- 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) Samuel Taylor Coleridge
B) Charles Dickens
C) William Wordsworth
D) Thomas de Quincey
- 2. What substance is the primary focus of de Quincey's confessions?
A) Opium
B) Heroin
C) Cocaine
D) Alcohol
- 3. In which year was 'Confessions of an English Opium-Eater' first published?
A) 1815
B) 1830
C) 1821
D) 1845
- 4. Which literary movement is de Quincey often associated with?
A) Naturalism
B) Modernism
C) Realism
D) Romanticism
- 5. What effect does opium have on de Quincey according to his confessions?
A) Strength and vitality
B) Aggression and anger
C) Euphoria and torment
D) Complete numbness
- 6. Which city significantly influences de Quincey's experiences in the book?
A) Dublin
B) London
C) Edinburgh
D) Paris
- 7. What does de Quincey often reflect on in his confessions?
A) Love and romance
B) Social politics
C) The nature of addiction
D) Wealth and power
- 8. What genre does de Quincey blend with his autobiographical narrative?
A) Historical fiction
B) Philosophical reflection
C) Science fiction
D) Fantasy
- 9. What structure does 'Confessions of an English Opium-Eater' deviate from?
A) Chronological narrative
B) Descriptive writing
C) Point of view
D) Poetic form
- 10. Who did de Quincey credit with producing a favorable image of opium?
A) High society
B) The Victorians
C) The Romantic poets
D) Scientific communities
- 11. How does de Quincey describe his earlier life experiences without opium?
A) Exciting
B) Joyful
C) Trivial
D) Suffering
- 12. In which century was 'Confessions of an English Opium-Eater' published?
A) 21st century
B) 19th century
C) 18th century
D) 20th century
- 13. What does de Quincey identify as a major reason he began using opium?
A) Pain relief
B) Peer pressure
C) Curiosity
D) Fame
- 14. What is one moral consequence de Quincey grapples with in his writing?
A) Shame over his wealth
B) Defiance against society
C) Pride in his achievements
D) Guilt over addiction
- 15. How does de Quincey describe his dreams while under the influence of opium?
A) Nightmarish only
B) Bland and forgettable
C) Vivid and surreal
D) Ordinary and dull
- 16. What literary technique is prevalent in de Quincey's work?
A) Stream of consciousness
B) Epistolary
C) First-person dialogue
D) Non-linear narrative
- 17. Which aspect of opium does de Quincey often elaborate on?
A) Travel
B) Hunger
C) Dreams
D) Friendship
- 18. What genre does 'Confessions of an English Opium-Eater' primarily belong to?
A) Fiction
B) Poetry
C) Biography
D) Autobiography
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