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