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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. The prologue is engaging because it sets up a crime in which _____.

2. In the prologue, where is the children's mother?

3. How does Edmund get home with the food for himself and his sister?

4. How does Dupin learn that Aunty Pru was told of Edmund's mother's location?

5. What is the food Edmund buys for himself and his sister wrapped in?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the significance of the fact that both Edmund and Dupin have an important person in their lives whom they call Sis?

2. Why do you think the author chose not to reveal Sis's true name?

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

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

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

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

7. What does the author accomplish in part one by having Dupin tell Edmund that Edmund already has all the facts he needs to solve the crime?

8. What does it reveal about Dupin's character when he tells Edmund in Chapter Two, "There is a difference between what happens and what we would like to have happen"?

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

10. When Edmund sees Dupin asleep, surrounded by empty liquor bottles, in Chapter Three, what conflict does it bring about it Edmund's thinking?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is the symbolism of Poe's use of a pseudonym? What is the significance of the specific pseudonym he chooses? What are some other examples of his assuming a false identify, and what do these say about his character?

Essay Topic 2

Keeping in mind that this novel is a work of fiction, do you agree with Poe when he tells Edmund that Sis would have "lived longer" in his story than she could in reality? Do you think Poe himself has in a sense lived longer because of his presence in this novel?

Essay Topic 3

How do you characterize Dupin/Poe's crime-solving methods? Do you think they are effective? Use specific details from the novel to support your answer.

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