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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. Why is Styron so sad about Hoffman's suicide?
(a) He was such a good writer.
(b) He was so young and vital.
(c) He was so valuable to mankind.
(d) He was not really depressed, so why did he commit suicide?

2. What characteristic of depression make Styron's memoir limited in benefit?
(a) Its complexity made the memoir about only one person limited.
(b) He had to be hospitalized so couldn't finish the memoir in the manner he wanted.
(c) He couldn't give good advice because the depression made him suicidal.
(d) He couldn't write so well because of the immobility of depression.

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

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

5. What quote from Baudelaire does Styron use to explain his feelings?
(a) "Madness is but a figment of the imagination."
(b) "Man's madness is his downfall."
(c) "I have felt the wind of the wing of madness."
(d) "Madness breeds madness."

Short Answer Questions

1. According to Styron, who wrote about depression and seemed to really understand it?

2. What causes Styron to lose his voice in Paris?

3. In what year does Styron first realize his illness could lead to his death?

4. What does Styron say about not returning to France?

5. What clues does Gary reveal that Styron later learns was probably signs of deep depression?

Short Essay Questions

1. Styron describes what common factor among almost all depressed persons contemplating suicide?

2. Who did Styron say the depressed person was dangerous to, and why?

3. What was special about Styron's situation with depression?

4. What was Styron doing that was harming him, making his depression worse, though he thought it was helping?

5. Discuss how Styron says he attempted to handle the increasing malaise that began to overcome him beginning in the summer.

6. How did Styron begin preparing for his death?

7. Why did Cino del Duca, whom the award was named for, decide to publish works of literary merit?

8. What did Styron say was his most difficult piece of writing, and how did he describe it?

9. What about the hospital was conducive to Styron's rapid recovery after months of intense suffering?

10. What is the relationship between artistic temperaments and suicide and what was Styron's appeal in relationship to it?

(see the answer keys)

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