1. What does Styron say is absent in depression that causes it to be so difficult to endure?
(a) Good hospitals.
(b) The hope of deliverance is absent and makes it almost impossible to endure.
(c) Medicine to treat it.
(d) Doctors who know what to do.

2. What bothers Styron about his meeting with Gary's estranged wife?
(a) Their son was caught between their differences.
(b) That he didn't understand her deep depression and what it meant.
(c) Gary's wife wasn't very involved with her son.
(d) That Gary was letting his estranged wife live with him.

3. What does Styron think of these two people, who were close literary friends?
(a) He doesn't think their writing was very good.
(b) He thinks they both had depression.
(c) He thinks they should have won the award.
(d) He thinks they should move to America where they would be more recognized.

4. What does Styron realize in Paris that helps him understand what is happening to him?
(a) He begins to cry incessantly and realizes he is depressed.
(b) He can't think clearly anymore.
(c) The circadian cycle gives him moments of brief respite from the deep depression, giving clarity of thought.
(d) He can't talk to his wife any more.

5. How does Styron indicate he was planning to die?
(a) He sends his wife away for a time so he would be alone.
(b) He gathers a knife and some towels.
(c) He revises his will and tries to write a goodbye letter.
(d) He dresses nicely for the person who will find him.