- 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) Iran
B) Lebanon
C) Syria
D) Iraq
- 2. Who was kidnapped alongside Brian Keenan?
A) John McCarthy
B) Terry Waite
C) Terry Anderson
D) Jackie Mann
- 3. What was Brian Keenan's nationality?
A) American
B) Irish
C) Canadian
D) British
- 4. In what city was Keenan teaching when he was kidnapped?
A) Damascus
B) Baghdad
C) Tehran
D) Beirut
- 5. What year was Brian Keenan kidnapped?
A) 1986
B) 1984
C) 1988
D) 1990
- 6. What physical condition resulted from their confinement?
A) Obesity from poor diet
B) Severe weight loss and weakness
C) Skin diseases from dampness
D) Muscle hypertrophy from exercise
- 7. What was Keenan's attitude toward his captors?
A) Complete forgiveness
B) Unrelenting hatred
C) Indifference and detachment
D) Complex mix of hatred and understanding
- 8. What literary form is 'An Evil Cradling'?
A) Journalistic account
B) Memoir
C) Novel
D) Biography
- 9. What was a common form of torture mentioned in the book?
A) Waterboarding
B) Electric shocks
C) Beatings and psychological abuse
D) Sleep deprivation
- 10. What year was Keenan released?
A) 1991
B) 1989
C) 1988
D) 1990
- 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) Shock and disbelief
B) Immediate escape attempts
C) Religious devotion
D) Calm acceptance
- 13. How did the experience change Keenan's writing style?
A) Became more journalistic
B) Became more poetic and reflective
C) Became more academic
D) Became more humorous
- 14. What was the significance of the title 'An Evil Cradling'?
A) Paradox of nurturing in captivity
B) Description of prison architecture
C) Metaphor for political systems
D) Reference to childhood trauma
- 15. Who is the author of 'An Evil Cradling'?
A) Terry Waite
B) Terry Anderson
C) Brian Keenan
D) John McCarthy
- 16. What was Brian Keenan's profession before his capture?
A) University lecturer
B) Aid worker
C) Diplomat
D) Journalist
- 17. What was a significant source of tension between Keenan and McCarthy?
A) Religious differences
B) Food preferences
C) Political disagreements
D) Different coping strategies
- 18. How did the hostages communicate when in separate cells?
A) Passing notes under doors
B) Using secret codes
C) Whispering through vents
D) Tapping on walls
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