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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why does Styron think of his mother as he listens to the music?
(a) She played it on the piano.
(b) He had heard her sing it.
(c) It was played at her funeral.
(d) It spoke of a lady like her.

2. What does Styron believe he needs to get well that can be provided by the hospital?
(a) Psychotherapy.
(b) A controlled environment and more time.
(c) More medicine.
(d) Freedom from other people and their advise.

3. What sort of people does Styron say is more prone to depression?
(a) People who have lost loved ones.
(b) Poor people.
(c) People with above average intelligence.
(d) Artistic people.

4. What is Styron's first dream in many months?
(a) A demon, a fire, and his own death.
(b) His wife leaving him.
(c) A flock of Canadian geese.
(d) A flute, a wild goose, and a dancing girl.

5. During the dinner party, what does Styron do with his diary?
(a) He wraps it and throws it in the garbage.
(b) He gives it to a friend to publish.
(c) He hides it from his friends and wife.
(d) He reads portions of it to his friends.

6. What happens when Styron's medicine is changed?
(a) His suicidal thoughts cease.
(b) He can't sleep at night.
(c) He becomes violent and has to be restrained.
(d) His depression deepens.

7. Why does Styron consult with Dr. Gold, who he didn't feel could really help him?
(a) To satisfy his wife, who demanded he get treatment.
(b) To get help for his friend, Camus.
(c) To receive the medicines he thought would help him.
(d) To look good to the press.

8. What famous poet does Styron name as an example of excellent works by a depressed person?
(a) Robert Frost.
(b) Emily Dickinson.
(c) Emily Bronte.
(d) Walt Whitman.

9. What three brand-name items does Styron use to destroy his diary?
(a) None, just throws it away in the garbage.
(b) Cheez-its box, 3M tape, and Brawny towels.
(c) Viva towels, Scotch tape, and Post Raisin Bran cereal box.
(d) Diamond matches, Kingsford Charcoal lighter, and Viva towels.

10. How does Styron mange to avoid the recommended shock treatment?
(a) His doctor doesn't believe in it.
(b) He refuses to let them do it.
(c) He pretends that he had already had it.
(d) He begins to get better immediately.

11. What does Styron's psychiatrist recommend to him about the hospital?
(a) To go to a hospital in Paris so no one would know.
(b) To go to the hospital for treatment.
(c) To avoid the hospital at all costs.
(d) To plan on staying for a year in the hospital.

12. What is so frustrating about depression for artists, musicians, and scientists?
(a) It affects many of their families.
(b) Frequent hospitalizations with their depresion interrupts their lives.
(c) The inability to explain and convey it to others who haven't had it.
(d) It interferes with their work.

13. According to Styron, what is a frequent theme in his novels?
(a) Family support.
(b) Friendships.
(c) Suicide.
(d) Death.

14. What hope does Styron say a depressed person can have?
(a) That family and friends will be supportive.
(b) That suicide will relieve their distress.
(c) That medicines can cure depression and it will never recur.
(d) That it will eventually subside and healing will occur.

15. From Job to Styron's day, he says artists and writers have been trying to do what?
(a) Overcome the effects of depression that overcome artists.
(b) Build better relationships to overcome depression.
(c) Explain the blackness of the fantasia of depression.
(d) Cheer up people who suffer from depression with their works.

Short Answer Questions

1. Styron compares the theories about depression to the theories about what?

2. What term does Styron give to the loss of a parent or something early in life?

3. Which writer does Styron quote as saying he had "lost the right path"?

4. What conclusion can we make for what Styron says about his recovery?

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

(see the answer keys)

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