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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What brings about Styron's flashback at the beginning of the story?
(a) Seeing the Hotel.
(b) Winning the award.
(c) Visiting the museum.
(d) Seeing his two friends.

2. What does Styron think after his flashback?
(a) That he did have some good times in the past.
(b) That he has come full circle.
(c) That his life has been great.
(d) That he didn't like visiting Paris.

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

4. How did Levi commit suicide?
(a) Hurled himself down a flight of stairs.
(b) Stepped in front of a moving car.
(c) Hung himself.
(d) Took an overdose of pills.

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

6. According to Styron, how many women have won the Prix Mondial Cino del Duca award?
(a) Twenty-five.
(b) Only five.
(c) None.
(d) More women than men.

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

8. What effect does Styron's op-ed piece have on the general public?
(a) Many suffering from depression were suddenly willing to come forward and admit it.
(b) Many felt he was justified in feeling depressed.
(c) Many felt he didn't deserve the del Duco award.
(d) Many people thought Styron was weak.

9. What happens to Styron during his museum visit in Paris?
(a) He finds inspiration for another book.
(b) He runs out and leaves the group he was with.
(c) He begins to feel the late evening lethargy that always descends.
(d) He complains to his wife about the museum the whole time.

10. Why is it hard for Styron to recognize depression in his friend, Gary?
(a) Because he didn't know what depression looked like.
(b) Because he rarely talked to Gary.
(c) Because Gary always had a melancholy typical of Europeans.
(d) Because Gary was so good at hiding his feelings.

11. How long does Stryon say it will be before he returns to Paris?
(a) A year.
(b) A couple of years.
(c) A month.
(d) Forever.

12. Who is the doctor from Johns Hopkins who gave the name depression to the disease?
(a) Dr. Adkins.
(b) An unnamed psychiatrist.
(c) Dr. Gold.
(d) Dr. Adolf Meier.

13. What does Styron say is the most universal symptom of depression?
(a) Loss of friendships.
(b) Intense anxiety.
(c) Self-hatred or lack of self-esteem.
(d) Sadness.

14. What does Styron say would cause many depression-related suicides?
(a) Lack of moral strength by the depressed person.
(b) Lack of awareness by others about the intensity of the pain.
(c) Lack of psychiatric treatment protocols.
(d) Lack of medicines to treat depression.

15. Styron agrees with what literary guide's belief?
(a) All men suffer from deep depression.
(b) Depression always leads to suicide.
(c) Depression never causes suicide.
(d) Man's alienation from other men.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the old term for depression?

2. Styron calls depression:

3. According to Styron, what is between Gaelic and Americana?

4. What happens to Styron's writing as he descends into depression?

5. According to Styron, who wrote about depression and seemed to really understand it?

(see the answer keys)

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