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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Chapters 6 and 7.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why does Styron think of his mother as he listens to the music?
(a) She played it on the piano.
(b) He had heard her sing it.
(c) It spoke of a lady like her.
(d) It was played at her funeral.

2. Sir Walter Scott and the Brontes linked what two illnesses interchangeably?
(a) Melancholia and hypochondria.
(b) Lukemia and depression.
(c) Cancer and depression.
(d) Influenza and depression.

3. Why is it hard for Styron to recognize depression in his friend, Gary?
(a) Because he didn't know what depression looked like.
(b) Because Gary always had a melancholy typical of Europeans.
(c) Because Gary was so good at hiding his feelings.
(d) Because he rarely talked to Gary.

4. What is a common occurrence in people planning suicide?
(a) A second self who observes the self planning its destruction.
(b) A revision of their will.
(c) Sending all family away for a time.
(d) Detailed plans for their death.

5. In the depth of his depression in Paris, what does Styron realize he would have to decide?
(a) What doctor to see about it.
(b) Whether to admit it to the press or not.
(c) The philosophical question of whether life is worth living or not.
(d) Whether to tell his wife or not.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Styron say about alcohol's mood-altering characteristics?

2. What does Styron's psychiatrist recommend to him about the hospital?

3. According to Styron, who wrote about depression and seemed to really understand it?

4. What happens to Gary's ex-wife?

5. How does his diary represent his mental state?

(see the answer key)

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