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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Styron compares the theories about depression to the theories about what?
(a) The world is square/round debate.
(b) Creation.
(c) Dinosaurs and Black Holes.
(d) Evolution.

2. What two things does Styron believe led to his depression?
(a) His wife's infidelity and the loss of his job.
(b) His mother's death and a hereditary factor through his father.
(c) Chemical dependence and illness.
(d) His physical illness and his anxiety.

3. What is the second stage of psychological development in depression?
(a) Dependency.
(b) Physical pain.
(c) Euphoria.
(d) Suicide.

4. What does Styron do to try and stop the hopeless feelings?
(a) Get his doctor to give him more medicine.
(b) Drink huge amounts of alcohol.
(c) Take long walks in the woods.
(d) Clung to familiar items like glasses and pens.

5. Styron names a number of writers, poets, and sculptors who have what common underlying theme in their work?
(a) Love.
(b) Depression.
(c) Longevity.
(d) Beauty.

6. What does the doctor tell Styron about his medicine, Halcion, and its dosage?
(a) It is three times the normal dose and not recommended for men his age.
(b) He needs a much larger dose.
(c) It is the best medicine.
(d) It is not effective for depression.

7. What term does Styron give to the loss of a parent or something early in life?
(a) Incomplete mourning.
(b) Dark depression.
(c) Lifelong loss.
(d) Insurmountable loss.

8. Why does Styron say he was betrayed the summer before he was hospitalized?
(a) His wife cheated on him.
(b) He could not longer drink any alcohol at all.
(c) His friends deserted him.
(d) His doctor treated him with the wrong drug.

9. Why are late afternoons so distressing to Styron?
(a) He takes naps and had nightmares during the nap.
(b) He gets sleepy and couldn't work.
(c) He suffers from panic and anxiety.
(d) He has to go to his doctor every afternoon.

10. What is the hardest piece of writing Styron attempted during his depression?
(a) He stopped writing altogether.
(b) Any upbeat writing.
(c) His goodbye letter.
(d) Poetry, due to its emotional nature.

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

12. According to Styron, what would be the only answer if depression was incurable?
(a) Suicide.
(b) Long term hospitalization.
(c) A life of horror.
(d) Total care by a loved one.

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

14. For Styron, what do the black whirling stars of Van Gogh represent?
(a) Precursors of his plunge into dementia and self-annihilation.
(b) The darkness of depression.
(c) The everlasting nature of man's soul.
(d) The beauty of the night sky.

15. What does the depression and sense of hopelessness cause Styron to do?
(a) Write even more in an attempt to understand it.
(b) Try to kill himself.
(c) Run away from his wife and home.
(d) Go to bed for hours every day.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does Styron consult with Dr. Gold, who he didn't feel could really help him?

2. Why does Styron say depression was no stranger when it came to him?

3. As horrible as this hallucination is, what does Styron say about Bergman, who wrote the script?

4. How does Styron indicate he was planning to die?

5. What is Styron's avoidance of death due to?

(see the answer keys)

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