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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Chapter 4.

Multiple Choice Questions

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

2. What does Styron say depression is like?
(a) An extra sleepy mood.
(b) A sadness.
(c) Drowning or suffocation.
(d) Makes him angry at everyone.

3. What does Gary reveal to Styron about the effect the death of his ex-wife had on him?
(a) He was afraid she had committed suicide.
(b) He began to suffer greatly from deep depression.
(c) He finally felt free again.
(d) He was afraid he would be suspected in her death.

4. What does Levi's suicide cause Styron to do?
(a) Write an op-ed piece to the NY Times on depression, discounting the shame most felt about it.
(b) Plan his own suicide.
(c) Denounce Levi as his friend.
(d) Condemn Levi for his cowardice.

5. What symptoms did Jarrell suffer from that caused Styron to believe in Jarrell's suicide?
(a) Black despondency, violent fluctuation of mood, and his deep depression.
(b) He had a terminal illness and was in pain.
(c) He often mentioned life wasn't worth living.
(d) He wanted his wife to have money and his insurance would give it to her.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Styron think of these two people, who were close literary friends?

2. How old was Levi when he committed his suicide?

3. According to Styron, why is the word depression so hard for people to accept?

4. Where did Styron meet Hoffman?

5. What is the term Styron uses to better describe what is happening to a person with depression?

(see the answer key)

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