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

Short Answer Questions

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

2. Though depression tends to recur, what advantage do sufferers of recurrence have?

3. What does Styron do to try and stop the hopeless feelings?

4. Why does he throw his diary in the garbage instead of burning it?

5. What note does Styron want to copy for his goodbye letter?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

The difference between an autobiography and a memoir is that the memoir is about a specific topic or time span in the author's life. An autobiography is similar, but usually takes a more global look at the writer's life, including background information that leads up to the point in time of the events being examined. Discuss how Darkness Visible is a memoir, but has some characteristics of autobiography. Defend your idea of whether the work is a memoir or more of an autobiography. Use examples from the book to prove your position.

Essay Topic 3

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?

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