- 1. Confessions of an English Opium-Eater, written by Thomas de Quincey and published in 1821, is a seminal autobiographical work that explores the author's tumultuous relationship with opium and its profound effects on his life and consciousness. The book delves into de Quincey's early experiences with opium, beginning with his introduction to the drug during a period of intense pain and suffering, and chronicles his subsequent descent into addiction. Through rich, lyrical prose, de Quincey vividly portrays the opium-induced states of euphoria and nightmare, describing hallucinatory visions and profound philosophical reflections that reveal both the allure and the peril of addiction. He weaves in critiques of societal attitudes towards drugs and the complexity of the human psyche, offering readers insight into the struggles between pleasure and pain, freedom and bondage. His confessions are not merely a personal narrative but a deeper examination of addiction's impact on identity, creativity, and the search for meaning in life. The work is regarded as a pioneering piece in the genre of addiction literature, influencing subsequent writers and shaping perceptions of drug use in the Romantic era and beyond.
Who is the author of 'Confessions of an English Opium-Eater'?
A) Charles Dickens
B) Samuel Taylor Coleridge
C) William Wordsworth
D) Thomas de Quincey
- 2. What substance is the primary focus of de Quincey's confessions?
A) Opium
B) Cocaine
C) Alcohol
D) Heroin
- 3. In which year was 'Confessions of an English Opium-Eater' first published?
A) 1821
B) 1815
C) 1845
D) 1830
- 4. Which literary movement is de Quincey often associated with?
A) Modernism
B) Realism
C) Romanticism
D) Naturalism
- 5. What effect does opium have on de Quincey according to his confessions?
A) Euphoria and torment
B) Complete numbness
C) Aggression and anger
D) Strength and vitality
- 6. Which city significantly influences de Quincey's experiences in the book?
A) Edinburgh
B) London
C) Paris
D) Dublin
- 7. What does de Quincey often reflect on in his confessions?
A) Social politics
B) Wealth and power
C) Love and romance
D) The nature of addiction
- 8. What genre does de Quincey blend with his autobiographical narrative?
A) Fantasy
B) Science fiction
C) Philosophical reflection
D) Historical fiction
- 9. What structure does 'Confessions of an English Opium-Eater' deviate from?
A) Chronological narrative
B) Poetic form
C) Descriptive writing
D) Point of view
- 10. Who did de Quincey credit with producing a favorable image of opium?
A) Scientific communities
B) The Victorians
C) High society
D) The Romantic poets
- 11. How does de Quincey describe his earlier life experiences without opium?
A) Trivial
B) Exciting
C) Joyful
D) Suffering
- 12. In which century was 'Confessions of an English Opium-Eater' published?
A) 19th century
B) 18th century
C) 20th century
D) 21st century
- 13. What does de Quincey identify as a major reason he began using opium?
A) Curiosity
B) Fame
C) Pain relief
D) Peer pressure
- 14. What is one moral consequence de Quincey grapples with in his writing?
A) Shame over his wealth
B) Defiance against society
C) Guilt over addiction
D) Pride in his achievements
- 15. How does de Quincey describe his dreams while under the influence of opium?
A) Nightmarish only
B) Bland and forgettable
C) Ordinary and dull
D) Vivid and surreal
- 16. What literary technique is prevalent in de Quincey's work?
A) Non-linear narrative
B) Stream of consciousness
C) First-person dialogue
D) Epistolary
- 17. Which aspect of opium does de Quincey often elaborate on?
A) Travel
B) Dreams
C) Friendship
D) Hunger
- 18. What genre does 'Confessions of an English Opium-Eater' primarily belong to?
A) Autobiography
B) Biography
C) Fiction
D) Poetry
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