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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. When Edmund first mentions Rachett's name, where does Dupin remember hearing the name?
(a) The docks.
(b) The inquest.
(c) The tavern.
(d) The clothing store.

2. In the prologue, what does Edmund discover when he returns home?
(a) He's forgotten his key.
(b) His sister has opened the door.
(c) The door is still locked from the outside.
(d) He forgot to lock the door.

3. Where does Edmund go to buy food for himself and Sis?
(a) A pastry shop.
(b) A saloon.
(c) A corner store.
(d) An inn.

4. When they investigate the room that faces Edmund's room, what do Edmund and Dupin find?
(a) A trail of blood.
(b) A large sum of money.
(c) A written message from Edmund's sister.
(d) A button from Edmund's sister's shoe.

5. Where does the story take place?
(a) London, England.
(b) New York, New York.
(c) Providence, Rhode Island.
(d) Chicago, Illinois.

Short Answer Questions

1. In Dupin and Throck's first meeting, what does Throck tell Dupin he has been hired to do?

2. After they discuss Edmund's step-father, who does Dupin send Edmund to speak to at the docks?

3. Who is Throck?

4. On his way to the saloon to buy supplies for himself and Dupin, who follow Edward?

5. What is the only item missing after Edmund's room is ransacked?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why do you think Dupin is so obsessed with death?

2. How do you think the novel would be different if there were no prologue?

3. What is the significance of Edmund's direct accusation, in Chapter Nine, that Dupin has abandoned him?

4. Do you think Edmund should have stopped to help the old man before returning home?

5. What is the significance of the absence of adults in the Prologue?

6. What did Edgar Allan Poe do in his mystery stories that no one had done before, and how does this impact future mystery writers?

7. How does the locked-room mystery engage the reader?

8. What do you think is Dupin's primary motivation for helping Edmund?

9. Based on the prologue, what do you think is the author's opinion of Poe as a writer?

10. How does the setting reflect Edmund's emotional state?

(see the answer keys)

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