- 1. An Evil Cradling by Brian Keenan is a profound memoir that recounts the harrowing experiences of the author during his captivity in Lebanon in the late 1980s. Keenan, an Irish man and a teacher, was abducted by a group of militants and spent four and a half years in solitary confinement, which he describes with a poignant blend of despair and resilience. The narrative explores themes of isolation, the psychological effects of torture, and the struggle for survival, as Keenan seeks not only to endure the physical deprivation but also to maintain his sense of identity and humanity. Through vivid imagery and an unflinching honesty, Keenan shares moments of darkness interspersed with flashes of hope, the bonds of friendship formed with fellow captives, and the ultimate triumph of the human spirit against the backdrop of a brutal and unpredictable existence. His reflections delve into the complexities of fear, love, and the deep need for connection, making An Evil Cradling a compelling exploration of the human condition in the face of unimaginable adversity.
What is the primary setting of Brian Keenan's 'An Evil Cradling'?
A) Lebanon
B) Syria
C) Iran
D) Iraq
- 2. Who was kidnapped alongside Brian Keenan?
A) John McCarthy
B) Jackie Mann
C) Terry Anderson
D) Terry Waite
- 3. What was Brian Keenan's nationality?
A) Irish
B) British
C) Canadian
D) American
- 4. In what city was Keenan teaching when he was kidnapped?
A) Damascus
B) Beirut
C) Tehran
D) Baghdad
- 5. What year was Brian Keenan kidnapped?
A) 1986
B) 1988
C) 1984
D) 1990
- 6. What physical condition resulted from their confinement?
A) Skin diseases from dampness
B) Severe weight loss and weakness
C) Muscle hypertrophy from exercise
D) Obesity from poor diet
- 7. What was Keenan's attitude toward his captors?
A) Indifference and detachment
B) Complex mix of hatred and understanding
C) Complete forgiveness
D) Unrelenting hatred
- 8. What literary form is 'An Evil Cradling'?
A) Journalistic account
B) Biography
C) Memoir
D) Novel
- 9. What was a common form of torture mentioned in the book?
A) Electric shocks
B) Sleep deprivation
C) Waterboarding
D) Beatings and psychological abuse
- 10. What year was Keenan released?
A) 1990
B) 1989
C) 1991
D) 1988
- 11. How were the hostages usually fed?
A) They had to cook for themselves
B) Irregular and poor quality meals
C) Regular balanced meals
D) Only liquid nutrition
- 12. What was Keenan's initial reaction to captivity?
A) Immediate escape attempts
B) Shock and disbelief
C) Calm acceptance
D) Religious devotion
- 13. How did the experience change Keenan's writing style?
A) Became more journalistic
B) Became more academic
C) Became more humorous
D) Became more poetic and reflective
- 14. What was the significance of the title 'An Evil Cradling'?
A) Metaphor for political systems
B) Description of prison architecture
C) Reference to childhood trauma
D) Paradox of nurturing in captivity
- 15. Who is the author of 'An Evil Cradling'?
A) Terry Waite
B) John McCarthy
C) Terry Anderson
D) Brian Keenan
- 16. What was Brian Keenan's profession before his capture?
A) Journalist
B) Aid worker
C) University lecturer
D) Diplomat
- 17. What was a significant source of tension between Keenan and McCarthy?
A) Religious differences
B) Political disagreements
C) Different coping strategies
D) Food preferences
- 18. How did the hostages communicate when in separate cells?
A) Tapping on walls
B) Passing notes under doors
C) Using secret codes
D) Whispering through vents
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