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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. Where is Edmund reunited with his mother?
(a) In a bank.
(b) In a cemetery.
(c) In a church.
(d) In a saloon.

2. After Edmund's mother is recovered, what does Poe think about finding Edmund's sister?
(a) It is more important that writing his story.
(b) It is less important than writing his story.
(c) It is only worth it to him if Edmund keeps him supplied with liquor.
(d) It is pointless because she is probably dead.

3. Who does Dupin tell Edmund that Rachett has killed?
(a) Edmund's aunt, believing her to be Edmund's mother.
(b) Edmund's mother, believing her to be Edmund's aunt.
(c) His partner, Peterson.
(d) Edmund's sister.

4. At the docks, who is Edmund pursued by?
(a) A man with dark hair.
(b) A man with white hair.
(c) Someone he never sees.
(d) A ghost.

5. While his mother sleeps, what does Edmund ask Poe to do?
(a) Give him money for food.
(b) Help him find his sister.
(c) Take care of his mother.
(d) Write a happier ending to his story.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Edmund realizes about the meaning of the word "Sunrise" in the decoded message?

2. When he returns to the cemetery to find Dupin, who does Edmund see?

3. What does Dupin use to decipher the encoded message Edmund found at Mrs. Whitman's house?

4. This novel combines _____.

5. Given what he learns at the portrait studio, what does Dupin come to believe?

Short Essay Questions

1. What can the reader learn about the real-life Poe in this novel?

2. What does Dupin mean in Chapter 14 when he tells Edmund that "the story is over"?

3. Do you think Poe is able to make up his own mind whether or not to root for Edmund's happiness, or does his nature force him to hope for the worst?

4. What is the symbolism, in Chapter 13, of Dupin's imagining that Helen's mothers guests are demons wearing masks of black death?

5. How does the final chase scene in Chapter 21 differ from the rest of the novel?

6. Why do both Dupin and Edmund frequently believe they have seen ghosts?

7. How does Edmund's character change by Chapter 18, compared to the Prologue?

8. Why do you think the author has Poe share his thought process throughout the story, rather than saving all his insights for the end?

9. Why do you think the author has Edmund's mother demand both the divorce and her money, rather than just being satisfied with a divorce, when she first encounters her husband?

10. Why do you think Poe drops the remainder of his story on the ground before walking away from Edward for the last time?

(see the answer keys)

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