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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Chapter 8.

Multiple Choice Questions

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

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

3. Though Styron feels alone, who is always with him?
(a) His children.
(b) His wife, Rose.
(c) His psychiatrist.
(d) His friend, Gary.

4. What does Styron say about not returning to France?
(a) He doesn't like to travel.
(b) It cost so much to go and he was nearly broke.
(c) He had such a miserable time in Paris.
(d) He believes one day in the near future he will take his own life.

5. 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 had no other way to escape.
(c) That secrecy and shame are not the right reaction.
(d) That they were always good writers.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Styron say he will do with the prize money he won?

2. Styron dates the onset of his deep depression to what event?

3. What does Styron say about alcohol's mood-altering characteristics?

4. What starts Styron's downward spiral into depression?

5. What two feelings does Styron experience as he planned his suicide?

(see the answer key)

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