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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Chapters 9 and 10.

Multiple Choice Questions

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

2. Why is Styron not worried about the loss?
(a) He knows he will be okay later.
(b) He knows his friend will be his friend again.
(c) He is so depressed and lethargic that nothing matters to him.
(d) He feels he is justified in getting angry.

3. What two people does Styron think of while leaving Paris?
(a) Albert Camus and Romain Gary.
(b) His father and brother.
(c) Job and Milton.
(d) His son and brother.

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

5. What does Styron want us to understand about those who commit suicide?
(a) That they had no other way to escape.
(b) That they were always good writers.
(c) That secrecy and shame are not the right reaction.
(d) That they were weak and couldn't handle pain.

Short Answer Questions

1. What reaction to the op-ed piece causes Styron to decide to write this memoir?

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

3. According to Styron, what is the greatest fallacy about suicide?

4. What is the hardest piece of writing Styron attempted during his depression?

5. How does Styron mange to avoid the recommended shock treatment?

(see the answer key)

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