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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.
Short Answer Questions
1. What events led to Abraham Lincoln suffering depression and even attempting suicide?
2. What is so frustrating about depression for artists, musicians, and scientists?
3. What is a daily presence during the depth of Styron's depression?
4. How did Lincoln attempt to vanquish death due to his own hand?
5. According to Styron, what is the touchstone of depression?
Essay Topics
Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:
Essay Topic 1
Discuss Styron's opinions about the roles biology (genetics, brain chemicals, and influence of meds and alcohol) and environmental factors have in the development of depression. Use passages from the book to support your answers.
Essay Topic 2
A "touchstone text" is a text that can be used to illustrate examples of components of a type of writing style. "Darkness Visible" could be used as a touchstone text for memoir writing. Some of the components of memoir writing are: 1) focus and reflection on the relationship between the writer and a particular topic; 2) explanation of the significance of the relationship; 3) provides one impression of the subject of the memoir; 4) is limited to a particular phase, time period, place, or recurring behavior in order to develop the focus fully; 5) makes the subject of the memoir come alive; and, 6) maintains a first person point of view. Discuss and give examples from "Darkness Visible" to indicate if Styron is successful with each of the six points.
Essay Topic 3
Styron takes offense at the limiting and uninformed perspective people use when assessing people who have either committed or attempted to commit suicide. He takes a totally opposite perspective. Discuss Styron's perspective toward those who suffer from depression to the point of suicide and use examples of what he uses to justify his perspective. Does his justification of his approach really justify his perspective, or is he biased? Why or why not?
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This section contains 383 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) |
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