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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. Where did Styron meet Hoffman?

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

3. What does Styron say is the most universal symptom of depression?

4. What does Gary reveal to Styron about the effect the death of his ex-wife had on him?

5. What does Styron call the DSM?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What happened to Styron's body as he succumbed to depression?

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

5. What happened to Romain Gary, Styron's friend, as a result of his depression?

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

7. What did Styron say about his physical condition after he got released from the hospital?

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

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

10. What hope does Styron offer to those who survive depression?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss Styron's comments and thoughts about the stigma associated with mental illness. Include his recommendations for how to overcome that stigma. Give examples from the book showing both his thoughts and his recommendations.

Essay Topic 2

Styron suggests that brainstorm would be a better name for the physical ramifications of depression, but brainstorm means the opposite of what he meant it to be. What does brainstorm mean, as used normally, and what is it as Styron meant it? Compare and contrast the two meanings.

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 940 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample