De Quincey's Confessions (1821) (Year 12 & 13)

When Thomas de Quincey's Confessions of an Opium Eater was published in 1821, it won him fame almost overnight. The Confessions are a frank portrayal of de Quincey's addiction to opium. This masterclass will take a closer look at Confessions, situating it within the literary genre of the addiction memoir, but also within the historical context of its time, when opium was readily available to everyone. It will ask questions such as: How does De Quincey’s use of language capture the contortions of space and time in his opium dreams? What is specific about the London setting of Confessions? What might be said about de Quincey’s representations of people from other races? How do the science and superstition of opium addiction intersect in this work? Join this Masterclass to begin untangling these questions, and asking many more of your own.

Additional Information: Schools will be limited to 5 places for this class. Individual bookings can be made by students in Year 12.

Attendee Requirements: Attendees should be studying A-Level English


Session will run from 13:00 - 15:00.