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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. Why is it hard for Styron to recognize depression in his friend, Gary?

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

3. Where did Styron meet Hoffman?

4. What does Styron want us to understand about those who commit suicide?

5. Who is Styron's literary guide?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. How did Dr. Gold's approach compare to the way the parish priest approached Emma in "Madame Bovary"?

4. What did Styron tell the reader about the incidence of depression and artistic types? Who are some artistic types who suffered from depression?

5. What happened to Styron's first work and what was its title?

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

7. What does Styron say about the causes of depression?

8. What reasons might be given for Styron not having been hospitalized earlier?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Even though it is nonfiction, a good memoir develops the characters through description, dialogue, and characterization, much as is done in fiction. Describe and give examples of how Styron develops his characters to make them interesting and insure the audience is sympathetic to them. Did he effectively develop his characters? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Critics have indicated that Styron left much of his personal journey out of the book. As a memoir of madness, we might expect, and deserve, to read more of Styron's journey through madness. Yet, he didn't include it. Why might this be? Would the book have been better or worse if more detail of the struggle had been included? Do you think leaving out the information was by plan or by accident? Why?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss Styron's opinions about the roles biology (genetics, brain chemicals, and influence of meds and alcohol) and environmental factors have in the development of depression. Use passages from the book to support your answers.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 993 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample