<原著論文>哲学者と阿片 : ド・クインシー,『阿片常習者の告白』(1821)

概要

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In Confessions of an English Opium-Eater (1821), by telling chronologically the story of his own life, Thomas De Quincey tries to set himself up to be a "philosopher" to the readers for whom opium consumption is nothing but a bad habit. This is one of the two arguments articulated in this work. De Quincey also attempts to correct the general misperception of opium, especially its effects upon one's mental and physical states. However, the textual analysis shows that he fails to construct such an identity of intelligence, because the section which discusses the truth about opium linguistically deprives the autobiographical narrative of its authenticity, and eventually creates the critical distance which separates the author from his desired figure in the text. And his intention, thus thwarted, is very interesting, because it can be interpreted not only as one of the leading features characterizing the theme of the Confessions, but also as the perpetual symptom of the entire life of De Quincey himself where a clear image of his identity can hardly be discerned.
群馬大学の論文
2000-03-31