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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is a common occurrence in people planning suicide?
(a) A revision of their will.
(b) Detailed plans for their death.
(c) A second self who observes the self planning its destruction.
(d) Sending all family away for a time.

2. What is Styron's avoidance of death due to?
(a) His homage to his mother.
(b) His writings and intellectual endeavors.
(c) His love for his wife.
(d) The recognition he got from others.

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

4. Why does he throw his diary in the garbage instead of burning it?
(a) It better represents the annihilation of a loathful self, and deserves to be thrown in the garbage as well.
(b) He doesn't want to start a fire and let his friends know what he was doing.
(c) He is afraid of fire, so couldn't bring himself to burn the diary.
(d) He doesn't want to see any trace, such as ashes.

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

6. What does Styron say is the most important consideration in depression?
(a) Discovering which medicines are most effective.
(b) Discovering how early diagnoses can be made or predicted.
(c) Discovering what causes depressed people to commit suicide.
(d) Discovering a cure.

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

8. What note does Styron want to copy for his goodbye letter?
(a) "I am sorry for any pain I cause. My pain is greater."
(b) "This is the end. Don't mourn."
(c) "Life is no longer worth it."
(d) "No more words; an act. I'll never write again."

9. What aspect of depression parallels the threshold of pain?
(a) Its deep intensity.
(b) The inability of the depressed person to absorb pain beyond predictable periods of time.
(c) Its pervasiveness.
(d) Its unrelenting nature.

10. What does Styron say family and friends should continue to do for the depressed person?
(a) Make them talk about their problems.
(b) Tell them to cheer up and get over it.
(c) Watch them constantly to prevent suicide.
(d) Validate their worth and sense of self.

11. What conclusion can we make for what Styron says about his recovery?
(a) Medicines need to be adjusted correctly.
(b) Writing in his diary helped him recover.
(c) That he just needed some more rest.
(d) That is was difficult and required a lot of strength.

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

13. What is Styron's reaction to being admitted to the hospital?
(a) He feels safe for the first time since he became depressed.
(b) He is depressed about it.
(c) He is afraid his wife will leave him.
(d) He is afraid his friends will desert him.

14. How long does Styron have to stay in the hospital?
(a) Two weeks.
(b) A month.
(c) Almost a year.
(d) Seven weeks.

15. What events led to Abraham Lincoln suffering depression and even attempting suicide?
(a) The Civil War.
(b) The death of his mother when he was 9 and his sister 10 years later.
(c) His wife's infidelity.
(d) Slavery in the South.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Styron explain his approach to his self-destruction?

2. What is Styron's diary a symbol of?

3. What two things does Styron believe led to his depression?

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

5. Which novel character does Styron compare himself with?

(see the answer keys)

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