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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. During one sleepless episode, what does Styron realize about his illness?

2. What puzzles Styron about Camus's book, "The Fall"?

3. What percentage of artistic types who suffer from depression die from suicide?

4. According to Styron, how many women have won the Prix Mondial Cino del Duca award?

5. What happens before Styron meets with Camus?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. What did Camus speak of that so strongly affected Styron? What relationship did Styron have with Camus?

5. What effect did watching the flight of a flock of Canadian geese have on Styron?

6. Styron gave little credence to his outpatient therapy, but said what about the 50 minutes involved?

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

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

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

10. What did Styron discover about himself in Paris, during one of his more lucid moments?

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

Discuss Styron' s quote from his book, "A great book should leave you with many experiences, and slightly exhausted. You should live several lives while reading it." If this statement is indeed true, did Styron fulfill that quote? Explain why or why not. Do you agree with this quote? Give examples pinpointing the point from the book.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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