# Pleasure versus Pain in Confessions of an English Opium-Eater

> Theme guide for Confessions of an English Opium-Eater by Thomas De Quincey.

De Quincey contrasts the initial 'divine pleasures' of opium—ecstasy, serenity, and heightened intellect—with the subsequent 'pains of opium,' including physical agony, nightmares, and mental torpor.

## Where it surfaces

- [The Pleasures of Opium](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/confessions_of_an_english_opium_eater_se/chapters/part-ii-the-pleasures-of-opium): The chapter contrasts the excruciating pain of rheumatism with the 'divine enjoyment' and 'abyss of divine enjoyment' brought by opium, highlighting the dual nature of the drug.
- [Introduction to the Pains of Opium](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/confessions_of_an_english_opium_eater_se/chapters/part-ii-introduction-to-the-pains-of-opium): He confesses his inability to face misery and his hankering after happiness, justifying his opium use as a means to avoid pain.
- [Endnotes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/confessions_of_an_english_opium_eater_se/chapters/endnotes): Discussion of the principle 'reculer pour mieux sauter' and how anger helps bear sufferings, illustrating the trade-off between pleasure and pain.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/confessions_of_an_english_opium_eater_se/themes/pleasure_versus_pain
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/confessions_of_an_english_opium_eater_se/themes