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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. What did Styron do for Hoffman regarding a political demonstration led by Hoffman?

2. At what point in one's life does Styron say the seeds of depression are planted?

3. Why does Styron say that physical symptoms accompany depression?

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

5. In what year does Styron first realize his illness could lead to his death?

Short Essay Questions

1. Where did Styron meet Abbie Hoffman, and why was Hoffman's suicide so hard to accept?

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

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

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

5. What was special about Styron's situation with depression?

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

7. Why did Styron say he believes he lost the award check?

8. How did Styron begin preparing for his death?

9. What happened to Styron and his drinking habits and how did that affect him?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss Styron's account of his treatment, including his treatment during hospitalization, and its impact on his recovery. Use examples from the book to support your answers.

Essay Topic 2

A memoir is somewhat like a figurative photograph of the writer. It may be like an individual photograph or a group photograph. It offers sensory and symbolic details that paint a picture of the writer at that point in time. Discuss how Styron uses sensory detail and symbolic writing to paint his picture. Give examples from the book of how he does this, including language he may have used.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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