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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. In what year does Styron first realize his illness could lead to his death?
(a) 1950.
(b) 1985.
(c) 1990.
(d) 1989.

2. What does Styron lose at the luncheon in Paris?
(a) His check for $25,000.
(b) His best friend.
(c) Control of his anger.
(d) His mind.

3. How long does Stryon say it will be before he returns to Paris?
(a) Forever.
(b) A couple of years.
(c) A year.
(d) A month.

4. What happens before Styron meets with Camus?
(a) Camus dies in a car accident.
(b) Camus gets upset at Styron for his moods.
(c) Camus leaves Paris.
(d) Camus leaves on his honeymoon.

5. How does Camus's essay influence Stryon's philosophy of life?
(a) It makes him realize depression was a personal thing.
(b) It makes him realize mankind's responsibility for the larger world.
(c) It makes him realize depression could be overcome if the person just cheered himself up.
(d) It makes him realize life is too short.

Short Answer Questions

1. In what way does Styron's depression come upon him?

2. What does Styron say would cause many depression-related suicides?

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

4. Who arranges a meeting between Albert Camus and Styron?

5. Where does Styron spend his summers?

Short Essay Questions

1. How did Styron describe the internal struggle with depression? What was causing this internal struggle, beside just the depression?

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

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 are some of the ways Styron indicated he had thought of as a means to commit his own suicide?

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

6. Why were the new medicines becoming available in the 1980's and Dr. Gold's approach to them indicative of how depression was viewed and treated during that time? Why was it not sufficient?

7. What devastating therapy did Styron avoid, and why did he say he was able to avoid it?

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

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

10. What other changes occurred with Styron beside mental distress?

(see the answer keys)

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