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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.
Short Answer Questions
1. How old was Styron when he published his first novel?
2. What clues does Gary reveal that Styron later learns was probably signs of deep depression?
3. What bothers Styron about his meeting with Gary's estranged wife?
4. What city is Styron in at the beginning of the memoir?
5. What does Styron say would cause many depression-related suicides?
Short Essay Questions
1. 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?
2. What was special about Styron's situation with depression?
3. What did Styron discover about himself in Paris, during one of his more lucid moments?
4. What sort of therapy was used to help Styron overcome his depression?
5. What did Styron say about the impression his intense thoughts of suicide would have on others?
6. What indications of Gary's depression did Styron mention?
7. How did Styron begin preparing for his death?
8. What statistics did Styron give about depression and suicide?
9. What reasons might be given for Styron not having been hospitalized earlier?
10. What other changes occurred with Styron beside mental distress?
Essay Topics
Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:
Essay Topic 1
Discuss the possible meaning Camus had when he talked about man's alienation for other men. What does this perspective mean, given his diagnosis of depression? Would he have seen the world the same way if he had not suffered depression? Do you think Styron agreed with him? Why or why not?
Essay Topic 2
Styron takes offense at the limiting and uninformed perspective people use when assessing people who have either committed or attempted to commit suicide. He takes a totally opposite perspective. Discuss Styron's perspective toward those who suffer from depression to the point of suicide and use examples of what he uses to justify his perspective. Does his justification of his approach really justify his perspective, or is he biased? Why or why not?
Essay Topic 3
Discuss Styron's thoughts about human resiliency and social report and provide examples from the book. How important are each of these to an individual's recovery and survival?
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This section contains 930 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) |
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