c# get enum value from string

var foo = (YourEnum) Enum.Parse(typeof(YourEnum), yourString);
if (Enum.IsDefined(typeof(YourEnum), foo))
{
    return foo;
}

int something = (int) Question.Role;

//This example will parse a string to a Keys value
Keys key = (Keys)Enum.Parse(typeof(Keys), "Space");
//The key value will now be Keys.Space