View a FREE sample

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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. After Primo Levi's suicide, what causes Styron to question the common view that those who commit suicide are weak and inept?
(a) Levi had survived the Auschwitz and cared for his paralyzed mother.
(b) Levi was involved in so many good causes.
(c) Levi worked out all the time and was very strong.
(d) Levi was such a good writer.

2. In what way does Styron's depression come upon him?
(a) Slowly in increments.
(b) It hit him suddenly one night.
(c) He really didn't know how it happened.
(d) A slight sadness intensified rapidly over time.

3. Though Styron feels alone, who is always with him?
(a) His friend, Gary.
(b) His children.
(c) His wife, Rose.
(d) His psychiatrist.

4. What does Styron say the award he received should have done for him?
(a) Make him famous.
(b) Pay all his bills.
(c) Make him new friends.
(d) Restore his ego.

5. Where did Styron meet Hoffman?
(a) At a democratic convention.
(b) He had never really met him, only talked to him.
(c) At the del Duco award dinner.
(d) At a writer's conference.

Short Answer Questions

1. What bothers Styron so much about not being able to meet Camus?

2. During one sleepless episode, what does Styron realize about his illness?

3. According to Styron, what is between Gaelic and Americana?

4. Why would Jarrell's widow not want to admit he committed suicide?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. What role does Styron say friends and family play for the person with depression?

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

3. Why was depression such a hard thing for Styron in 1985?

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

5. Why wasn't Styron concerned about Camus, his ex-wife, and Gary when he learned they were suffering from depression?

6. What did Styron say caused the incipient insomnia that depressed people often experienced?

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

8. What happened to Styron as his depression progressed?

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

10. What event caused Styron to realize he needed to go to the hospital?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,082 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample