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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. With whom is Dupin's second encounter at the cemetery?

2. How does Edmund escape his pursuer at the docks?

3. What do Poe's actions at the end of the novel demonstrate?

4. What does Dupin see from the bell tower?

5. What does Dupin NOT tell Edmund about Arnold's classified ad?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the importance of the guests' discussion of whether it is possible to read a man's character from his face?

2. If you were Edmund, how do you feel about Poe's assertion that Sis lives on longer in Poe's story than she does in real life?

3. What is the symbolism in Chapter 19 of Poe's belief upon seeing Edmund and his mother that his characters have come to life?

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

5. What does Dupin mean in Chapter 16 when he tells Edmund that "lies have their own truth"?

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

7. Why do you think Edmund makes the final decision to tear up Poe's story before going to the docks to rescue Sis?

8. What is the significance, in Chapter 16, of Edmund throwing himself at a man with a gun?

9. How do you think Edmund felt upon reading the beginning of Poe's story, and seeing the name "Edgar" changed to "Edmund"? Do you think it made him regret having torn up the rest of the story?

10. Do you think Poe is a coward for giving up on marrying Helen because, as he says, too many timid people feel threatened by his power as a writer?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Chapter Two, Dupin tells Edmund that "there is a difference what happens and what we would like to have happen". How does this quote summarize the essential difference between Dupin and Edmund throughout the novel? How does it relate to the theme of hope versus despair?

Essay Topic 2

How many mysteries are there in this novel? How do they overlap? Analyze how the clues for solving each mystery are necessary for solving the others.

Essay Topic 3

What is the significance of the beginning of Poe's story being identical to the prologue of the novel? What does it say about the relationship between Poe and Edmund? Do you think it is an indication that Poe's association with Edmund changed him?

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