THOMAS DE QUINCEY AND THE COMPULSIVE URGE TO CHRONICLE A LIFE
THOMAS DE QUINCEY AND THE COMPULSIVE URGE TO CHRONICLE A LIFE

Summary/Abstract: The aim of this paper is to delve into the enigmatic persona of Thomas De Quincey, the acclaimed English essayist, and his relentless compulsion to document the intricacies of his own life. With a focus on De Quincey’s autobiographical tendencies, the paper explores the underlying motivations and psychological intricacies that drove him to chronicle his experiences in vivid detail. Drawing from De Quincey’s extensive body of autobiographical writings, including Confessions of an English Opium-Eater and Suspiria de Profundis, the article analyzes the recurring themes of introspection, memory, and self-revelation that permeate his literary works. Moreover, it examines the societal and cultural factors that shaped De Quincey’s compulsion to engage in such introspective endeavours, shedding light on the connection between personal narrative and broader historical context. Through a nuanced exploration of De Quincey’s compulsive urge to chronicle his life, this article offers insight into the complexities of self-representation and the enduring allure of autobiographical storytelling in the realm of literature and beyond.

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