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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In what year does Styron first realize his illness could lead to his death?
(a) 1950.
(b) 1990.
(c) 1989.
(d) 1985.

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

3. What does Styron say depression is like?
(a) A sadness.
(b) Makes him angry at everyone.
(c) An extra sleepy mood.
(d) Drowning or suffocation.

4. At what point in one's life does Styron say the seeds of depression are planted?
(a) In early adulthood.
(b) There is not one particular time, it varies.
(c) In childhood.
(d) In middle age.

5. What three factors does Styron name as contributing to depression?
(a) Chemicals in the brain, behavior, and genetics.
(b) Anger, fear, and desolation.
(c) Family trouble, job loss, and financial worries.
(d) Early loss, weak character, and no support.

6. What does Levi's suicide cause Styron to do?
(a) Condemn Levi for his cowardice.
(b) Plan his own suicide.
(c) Write an op-ed piece to the NY Times on depression, discounting the shame most felt about it.
(d) Denounce Levi as his friend.

7. According to Styron, what is between Gaelic and Americana?
(a) His memoir.
(b) The French bidet.
(c) The restaurant he went to after getting his award.
(d) Paris museums.

8. What reaction to the op-ed piece causes Styron to decide to write this memoir?
(a) The number of people reacting positively causes him to think sharing his experiences would be beneficial.
(b) People indicated they just didn't understand depression.
(c) His editor asked him to write the memoir.
(d) He learned his piece had saved someone's life, so wanted to reach out with more information.

9. What is the award Styron receives?
(a) He didn't receive one, he was giving one.
(b) Nobel Peace Prize.
(c) Newberry Award.
(d) Prix Mondial Cino del Duca award.

10. Which group of people have more incidence of depression than all others?
(a) Children.
(b) Poor people.
(c) Women suffer more than any other group of people.
(d) Rich people.

11. What does Styron say he will do with the prize money he won?
(a) Retire early and write.
(b) Give most to charity but save a small portion for a personal matter.
(c) Give it all to charity.
(d) Pay off all old debts so he could concentrate on writing.

12. What pressing question does Styron have about the course of depression?
(a) Why would a person who has everything still be depressed?
(b) Why doesn't the person just cheer up and get over it?
(c) Why do some who suffered commit suicide while others don't?
(d) What medicines are effective?

13. How old was Styron when he published his first novel?
(a) 35.
(b) 15.
(c) 40.
(d) Mid-20's.

14. What puzzles Styron about Camus's book, "The Fall"?
(a) That the lawyer/narrator would want to kill himself.
(b) The title didn't fit the story.
(c) It was written so brilliantly though Camus was depressed.
(d) It was a good narrative of what a depressed person experiences.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. Though Styron admits all professions are susceptible to depression, which profession is the most susceptible?

2. Styron calls depression:

3. What is the term Styron uses to better describe what is happening to a person with depression?

4. Why is Styron so sad about Hoffman's suicide?

5. What does Styron say would cause many depression-related suicides?

(see the answer keys)

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