Confessions of an English Opium-Eater Trivia Quiz Questions and Answers

What was the initial reason Thomas De Quincey started using opium?

To alleviate pain from a childhood illness
To find a cure for his insomnia
To escape the boredom of his daily life
To enhance his creative writing

Correct Answer: To alleviate pain from a childhood illness

Correct Answer Explanation: De Quincey details in his confessions that his use of opium began as a means to alleviate intense stomach pain he suffered as a child due to hunger.

What was the price of a pound of East Indian opium in De Quincey’s time?

1 guinea
3 guineas
5 guineas
8 guineas

Correct Answer: 3 guineas

Correct Answer Explanation: De Quincey noted that the price of East Indian opium was 3 guineas per pound, a significant sum in his time. Turkish opium was even more expensive at 8 guineas per pound.

What was the name of the London landmark where De Quincey first encountered the “beatific druggist”?

The Pantheon
The British Museum
St. Paul’s Cathedral
Buckingham Palace

Correct Answer: The Pantheon

Correct Answer Explanation: De Quincey describes meeting the druggist who first introduced him to opium in front of the Pantheon, a former theater that he saw as a place of beauty and intrigue.

What was the name of the young woman who brought De Quincey comfort and love during his time in London?

Ann
Mary
Elizabeth
Jane

Correct Answer: Ann

Correct Answer Explanation: De Quincey describes Ann as a source of both love and sorrow in his life, symbolizing compassion and selflessness. He was deeply affected by her disappearance.

How many drops of laudanum did De Quincey consume daily at his peak?

500 drops
1000 drops
8000 drops
16000 drops

Correct Answer: 8000 drops

Correct Answer Explanation: De Quincey’s addiction reached its peak with a daily consumption of 8,000 drops of laudanum, which is equivalent to about 320 grains of opium, a staggering amount.

What type of dreams did De Quincey experience most often under the influence of opium?

Dreams of flying and soaring through the air
Dreams of being chased by wild animals
Dreams of grand architectural landscapes and monstrous creatures
Dreams of reliving happy childhood memories

Correct Answer: Dreams of grand architectural landscapes and monstrous creatures

Correct Answer Explanation: De Quincey vividly describes his opium-induced dreams, filled with vast, architectural landscapes, often tormented by monstrous creatures, which added an element of terror to his experience.

What did De Quincey compare his opium-induced dreams to, in terms of their ability to reveal past experiences?

A journal
A mirror
A dread book of account
A treasure map

Correct Answer: A dread book of account

Correct Answer Explanation: De Quincey describes his opium-induced dreams as revealing past experiences, even those long forgotten, in vivid detail. He compares this to the concept of a “dread book of account” as described in the Bible.

What was the name of the opera singer whose performances De Quincey enjoyed attending?

Grassini
Catalani
Pasta
Malibran

Correct Answer: Grassini

Correct Answer Explanation: De Quincey frequently attended the opera, particularly enjoying the performances of the singer Grassini, highlighting the intellectual and emotional pleasure he derived from music, especially while under the influence of opium.

Which country did De Quincey express a profound fear of, linking it to ancient, monumental, and often cruel religious traditions?

India
Egypt
China
Greece

Correct Answer: China

Correct Answer Explanation: De Quincey reveals an intense fear of Southern Asia, particularly China, attributing this to the region’s ancient, monumental, and often cruel religious traditions, feeling overwhelmed by the cultural differences.

What did De Quincey consider a source of inspiration for poets, including himself?

Raw meat
Alcohol
Coffee
Music

Correct Answer: Raw meat

Correct Answer Explanation: De Quincey noted that poets like Dryden and Fuseli reportedly consumed raw meat to induce vivid dreams. He suggests that opium, too, can be a source of creative inspiration, citing Homer as a potential user of the drug.

What did De Quincey observe about the poor in relation to their attitude towards hardship?

They were more likely to become addicted to opium.
They were more stoic and accepting of hardship.
They were more likely to turn to crime.
They were more likely to seek government assistance.

Correct Answer: They were more stoic and accepting of hardship.

Correct Answer Explanation: De Quincey observes that those living in poverty often display a more stoic and accepting attitude toward hardship, finding joy in simple pleasures and showing resilience in the face of hardship.

What was the duration of De Quincey’s initial attempt to quit opium?

24 hours
48 hours
90 hours
180 hours

Correct Answer: 90 hours

Correct Answer Explanation: De Quincey’s initial attempt to quit opium lasted for 90 hours, or just over six days, a difficult and painful period for him.

What was De Quincey’s annual allowance while attending school?

£50
£100
£200
£500

Correct Answer: £100

Correct Answer Explanation: De Quincey received an annual allowance of £100 while attending school, which he found insufficient to live on while at college.

What did De Quincey call his temporary period of happiness while using a reduced amount of opium?

The Intercalary Year of Happiness
The Year of Grace
The Golden Age
The Year of the Opium Dream

Correct Answer: The Intercalary Year of Happiness

Correct Answer Explanation: De Quincey describes a temporary period of happiness, lasting for a year, where he reduced his opium consumption to 1,000 drops of laudanum. He named this period “The Intercalary Year of Happiness,” symbolizing a temporary reprieve from the horrors of addiction.

What did De Quincey describe as a “portable ecstasy” and “peace of mind”?

Laudanum
Music
Love
Nature

Correct Answer: Laudanum

Correct Answer Explanation: De Quincey, using religious imagery, describes opium as a “celestial drug” that offers “portable ecstasies” and “peace of mind.” This highlights the seductive and deceptive nature of addiction.

What was the cost of admission to the opera gallery in De Quincey’s time?

2 shillings
5 shillings
10 shillings
20 shillings

Correct Answer: 5 shillings

Correct Answer Explanation: De Quincey mentions that admission to the opera gallery cost 5 shillings, a significant expense, highlighting the social context of his time and the fact that opera was considered a high-brow form of entertainment.

What was the name of the cottage in the valley that represented De Quincey’s brief period of happiness?

The Cottage in the Valley of the Shadow of Death
The Cottage in the Valley of the Sun
The Cottage in the Valley of the Moon
The Cottage in the Valley of the Willow Tree

Correct Answer: The Cottage in the Valley of the Shadow of Death

Correct Answer Explanation: De Quincey uses the “Cottage in the Valley of the Shadow of Death” as a symbolic representation of his “Intercalary Year of Happiness,” a temporary reprieve from the horrors of opium addiction. The valley itself is a reminder of the constant threat of death and the fragility of happiness.

What was De Quincey’s profession?

Lawyer
Doctor
Writer
Teacher

Correct Answer: Writer

Correct Answer Explanation: De Quincey was a well-known writer of the Romantic era, and “Confessions of an English Opium-Eater” is one of his most famous works.

What was the name of the Malay traveler De Quincey encountered in his cottage?

The Malay
The Rajah
The Maharajah
The Khan

Correct Answer: The Malay

Correct Answer Explanation: De Quincey’s encounter with a Malay traveler in his cottage becomes a recurring motif in his dreams, transforming into a source of anxiety and terror. This highlights the power of the unconscious to distort and amplify everyday experiences.

What is the name of the character that embodies the “Heutontimoroumenos” in “Confessions of an English Opium-Eater”?

The Malay
The Beatific Druggist
The Opium Eater
Ann

Correct Answer: The Opium Eater

Correct Answer Explanation: The term “Heutontimoroumenos” refers to a person who is afraid of themselves, often exhibiting a self-absorbed and neurotic personality. In “Confessions of an English Opium-Eater,” De Quincey embodies this archetype as he grapples with the consequences of his addiction.

What did De Quincey believe was a primary source of torment in his opium-induced dreams?

The appearance of monstrous creatures
The faces of loved ones
The feeling of being trapped
The fear of death

Correct Answer: The faces of loved ones

Correct Answer Explanation: De Quincey describes a new and terrifying type of dream dominated by the human face, which he experiences as a form of torment. This change coincides with his move to London and may reflect the harsh realities he encountered there.

What term describes the type of opium that De Quincey consumed?

Laudanum
Morphine
Heroin
Hashish

Correct Answer: Laudanum

Correct Answer Explanation: Laudanum was a liquid form of opium, typically prepared as a tincture, which De Quincey consumed throughout his addiction.

What were De Quincey’s experiences with opium like in his “intercalary year of happiness”?

He still experienced intense cravings, but he was able to control them.
He enjoyed the euphoric effects of opium without experiencing any negative side effects.
He was able to use opium in a way that helped him to be more productive and creative.
He found that opium no longer had any effect on him.

Correct Answer: He still experienced intense cravings, but he was able to control them.

Correct Answer Explanation: De Quincey describes his “intercalary year of happiness” as a time when he was able to reduce his opium consumption and experience some relief from the torment of his addiction. However, he still experienced intense cravings and was constantly aware of the danger of relapse.

What was De Quincey’s age when he wrote “Confessions of an English Opium-Eater”?

Correct Answer: 36

Correct Answer Explanation: De Quincey was 36 years old when he wrote “Confessions of an English Opium-Eater.” The book was published in 1821.

What was the duration of De Quincey’s opium use?

5 years
10 years
17 years
25 years

Correct Answer: 17 years

Correct Answer Explanation: De Quincey describes using opium for a total of 17 years, with eight years of heavy abuse, highlighting the enduring grip that addiction can have on an individual’s life.

What did De Quincey call his opium-induced dreams that were often filled with grand architectural landscapes?

Phantasmagoria
Visions
Illusions
Hallucinations

Correct Answer: Phantasmagoria

Correct Answer Explanation: De Quincey describes his opium-induced dreams as a “phantasmagoria” of grand architectural landscapes and monstrous creatures, a term that captures the surreal and often terrifying nature of his experiences.

What was the name of the famous poet who De Quincey believed may have used opium to induce vivid dreams?

William Shakespeare
John Milton
William Wordsworth
Homer

Correct Answer: Homer

Correct Answer Explanation: De Quincey suggests that opium, like raw meat, could be a source of creative inspiration, and he cites Homer as a potential user of the drug, suggesting a connection between opium and artistic creativity.

What was De Quincey’s opinion of opium’s effects on his intellectual faculties?

It made him less intelligent and more impulsive.
It sharpened his mind and made him more creative.
It made him more withdrawn and introspective.
It made him more susceptible to mental illness.

Correct Answer: It sharpened his mind and made him more creative.

Correct Answer Explanation: De Quincey describes opium as having a complex effect on his intellectual faculties, initially sharpening his mind and making him more creative. However, he eventually recognizes the negative consequences of his addiction, including its detrimental impact on his mental health.

What did De Quincey believe was the reason for his fear of Southern Asia, especially China?

He was afraid of the people’s customs and religions.
He was afraid of the political instability in the region.
He was afraid of the diseases that were prevalent in the region.
He was afraid of the climate in the region.

Correct Answer: He was afraid of the people’s customs and religions.

Correct Answer Explanation: De Quincey expresses a profound fear of Southern Asia, particularly China, attributing this fear to the region’s ancient, monumental, and often cruel religious traditions, finding the cultural differences overwhelming.

What did De Quincey compare his experience of opium withdrawal to?

A physical and mental battle
A journey through hell
A dream that never ends
A curse from the gods

Correct Answer: A journey through hell

Correct Answer Explanation: De Quincey describes his experience of opium withdrawal as a harrowing and intensely painful journey through hell, highlighting the physical and psychological torment he endured while breaking free from addiction.

What did De Quincey believe about the relationship between opium and dreams?

Dreams were a way to escape the reality of addiction.
Dreams were a way to explore the unconscious mind.
Dreams were a way to communicate with the supernatural world.
Dreams were a way to experience the past, present, and future.

Correct Answer: Dreams were a way to explore the unconscious mind.

Correct Answer Explanation: De Quincey explores the power of opium-induced dreams, believing they offer a glimpse into the unconscious mind. He uses his dreams to delve into the complexities of human desire, the seductive allure of opium, and the profound impact it had on his physical and mental state.

What did De Quincey believe was the reason for the prevalence of opium use in his time?

Opium was readily available and inexpensive.
People believed that opium could cure all ailments.
Opium was a popular social pastime.
Opium was seen as a way to escape the stresses of modern life.

Correct Answer: People believed that opium could cure all ailments.

Correct Answer Explanation: De Quincey highlights the misconception that opium could cure all ailments, stemming from its perceived ability to alleviate pain and bring about a sense of well-being. This belief contributed to the widespread use of opium in his time.

What did De Quincey describe as the “little golden receptacle of the pernicious drug”?

A pipe
A vial
A syringe
A spoon

Correct Answer: A vial

Correct Answer Explanation: De Quincey uses colorful and ironic language to describe the container he uses to hold his opium, highlighting his both his fascination and disdain for the drug. He refers to it as a “little golden receptacle of the pernicious drug.”

What did De Quincey believe about the effects of opium on his perception of time and space?

It made him feel as if time was moving faster.
It made him feel as if time was moving slower.
It made him feel as if space was expanding.
It made him feel as if space was contracting.

Correct Answer: It made him feel as if time was moving slower.

Correct Answer Explanation: De Quincey describes how opium distorted his perception of time and space. He felt as if time was moving slower, stretching out into a vast and endless expanse, while space seemed to contract and become more intimate.

What was the name of the dream De Quincey described as a particularly poignant reflection of his longing for happiness?

The Dream of the Malay
The Dream of the Pantheon
The Dream of the Easter Sunday
The Dream of the Great Day

Correct Answer: The Dream of the Easter Sunday

Correct Answer Explanation: De Quincey describes a particularly poignant dream, “The Dream of the Easter Sunday,” which reflects his longing for happiness and his inability to escape the grip of opium’s influence. The dream combines elements of real life, biblical imagery, and opium-induced hallucinations, creating a surreal and emotionally charged experience.

What did De Quincey believe was the ultimate goal of life?

To achieve happiness
To make a difference in the world
To become wealthy
To find meaning in life

Correct Answer: To achieve happiness

Correct Answer Explanation: De Quincey, an “eudæmonist,” believed that the ultimate goal of life was to achieve happiness. He sought this happiness through various means, including opium, but ultimately discovered that it was a complex and elusive pursuit.

What did De Quincey believe was the reason for his opium-induced nightmares?

His fear of death
His guilt over his past actions
His fear of losing control
His subconscious desire to escape reality

Correct Answer: His subconscious desire to escape reality

Correct Answer Explanation: De Quincey describes his opium-induced nightmares as a reflection of his subconscious desire to escape reality and the pain he experienced in his life. These nightmares are a manifestation of the complex psychological effects of addiction.

What did De Quincey believe was the most terrifying aspect of his opium-induced dreams?

The appearance of monstrous creatures
The feeling of being trapped
The fear of losing control
The feeling of being judged

Correct Answer: The feeling of being judged

Correct Answer Explanation: While De Quincey describes a variety of terrifying elements in his opium-induced dreams, he emphasizes the feeling of being judged as the most horrifying aspect. This reflects his sense of guilt and shame over his addiction, and his fear of being condemned by society and by his own conscience.

What did De Quincey believe was the most difficult aspect of quitting opium?

The physical withdrawal symptoms
The psychological cravings
The social isolation
The fear of relapse

Correct Answer: The psychological cravings

Correct Answer Explanation: While De Quincey describes the intense physical withdrawal symptoms he experienced when quitting opium, he emphasizes the psychological cravings as the most challenging aspect of his recovery. These cravings were relentless and deeply rooted in his addiction, making it difficult to resist the urge to return to the drug.

What did De Quincey believe was the ultimate consequence of his opium addiction?

A loss of his intellectual abilities
A loss of his social standing
A loss of his sense of self
A loss of his soul

Correct Answer: A loss of his sense of self

Correct Answer Explanation: De Quincey describes his opium addiction as ultimately leading to a loss of his sense of self, a disintegration of his identity. He felt as if he had become a stranger to himself, lost in the fog of addiction.

What was the name of the “dread book of account” that De Quincey believed held a record of all our experiences?

The Book of Life
The Book of Shadows
The Book of the Dead
The Book of Secrets

Correct Answer: The Book of Life

Correct Answer Explanation: De Quincey compares his opium-induced dreams, which reveal past experiences, to the concept of a “dread book of account” as described in the Bible, suggesting that the mind itself holds a record of all our experiences. He refers to this as “The Book of Life.”

What did De Quincey believe was the most important lesson he learned from his experience with opium?

The importance of self-control
The importance of seeking professional help
The importance of finding happiness in simple pleasures
The importance of understanding the power of the mind

Correct Answer: The importance of understanding the power of the mind

Correct Answer Explanation: De Quincey’s experiences with opium taught him the profound power of the mind, both for good and for evil. He explores the complex relationship between consciousness, addiction, and the subconscious, leaving the reader with a deeper understanding of the human mind’s potential.

What was De Quincey’s opinion of the social class system in England during his time?

He believed that the social class system was fair and just.
He believed that the social class system was outdated and needed to be reformed.
He believed that the social class system was a source of inequality and hardship.
He believed that the social class system was necessary for maintaining order and stability.

Correct Answer: He believed that the social class system was a source of inequality and hardship.

Correct Answer Explanation: De Quincey, having experienced poverty and homelessness in London, was critical of the social class system in England. He believed that it created inequality and hardship, contributing to the struggles of the poor and the exploitation of the working class.

What did De Quincey believe was the main reason for his addiction to opium?

His genetic predisposition to addiction
His traumatic childhood experiences
His desire for pleasure and escape
His inability to cope with stress and anxiety

Correct Answer: His desire for pleasure and escape

Correct Answer Explanation: While De Quincey acknowledges the influence of his childhood experiences and his tendency towards hypochondria, he emphasizes his desire for pleasure and escape as the primary driving force behind his addiction. Opium provided him with a temporary escape from the pain and hardship of his life, but this escape ultimately led to his downfall.

What did De Quincey believe was the most significant difference between the rich and the poor?

The rich had more opportunities for education and advancement.
The rich had more access to pleasure and leisure.
The rich had a more sophisticated understanding of the world.
The rich had a greater capacity for happiness.

Correct Answer: The rich had more access to pleasure and leisure.

Correct Answer Explanation: De Quincey observes that the rich had more access to pleasure and leisure, while the poor were often burdened by hardship and poverty. He highlights the social inequalities of his time, suggesting that the rich had more opportunities to indulge in their desires, while the poor were often limited by their circumstances.

What did De Quincey believe was the most important lesson he learned from his experience with addiction?

Addiction is a disease that can be cured.
Addiction is a choice that can be overcome.
Addiction is a complex and often misunderstood condition.
Addiction is a punishment for wrongdoing.

Correct Answer: Addiction is a complex and often misunderstood condition.

Correct Answer Explanation: Through his personal journey with opium addiction, De Quincey comes to understand the complexity of addiction as a condition that is both a choice and a disease. He reveals the psychological and physical struggles of addiction, challenging the simplistic views of his time.

What was the name of the “analagmos” De Quincey heard in his dreams?

The Analagmos of the Malay
The Analagmos of the Pantheon
The Analagmos of the Druggist
The Analagmos of the Opium Eater

Correct Answer: The Analagmos of the Malay

Correct Answer Explanation: De Quincey describes a loud war cry or shout, an “analagmos,” which he hears in his opium-induced dreams, often associated with the figure of the Malay traveler, further adding to the terrifying atmosphere of his dreams.

What did De Quincey believe was the most important reason to share his story of addiction?

To warn others about the dangers of opium
To offer hope to others struggling with addiction
To explore the power of the mind
To expose the hypocrisy of society

Correct Answer: To explore the power of the mind

Correct Answer Explanation: While De Quincey’s “Confessions” serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of addiction, his primary goal is to explore the power of the mind, particularly under the influence of altered states of consciousness. He uses his own experience to illuminate the complex relationship between the mind, body, and addiction.

What was De Quincey’s opinion of the use of opium for medicinal purposes?

He believed that opium was a dangerous drug that should never be used.
He believed that opium could be used safely and effectively for medical purposes.
He believed that opium was a powerful drug that should be used with caution.
He believed that opium was a valuable tool for treating pain and illness.

Correct Answer: He believed that opium was a powerful drug that should be used with caution.

Correct Answer Explanation: De Quincey acknowledges the potential benefits of opium as a pain reliever and sedative, but he emphasizes the need for caution and awareness of its addictive properties. He warns against the indiscriminate use of opium, especially without medical supervision.

What did De Quincey believe was the most important element of his recovery from addiction?

His willpower
The support of his family and friends
The guidance of a medical professional
His belief in his own ability to change

Correct Answer: His belief in his own ability to change

Correct Answer Explanation: While De Quincey acknowledges the importance of external support, he emphasizes the role of his own belief in his ability to change as the most significant factor in his recovery. He recognized that overcoming addiction required a deep commitment to his own transformation.

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