

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

3. According to Styron, what often leads depressed people to commit suicide?

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

5. What Camus novel has a profound impact on Styron?

(see the answer key)

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