Who among the following prose writers of the Romantic period authored "On Murder Considered as one of the Fine Arts"?

Correct option is C

Explanation:

The correct answer is Thomas De Quincey. He authored the essay "On Murder Considered as One of the Fine Arts", which was first published in 1827 in Blackwood’s Edinburgh Magazine.

This is one of De Quincey’s most famous essays, marked by his satirical approach to the topic of murder, presenting it as an art form in a grotesque, yet ironic manner.

The essay showcases De Quincey’s distinctive style, using humor and irony to explore the macabre idea of murder being elevated to the level of art.

Information Booster:

Thomas De Quincey (1785–1859) was an English essayist and critic, best known for his work Confessions of an English Opium-Eater (1821).

- He was a prominent figure of the Romantic period, particularly known for his philosophical and psychological writings, which often delved into issues of addiction, the mind, and moral ambiguity.

"On Murder Considered as One of the Fine Arts" was written as a satirical piece, where De Quincey examines the nature of murder in a highly rhetorical, ironic, and somewhat darkly comedic manner.

- The essay was a commentary on the glorification of violence in contemporary society, particularly in the context of romanticized depictions of murder in literature and culture.

De Quincey’s idea of treating murder as a "fine art" is an extreme exaggeration meant to provoke thought on the way society romanticizes violence.

- In On Murder Considered as One of the Fine Arts, De Quincey presents the idea that murder, particularly in the form of assassination, can be viewed in an aesthetic context.

- He imagines a world where murderers are treated as artists, with the crime itself being presented as a refined, almost cultured activity.

- The essay uses absurdity and exaggerated rhetoric to critique societal fascination with violence and its representation in art.

- It is a work that blends philosophical inquiry with literary creativity and is often considered an example of De Quincey’s satirical genius.

Additional Knowledge:

Charles Lamb (1775–1834) was a renowned English essayist and poet, best known for his collection of essays Essays of Elia. Lamb also wrote humorous and reflective essays. Lamb’s work was more concerned with personal reflections, domestic life, and social observation.

Walter Savage Landor (1775–1864) was an English writer known for his poetry and prose, as well as for his Imaginary Conversations (1824–1829), where historical and mythological figures were imagined conversing with one another. Landor’s style was eloquent.

Anne Radcliffe (1764–1823) was a famous English novelist, best known for her gothic novels such as The Mysteries of Udolpho (1794) and The Italian (1797). Radcliffe’s works were key in the development of Gothic fiction, dealing with supernatural themes and psychological terror.