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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

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

2. How does Styron feel about his Connecticut farmhouse?
(a) He hates the house, preferring Martha's Vineyard.
(b) He thinks it needed lots of work.
(c) It feels ominous to him.
(d) He loves spending time there.

3. Where does Styron spend his summers?
(a) At Martha's Vineyard.
(b) In Paris.
(c) In Florida.
(d) On his farm in Connecticut.

4. What reaction does Styron have to a flock of Canadian geese?
(a) He is frozen in anxiety at the sight of them.
(b) He tries to shoot them.
(c) He thinks they are graceful.
(d) They temporarily restore his good feelings.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. Where did Styron meet Hoffman?

2. What pressing question does Styron have about the course of depression?

3. Styron agrees with what literary guide's belief?

4. What quote from Baudelaire does Styron use to explain his feelings?

5. In the depth of his depression in Paris, what does Styron realize he would have to decide?

Short Essay Questions

1. As Styron contemplated and planned for his suicide, what two feelings did he describe?

2. What did Styron say is true of those who suffer from severe depression and recover?

3. For the most part, the people Styron list as suffering from depression are artistic types or philosophers. Discuss why this may be so?

4. What did Camus speak of that so strongly affected Styron? What relationship did Styron have with Camus?

5. What sort of therapy was used to help Styron overcome his depression?

6. What reasons might be given for Styron not having been hospitalized earlier?

7. What statistics did Styron give about depression and suicide?

8. What is known about the causes of depression, according to Styron?

9. What did Styron say about someone being able to describe depression?

10. Styron gave little credence to his outpatient therapy, but said what about the 50 minutes involved?

(see the answer keys)

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