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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does he think about art therapy?

2. What two things does Styron believe led to his depression?

3. What does Styron's psychiatrist do that sends him into a deep depression?

4. What hope does Styron say a depressed person can have?

5. How does Styron mange to avoid the recommended shock treatment?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss what Styron's purpose is for writing "Darkness Visible." What might he want us to know and understand about his subject? Include what he states openly as well as what you understand him to want to say. Why does he think it is important to make us understand this?

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

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?

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This section contains 380 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample