Confessions of an English Opium Eater with Will Self
Sep 29, 2022
auto_awesome
Will Self, an acclaimed novelist and essayist known for his memoir 'Will,' joins the conversation to delve into the opium-soaked worlds of Thomas de Quincey and William S. Burroughs. They explore the intertwining themes of pleasure and pain in addiction, address the gothic implications of drug culture, and reflect on how personal struggles shape identity. With a humorous lens, they traverse London's literary landscape, examining the evolution of drug narratives and the socio-political undertones surrounding addiction.
Thomas de Quincey's 'Confessions of an English Opium Eater' radically transformed public perception of opium from remedy to intoxicating substance, influencing literary figures like Poe.
The podcast highlights addiction literature's unique blend of memoir and fiction, reflecting broader societal issues and personal narratives of sin, redemption, and human suffering.
Psychogeography reveals how London’s urban landscape shapes addiction experiences, demonstrating the connection between physical spaces and individual struggles with substance use.
Deep dives
Thomas De Quincey and the Transformation of Opium's Image
Thomas De Quincey's work, 'Confessions of an English Opium Eater,' played a pivotal role in altering the perception of opium in Britain. Originally viewed as a common household remedy, De Quincey’s narrative shifted its image to that of an exotic, intoxicating substance. He detailed his intense experiences with opium, focusing on both its pleasurable highs and the profound lows associated with addiction. This transformation in representation contributed significantly to De Quincey's literary acclaim, influencing prominent figures like Edgar Allan Poe, who praised the imaginative depths of his confessions.
The Literary Genre of Drug Memoirs
The podcast delves into the literary genre that blends elements of memoir, fiction, and confession, as seen in works like De Quincey's and William S. Burroughs' 'Junkie.' This genre reflects a quest for understanding the complexities of addiction, often intertwining personal narrative with broader societal issues surrounding drug use. The discussion highlights how these writings grapple with themes of sin, redemption, and the ethereal nature of drug experiences. This literary exploration establishes these authors as not just chroniclers of addiction but as pivotal voices in a larger narrative on human experience and suffering.
Psychogeography and the Experience of Addiction
The concept of psychogeography emerges as a significant lens through which to view the experiences of addiction detailed in these works. De Quincey’s reflections on specific locations in London evoke a deep connection between his personal narrative and the geographical landscape. This connection suggests that urban environments shape the experiences of individuals grappling with substance use, reflecting a transformation of both self and space. The conversation elaborates on how physical locales evolve into 'junk territories,' where the realities of addiction manifest within the urban narrative.
Burroughs' 'Junkie' and the Cycle of Addiction
'Junkie' by William S. Burroughs presents a stark portrayal of addiction, focusing on the relentless cycles of dependence and the struggle to escape its grasp. Unlike De Quincey, who emphasizes the highs associated with opium, Burroughs meticulously captures the drudgery and despair of being perpetually addicted. Throughout the novel, he explores the harsh realities of the addiction experience, detailing the psychological and physical challenges faced by an addict. The narrative serves as both a personal account and a broader commentary on the societal implications surrounding drug culture in mid-20th century America.
The Shared Legacy of Addiction Literature
The podcast concludes with a discussion on the enduring legacy of addiction literature, emphasizing its ability to transcend time and societal change. Both De Quincey and Burroughs illustrate the persistent themes of addiction, pain, and the quest for identity amidst turmoil, reflecting their historical contexts while remaining pertinent today. The conversation acknowledges the evolution of drug-related crises into contemporary issues, linking past and present struggles. This literary exploration serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between individual experiences and societal narratives surrounding addiction.
Thomas de Quincey & William S. Burroughs in Soho. The novelist Will Self joins Henry in London to explore the opium dreams and heroin nightmares of Thomas de Quincey’s Confessions of an English Opium Eater and William S. Burrough’s Junky. They walk from Oxford Street to Covent Garden, and along the way they also discuss The Diary of a Drug Fiend by Aleister Crowley and Will’s own 2019 drugs memoir, Will.
2022 is the 200th anniversary of the book publication of Confessions of an English Opium Eater.
Penguin Classics edition of Confessions of an English Opium Eater by Thomas de Quincey
