Edgar Allan Poe: Life And Works

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| By Jlmartin
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Edgar Allan Poe: Life And Works - Quiz

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Questions and Answers
  • 1. 

    What year was Edgar Allan Poe born?

    • A.

      1809

    • B.

      1909

    • C.

      1849

    • D.

      1949

    Correct Answer
    A. 1809
    Explanation
    Edgar Allan Poe was born in 1809.

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  • 2. 

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

    • A.

      Romantic fiction

    • B.

      Nonfiction

    • C.

      Detective fiction

    • D.

      Horror fiction

    Correct Answer
    C. Detective fiction
    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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  • 3. 

    What is Poe's most famous poem?

    • A.

      "Annabel Lee"

    • B.

      "The Raven"

    • C.

      "The Bells"

    • D.

      "Tell-Tale Heart"

    Correct Answer
    B. "The Raven"
    Explanation
    "The Raven" is Poe's most famous poem because it is widely recognized as a masterpiece of American literature. It is known for its dark and haunting atmosphere, as well as its use of symbolism and poetic devices. The poem tells the story of a man who is visited by a talking raven, which slowly drives him to madness. Its themes of loss, grief, and the supernatural have resonated with readers for generations, making it one of Poe's most enduring and well-known works.

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  • 4. 

    What job did Poe's birth parents have?

    • A.

      Tobacco merchants

    • B.

      Writers

    • C.

      Actors

    • D.

      None

    Correct Answer
    C. Actors
    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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  • 5. 

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

    • A.

      He drank too much.

    • B.

      He broke too many rules.

    • C.

      He left the base.

    • D.

      He scared too many people.

    Correct Answer
    B. He broke too many rules.
    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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  • 6. 

    How did Poe's wife, Virginia, die?

    • A.

      She was murdered.

    • B.

      She got tuberculosis.

    • C.

      She had a brain tumor.

    • D.

      She killed herself.

    Correct Answer
    B. She got tuberculosis.
    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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  • 7. 

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

    • A.

      New York

    • B.

      Philadelphia

    • C.

      Baltimore

    Correct Answer
    C. Baltimore
    Explanation
    Poe died in Baltimore.

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  • 8. 

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

    • A.

      Murder

    • B.

      Love

    • C.

      Tuberculosis/disease

    • D.

      Family

    Correct Answer
    C. Tuberculosis/disease
    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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  • 9. 

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

    • A.

      Poe's mother

    • B.

      Poe's adopted mother

    • C.

      Poe's aunt

    • D.

      Poe's wife/cousin

    Correct Answer
    D. Poe's wife/cousin
    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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  • 10. 

    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?

    • A.

      Angry

    • B.

      Crazy

    • C.

      Frustrated

    • D.

      Sane

    Correct Answer
    B. Crazy
    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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  • 11. 

    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?

    • A.

      He's annoyed by the old man's voice.

    • B.

      He is driven crazy by the old man's eye.

    • C.

      He wants the old man's house.

    • D.

      He is angry that the old man is smarter than him.

    Correct Answer
    B. He is driven crazy by the old man's eye.
    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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  • 12. 

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

    • A.

      One day

    • B.

      One month

    • C.

      One year

    • D.

      One week

    Correct Answer
    D. One week
    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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  • 13. 

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

    • A.

      He sits up in bed and cries, "who's there??"

    • B.

      He sleeps soundly.

    • C.

      He attacks the narrator.

    • D.

      He crawls under his bed.

    Correct Answer
    A. He sits up in bed and cries, "who's there??"
    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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  • 14. 

    How does the narrator kill the old man?

    • A.

      He stabs him in his heart with a knife.

    • B.

      He suffocates him under the bed mattress.

    • C.

      He strangles him with his hands.

    • D.

      He poisons him.

    Correct Answer
    B. He suffocates him under the bed mattress.
    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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  • 15. 

    What is the CLIMAX of "The Tell-Tale Heart"?

    • A.

      When the old man wakes up.

    • B.

      When the narrator confesses.

    • C.

      When the narrator kills the old man a puts his body under the floor boards.

    • D.

      When the narrator stalks the old man.

    Correct Answer
    C. When the narrator kills the old man a puts his body under the floor boards.
    Explanation
    The climax of "The Tell-Tale Heart" is when the narrator kills the old man and puts his body under the floor boards. This is the turning point of the story where the tension reaches its peak and the narrator's madness is fully revealed. It is the culmination of his obsession and the act that ultimately leads to his downfall.

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  • 16. 

    What is the beating heart a symbol of?

    • A.

      A feeling of hatred

    • B.

      A feeling of sadness

    • C.

      A feeling of guilt

    • D.

      A feeling of confusion

    Correct Answer
    C. A feeling of guilt
    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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  • 17. 

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

    • A.

      The narrator gets away with the murder.

    • B.

      The old man comes back to life.

    • C.

      The police question the narrator.

    • D.

      The narrator confesses.

    Correct Answer
    D. The narrator confesses.
    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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  • 18. 

    Why does the narrator confess to the police?

    • A.

      He hears the beating of the old man's heart in his head.

    • B.

      He sees a spot of blood on the floor and thinks they'll see it.

    • C.

      He thinks the police already know.

    • D.

      He isn't a very good liar.

    Correct Answer
    A. He hears the beating of the old man's heart in his head.
    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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  • 19. 

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

    • A.

      Resolution

    • B.

      Rising action

    • C.

      Introduction or exposition

    • D.

      Falling action

    Correct Answer
    C. Introduction or exposition
    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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  • 20. 

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

    • A.

      Introduction or exposition

    • B.

      Falling action

    • C.

      Climax

    • D.

      Resolution or conclusion

    Correct Answer
    C. Climax
    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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  • 21. 

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

    • A.

      Theme

    • B.

      Plot

    • C.

      Resolution

    • D.

      Summary

    Correct Answer
    B. Plot
    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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  • 22. 

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

    • A.

      Text-to-Self Connections

    • B.

      Text-to-Text Connections

    • C.

      Text-to-World Connections

    Correct Answer
    B. Text-to-Text Connections
    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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  • 23. 

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

    • A.

      Making Connections

    • B.

      Summarizing

    • C.

      Predicting

    • D.

      Inferring

    Correct Answer
    C. Predicting
    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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  • 24. 

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

    • A.

      Virginia!!!

    • B.

      Raven!!!

    • C.

      Murder!!!

    • D.

      Reynolds!!!

    Correct Answer
    D. Reynolds!!!
  • 25. 

    How did Poe die?

    • A.

      He was murdered.

    • B.

      He committed suicide.

    • C.

      He had a brain tumor.

    • D.

      We don't know for sure. It's a mystery!

    Correct Answer
    D. We don't know for sure. It's a mystery!
    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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Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.

  • Current Version
  • Mar 21, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Nov 08, 2009
    Quiz Created by
    Jlmartin
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