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

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Styron respond to the experimental approach?

2. For Styron, what do the black whirling stars of Van Gogh represent?

3. Styron compares the theories about depression to the theories about what?

4. According to Styron, what would be the only answer if depression was incurable?

5. What famous poet does Styron name as an example of excellent works by a depressed person?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Styron's book and its subject becomes quite dark and depressing at times. Also, it is difficult because of the symbolism and the difficult language used. Yet it is considered a classic, worthy of being taught in a high school class. Why is this? What about this subject makes it relative to people today? What about the book makes it an excellent memoir? What comprises the beauty in the book?

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 in detail how Styron's illness affected him while he was in Paris to accept his award. Follow him through the course of that day and explain how changes in his mood affected him at various points during his activities that day. Explain his mood shifts by following the narrative as Styron reveals his moods to the reader.

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