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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Chapters 6 and 7.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Styron say about assigning reasons for suicide to those who take that route?
(a) That people who commit suicide don't love their families.
(b) Most of the time the cause is not one incident, but overwhelming depression.
(c) That people who commit suicide are justified in doing it.
(d) That only weak people commit suicide.

2. Though Styron admits all professions are susceptible to depression, which profession is the most susceptible?
(a) Lawyers.
(b) Doctors.
(c) Artistic types.
(d) School teacherrs.

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

4. According to Styron, what is the greatest fallacy about suicide?
(a) That all depressed people commit suicide.
(b) That suicide is a painless way to go.
(c) The idea that there is one particular cause.
(d) That people only have to "buck up."

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

Short Answer Questions

1. According to Styron, what is the touchstone of depression?

2. How old was Styron when he published his first novel?

3. What does Gary reveal to Styron about the effect the death of his ex-wife had on him?

4. What does Styron say is the most universal symptom of depression?

5. During the dinner party, what does Styron do with his diary?

(see the answer key)

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