Suspiria de Profundis
What is Suspiria de Profundis about?
Suspiria de Profundis (1845) is Thomas De Quincey’s sequel to Confessions of an English Opium-Eater, a collection of dream-essays that explore the landscapes of opium-influenced imagination. The title, meaning "Sighs from the Depths," sets the tone: De Quincey delves into childhood memories, dreams, and hallucinatory visions, creating some of the most beautiful and disturbing prose in English. The centerpiece, "Levana and Our Ladies of Sorrow," imagines three supernatural sisters who educate humanity through suffering. The work is less autobiography than prose poetry, and its influence on Symbolism and Surrealism was profound.
Main themes in Suspiria de Profundis
Dream prose
Dream prose emerges as a defining element in Suspiria de Profundis, shaping character development.
Opium visions
The theme of opium visions weaves through Suspiria de Profundis, adding depth to its narrative.
Symbolism
Symbolism emerges as a defining element in Suspiria de Profundis, shaping character development.
Ladies of Sorrow
The theme of ladies of sorrow weaves through Suspiria de Profundis, adding depth to its narrative.
Why Suspiria de Profundis is still relevant today
Suspiria de Profundis is De Quincey’s most visionary work, a masterpiece of dream-prose that profoundly influenced Symbolism and Surrealism.
More by this author
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Suspiria de Profundis about?
Dream-essays exploring opium-influenced visions, childhood memories, and hallucinatory landscapes in some of the most beautiful prose in English.
Is it a sequel to the Confessions?
Yes, it continues the exploration of opium and consciousness but moves from autobiography to visionary prose poetry.
Is it difficult?
De Quincey’s ornate style is demanding but rewarding. The visions are among the most extraordinary passages in English literature.
Can I read it free online?
Yes, the complete text is available free on TextStack.