Edgar Allan Poe: Life And Works

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1. Which of the following works by Edgar Allan Poe is a short story, NOT a poem?

Explanation

"The Tell-Tale Heart" is a short story by Edgar Allan Poe, known for its suspenseful narrative and exploration of guilt and paranoia. The other options are poems by Poe, each with its own distinct themes and style. "The Raven" is a narrative poem about a grieving man haunted by a raven, "Annabel Lee" is a ballad about lost love, and "A Dream Within A Dream" is a philosophical poem about the nature of reality.

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Edgar Allan Poe: Life And Works - Quiz

Explore the intriguing life and seminal works of Edgar Allan Poe. This quiz assesses knowledge of his birth, literary contributions, notably in detective fiction, key personal life events,... see moreand his professional roles. Ideal for learners interested in American literature and gothic fiction. see less

2. The ____________ of a fiction text is the highest point of action in the plot.

Explanation

The climax of a fiction text refers to the highest point of action in the plot. It is the moment of greatest tension or conflict, where the outcome of the story becomes clear. This is typically the turning point or the most intense and exciting part of the narrative, where the protagonist faces their biggest challenge or conflict. The climax is crucial in building suspense and keeping the reader engaged, as it often leads to the resolution or conclusion of the story.

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3. How did Poe's wife, Virginia, die?

Explanation

Virginia, Poe's wife, died from tuberculosis. This is a well-known fact about her cause of death. Tuberculosis is a contagious bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs, causing severe illness and eventually leading to death if left untreated.

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4. What year was Edgar Allan Poe born?

Explanation

Edgar Allan Poe was born in 1809.

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5. In "The Tell-Tale Heart", the narrator tells us that he doesn't want the man's gold and that he loves the old man. So, why does he want to kill him?

Explanation

The narrator in "The Tell-Tale Heart" wants to kill the old man because he is driven crazy by the old man's eye. The narrator describes the eye as "pale blue with a film over it" and believes that it is an evil eye. The eye haunts him and consumes his thoughts, driving him to the point of madness. The narrator's obsession with the eye becomes so intense that he feels compelled to eliminate it, leading him to commit the murder.

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6. Who is the poem, "Annabel Lee", probably written about?

Explanation

The poem "Annabel Lee" is probably written about Poe's wife/cousin. This can be inferred from the title of the poem itself and the romantic nature of the poem. The speaker in the poem expresses deep love and devotion towards Annabel Lee, describing their relationship as a love that was stronger than anyone else's. Additionally, Poe's personal life and relationships often served as inspiration for his works, making it likely that the poem is about his wife/cousin.

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7. How did Poe die?

Explanation

The correct answer is "We don't know for sure. It's a mystery!" This is because there is still uncertainty surrounding the exact cause of Edgar Allan Poe's death. While there are theories and speculations, there is no definitive evidence to confirm whether he was murdered, committed suicide, or had a brain tumor. The circumstances of his death remain a mystery.

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8. Poe died at the age of 40. What city did he die in?

Explanation

Poe died in Baltimore.

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9. The _______________ of a fiction text is the beginning in which the author tells us about the characters and begins the plot.

Explanation

The introduction or exposition of a fiction text is the beginning where the author introduces the characters and sets up the plot. This section provides background information and establishes the context for the story. It helps the readers understand the setting, time period, and the initial conflict or problem that the characters will face. It lays the foundation for the rest of the narrative and sets the stage for the rising action to unfold.

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10. What is the RESOLUTION of "The Tell-Tale Heart"?

Explanation

In "The Tell-Tale Heart," the resolution refers to the outcome or conclusion of the story. The correct answer, "The narrator confesses," indicates that the narrator eventually admits to the murder. This resolution brings closure to the story and reveals the guilt and inner turmoil of the narrator.

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11. At the beginning of "The Tell-Tale Heart", the narrator says, "TRUE! - nervous - very, very dreadfully nervous I had been and am; but why will you say that I am MAD?"
What is the meaning of the word MAD as the narrator uses is?

Explanation

In this context, the meaning of the word "MAD" as used by the narrator is "crazy". The narrator is questioning why others would label him as insane or mentally unstable when he believes he is not. This suggests that he is aware of his own actions and mental state, but others perceive him as being irrational or deranged.

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12. What does the old man do on the 8th night?

Explanation

On the 8th night, the old man sits up in bed and cries, "who's there??" This suggests that the old man is experiencing fear and paranoia, possibly due to his deteriorating mental state. It indicates that he is constantly on edge and easily startled, which adds to the suspense and tension in the story.

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13. What is the beating heart a symbol of?

Explanation

The beating heart is often used as a symbol to represent a feeling of guilt. This is because when someone feels guilty, their heart may race or beat faster due to the emotional and physiological response associated with guilt. The symbol of a beating heart can therefore evoke the idea of guilt and the inner turmoil that accompanies it.

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14. Why does the narrator confess to the police?

Explanation

The narrator confesses to the police because he hears the beating of the old man's heart in his head. This suggests that the guilt and paranoia from committing the crime have overwhelmed him, leading to his confession. The sound of the beating heart becomes a constant reminder of his crime and drives him to reveal the truth.

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15. What job did Poe's birth parents have?

Explanation

Poe's birth parents were actors. This can be inferred from the fact that the options provided are tobacco merchants, writers, actors, and none. Since Poe's birth parents must have had a job, the option "none" can be ruled out. The options of tobacco merchants and writers do not provide any connection to Poe's background or profession. Therefore, the most logical choice is actors, as it aligns with Poe's own career as a writer and his exposure to the performing arts.

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16. The _____________ is the series of all the actions in a story.

Explanation

The plot refers to the sequence of events and actions that occur in a story. It encompasses the main events, conflicts, and developments that drive the narrative forward. The plot is essential for creating tension, building suspense, and engaging the reader or viewer. It includes the introduction of characters, the development of the conflict, and the eventual resolution or outcome of the story. The plot is what keeps the audience hooked and interested in the story's progression.

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17. When we stopped and tried to figure out what was going to happen NEXT while reading "The Tell-Tale Heart", what were we doing?

Explanation

When we stopped and tried to figure out what was going to happen next while reading "The Tell-Tale Heart," we were engaging in the process of predicting. Predicting involves using the information provided in the text to make educated guesses or hypotheses about what will happen in the future. In this case, we were using our understanding of the story's plot, characters, and events to anticipate the upcoming events or developments in the narrative.

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18. How long does the narrator of "The Tell-Tale Heart" watch the old man while he's sleeping?

Explanation

In "The Tell-Tale Heart," the narrator watches the old man while he's sleeping for one week. This is evident from the story where the narrator mentions that every night for seven nights, he would cautiously open the door and observe the old man's sleep. The duration of one week adds to the suspense and tension in the story, as it highlights the narrator's obsession with the old man's eye and his meticulous planning before committing the crime.

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19. What is the wind a symbol for in "Annabel Lee"?

Explanation

In "Annabel Lee," the wind is a symbol for tuberculosis or disease. This is evident in the line "the wind came out of the cloud by night, chilling and killing my Annabel Lee." The wind represents the cold and deadly nature of the disease that takes the life of the speaker's beloved. The use of the word "chilling" suggests the chilling effect of the disease, while "killing" emphasizes its fatal consequences. Therefore, the wind symbolizes the disease that ultimately leads to Annabel Lee's death.

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20. Why did Poe get kicked out of West Point Military School?

Explanation

Poe got kicked out of West Point Military School because he broke too many rules. This suggests that he consistently violated the regulations and codes of conduct set by the school, leading to his dismissal. It implies that his behavior was not in line with the disciplinary standards expected from a student at the military school.

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21. Which of the following works by Edgar Allan Poe is a poem?

Explanation

"The Raven" is one of Poe's most famous works and a classic of American literature. It's a narrative poem known for its dark and melancholic tone, exploring themes of loss, grief, and the haunting power of memory. The other options are examples of Poe's short stories, which often delve into the macabre and explore psychological themes.  Sources and related content

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22. Edgar Allan Poe is known as the first writer of what genre of writing?

Explanation

Edgar Allan Poe is known as the first writer of detective fiction. He is credited with creating the modern detective story with his famous character, C. Auguste Dupin. Poe's stories, such as "The Murders in the Rue Morgue" and "The Purloined Letter," introduced the concept of a brilliant detective using logical reasoning and deduction to solve crimes. His influence on the genre can still be seen today in the works of authors like Arthur Conan Doyle and Agatha Christie.

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23. How does the narrator kill the old man?

Explanation

The correct answer is "He suffocates him under the bed mattress." This means that the narrator kills the old man by covering him with a mattress, preventing him from breathing and ultimately causing his death.

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24. When we compared and contrasted "The Tell-Tale Heart" text with the video versions, what kind of connections were we making?

Explanation

When comparing and contrasting "The Tell-Tale Heart" text with the video versions, we were making text-to-text connections. This means that we were identifying similarities and differences between the written text and other texts, in this case, the video versions. We were likely analyzing how the story was adapted or interpreted in the videos, looking for similarities in plot, characters, and themes, as well as differences in visual representation and storytelling techniques.

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25. What was the last word that Poe was screaming before he died?

Explanation

not-available-via-ai

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Which of the following works by Edgar Allan Poe is a short story, NOT...
The ____________ of a fiction text is the highest point of action in...
How did Poe's wife, Virginia, die?
What year was Edgar Allan Poe born?
In "The Tell-Tale Heart", the narrator tells us that he doesn't want...
Who is the poem, "Annabel Lee", probably written about?
How did Poe die?
Poe died at the age of 40. What city did he die in?
The _______________ of a fiction text is the beginning in which the...
What is the RESOLUTION of "The Tell-Tale Heart"?
At the beginning of "The Tell-Tale Heart", the narrator says, "TRUE! -...
What does the old man do on the 8th night?
What is the beating heart a symbol of?
Why does the narrator confess to the police?
What job did Poe's birth parents have?
The _____________ is the series of all the actions in a story.
When we stopped and tried to figure out what was going to happen NEXT...
How long does the narrator of "The Tell-Tale Heart" watch the old man...
What is the wind a symbol for in "Annabel Lee"?
Why did Poe get kicked out of West Point Military School?
Which of the following works by Edgar Allan Poe is a poem?
Edgar Allan Poe is known as the first writer of what genre of writing?
How does the narrator kill the old man?
When we compared and contrasted "The Tell-Tale Heart" text with the...
What was the last word that Poe was screaming before he died?
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