- 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 The Confessions serves as both a historical document and a timeless exploration of the human condition, making it a seminal work in the canon of Western literature.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) Epic poetry
B) Satire
C) Autobiography
D) Gothic novel
- 2. In which century was 'The Confessions' published?
A) 16th
B) 19th
C) 18th
D) 17th
- 3. Rousseau famously begins the work by declaring he will show a man in all of what?
A) Moral perfection
B) Divine glory
C) Truth of nature
D) Political power
- 4. As a young man, Rousseau was apprenticed to what profession?
A) Blacksmith
B) Tailor
C) Engraver
D) Baker
- 5. What item did Rousseau famously steal as a youth, an act he deeply regretted?
A) A book
B) A painting
C) A watch
D) A ribbon
- 6. Rousseau had a long-term romantic relationship and several children with whom?
A) Thérèse Levasseur
B) Sophie d'Houdetot
C) Madame d'Épinay
D) Madame de Warens
- 7. What did Rousseau do with his five children born to Thérèse Levasseur?
A) Gave them to nobility
B) Sent them to live with his family
C) Raised them himself
D) Placed them in an orphanage
- 8. Which philosophical work first brought Rousseau fame prior to 'The Confessions'?
A) Discourse on the Arts and Sciences
B) The Social Contract
C) The New Heloise
D) Émile
- 9. Madame de Warens, a key figure in Rousseau's youth, was his what?
A) Writing tutor
B) Benefactor and lover
C) Publisher
D) Sister
- 10. Rousseau describes a profound moment of enlightenment on the road to where?
A) Vincennes
B) Venice
C) Paris
D) Geneva
- 11. What was the title of Rousseau's famous work on education mentioned in 'The Confessions'?
A) Leviathan
B) Pensées
C) The Republic
D) Émile
- 12. Rousseau's political philosophy, detailed in 'The Social Contract', begins with what famous line?
A) Property is theft.
B) Man is born free, and everywhere he is in chains.
C) I think, therefore I am.
D) The life of man is solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.
- 13. Which city-state was Rousseau a citizen of by birth?
A) Geneva
B) Athens
C) Florence
D) Venice
- 14. What religion did Rousseau convert to upon moving in with Madame de Warens?
A) Calvinism
B) Lutheranism
C) Deism
D) Catholicism
- 15. Rousseau worked for a time as a what for the French embassy?
A) Spy
B) Secretary
C) Guard
D) Translator
- 16. In his later years, Rousseau developed a persecution complex, believing he was the target of a what?
A) An assassination plot
B) A conspiracy
C) A love spell
D) A financial audit
- 17. The work is groundbreaking for its detailed exploration of what?
A) Military strategy
B) Culinary arts
C) Childhood development
D) Legal theory
- 18. As a young man, Rousseau found patronage and a surrogate mother figure in:
A) Catherine the Great
B) Madame de Pompadour
C) Madame de Warens
D) Queen Marie Antoinette
- 19. Rousseau's philosophical fame was first established by winning an essay contest from the Academy of:
A) Dijon
B) Rome
C) Paris
D) London
- 20. Due to his controversial writings, Rousseau was forced to flee from France to:
A) Prussia
B) America
C) England
D) Switzerland
- 21. Which philosopher provided Rousseau refuge during his exile, though they later quarreled?
A) David Hume
B) Denis Diderot
C) Voltaire
D) Immanuel Kant
- 22. Rousseau describes a formative period of his life spent on the island of:
A) Corsica
B) Elba
C) Sicily
D) Saint-Pierre
- 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) Uniqueness
B) Piety
C) Nobility
D) Wealth
- 25. Who did Rousseau falsely accuse of giving him the stolen ribbon?
A) His father
B) A priest
C) His brother
D) Marion
- 26. How many children did Rousseau claim to have fathered with Thérèse?
A) Five
B) One
C) None
D) Two
- 27. Rousseau's political philosophy is most famously outlined in...
A) The Republic
B) The Social Contract
C) The Leviathan
D) The Prince
- 28. Rousseau's 'Confessions' was published...
A) In his youth
B) At the height of his fame
C) Posthumously
D) While he was in prison
- 29. The 'Confessions' is divided into how many parts or books?
A) Six
B) Ten
C) Twelve
D) Four
- 30. Rousseau famously abandoned his children to what institution?
A) Foundling hospital
B) Royal court
C) Monastery
D) Jesuit school
- 31. In 'Confessions', Rousseau portrays himself as particularly sensitive to what?
A) Injustice
B) Political power
C) Fame
D) Wealth
- 32. Rousseau's 'Confessions' was published posthumously in what year?
A) 1762
B) 1778
C) 1791
D) 1782
|