- 1. The Confessions of Jean-Jacques Rousseau, published posthumously in 1782, is a profound and groundbreaking autobiographical work that marked the advent of modern autobiography. In this introspective narrative, Rousseau delves deep into his thoughts, feelings, and the events of his life, providing readers with an intimate glimpse of his inner world. The text is notable for its candidness, as Rousseau openly discusses his personal flaws, emotional struggles, and the complex relationships he had with family, friends, and society. He reflects on his childhood in Geneva, his tumultuous experiences in Paris, and his philosophical ideologies that would later influence the Enlightenment and the Romantic movement. Rousseau's vivid storytelling not only reveals his personal journey of self-discovery but also critiques the social norms and moralities of his time, challenging the reader to consider the nature of individuality and authenticity. The Confessions serves as both a historical document and a timeless exploration of the human condition, making it a seminal work in the canon of Western literature.
What literary genre does Rousseau's 'Confessions' primarily belong to?
A) Satire
B) Epic poetry
C) Autobiography
D) Gothic novel
- 2. In which century was 'The Confessions' published?
A) 16th
B) 17th
C) 19th
D) 18th
- 3. Rousseau famously begins the work by declaring he will show a man in all of what?
A) Political power
B) Truth of nature
C) Moral perfection
D) Divine glory
- 4. As a young man, Rousseau was apprenticed to what profession?
A) Engraver
B) Blacksmith
C) Tailor
D) Baker
- 5. What item did Rousseau famously steal as a youth, an act he deeply regretted?
A) A painting
B) A watch
C) A ribbon
D) A book
- 6. Rousseau had a long-term romantic relationship and several children with whom?
A) Madame de Warens
B) Sophie d'Houdetot
C) Thérèse Levasseur
D) Madame d'Épinay
- 7. What did Rousseau do with his five children born to Thérèse Levasseur?
A) Sent them to live with his family
B) Raised them himself
C) Placed them in an orphanage
D) Gave them to nobility
- 8. Which philosophical work first brought Rousseau fame prior to 'The Confessions'?
A) The Social Contract
B) Émile
C) The New Heloise
D) Discourse on the Arts and Sciences
- 9. Madame de Warens, a key figure in Rousseau's youth, was his what?
A) Benefactor and lover
B) Publisher
C) Sister
D) Writing tutor
- 10. Rousseau describes a profound moment of enlightenment on the road to where?
A) Paris
B) Geneva
C) Venice
D) Vincennes
- 11. What was the title of Rousseau's famous work on education mentioned in 'The Confessions'?
A) Pensées
B) Leviathan
C) The Republic
D) Émile
- 12. Rousseau's political philosophy, detailed in 'The Social Contract', begins with what famous line?
A) I think, therefore I am.
B) The life of man is solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.
C) Man is born free, and everywhere he is in chains.
D) Property is theft.
- 13. Which city-state was Rousseau a citizen of by birth?
A) Athens
B) Florence
C) Venice
D) Geneva
- 14. What religion did Rousseau convert to upon moving in with Madame de Warens?
A) Lutheranism
B) Catholicism
C) Calvinism
D) Deism
- 15. Rousseau worked for a time as a what for the French embassy?
A) Translator
B) Spy
C) Secretary
D) Guard
- 16. In his later years, Rousseau developed a persecution complex, believing he was the target of a what?
A) A financial audit
B) A love spell
C) An assassination plot
D) A conspiracy
- 17. The work is groundbreaking for its detailed exploration of what?
A) Childhood development
B) Military strategy
C) Legal theory
D) Culinary arts
- 18. As a young man, Rousseau found patronage and a surrogate mother figure in:
A) Catherine the Great
B) Queen Marie Antoinette
C) Madame de Warens
D) Madame de Pompadour
- 19. Rousseau's philosophical fame was first established by winning an essay contest from the Academy of:
A) Dijon
B) London
C) Rome
D) Paris
- 20. Due to his controversial writings, Rousseau was forced to flee from France to:
A) Switzerland
B) Prussia
C) England
D) America
- 21. Which philosopher provided Rousseau refuge during his exile, though they later quarreled?
A) Voltaire
B) David Hume
C) Denis Diderot
D) Immanuel Kant
- 22. Rousseau describes a formative period of his life spent on the island of:
A) Saint-Pierre
B) Elba
C) Corsica
D) Sicily
- 23. Rousseau's view of his own character is that he is fundamentally:
A) A genius misunderstood
B) A divine prophet
C) Evil and calculating
D) Good but weak
- 24. Rousseau begins his 'Confessions' by making a bold claim about his...
A) Nobility
B) Piety
C) Uniqueness
D) Wealth
- 25. Who did Rousseau falsely accuse of giving him the stolen ribbon?
A) Marion
B) His father
C) His brother
D) A priest
- 26. How many children did Rousseau claim to have fathered with Thérèse?
A) None
B) One
C) Two
D) Five
- 27. Rousseau's political philosophy is most famously outlined in...
A) The Leviathan
B) The Prince
C) The Republic
D) The Social Contract
- 28. Rousseau's 'Confessions' was published...
A) At the height of his fame
B) Posthumously
C) In his youth
D) While he was in prison
- 29. The 'Confessions' is divided into how many parts or books?
A) Twelve
B) Six
C) Four
D) Ten
- 30. Rousseau famously abandoned his children to what institution?
A) Royal court
B) Jesuit school
C) Foundling hospital
D) Monastery
- 31. In 'Confessions', Rousseau portrays himself as particularly sensitive to what?
A) Injustice
B) Political power
C) Wealth
D) Fame
- 32. Rousseau's 'Confessions' was published posthumously in what year?
A) 1778
B) 1762
C) 1782
D) 1791
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