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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Sir Walter Scott and the Brontes linked what two illnesses interchangeably?
(a) Melancholia and hypochondria.
(b) Lukemia and depression.
(c) Cancer and depression.
(d) Influenza and depression.

2. What bothers Styron so much about not being able to meet Camus?
(a) It meant there was another suicide in his circle of friends.
(b) It meant he had to go to his luncheon with Lady del Duco.
(c) Because it meant he barely missed getting to meet the man whose writing he so admired.
(d) It meant Camus couldn't hear about winning the award.

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

4. What starts Styron's downward spiral into depression?
(a) He begins to suffer nausea when drinking alcohol, which he had depended upon.
(b) Trouble with his wife.
(c) Being isolated in Connecticut in the winter.
(d) The loss of several friends to suicide.

5. Who arranges a meeting between Albert Camus and Styron?
(a) William Styron.
(b) Rose Styron.
(c) Romain Gary.
(d) Cino del Duco

Short Answer Questions

1. What reaction does Styron have to a flock of Canadian geese?

2. What quote from Baudelaire does Styron use to explain his feelings?

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

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

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

(see the answer key)

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