Edgar Allan Poe: Life And Works
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What year was Edgar Allan Poe born?
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1809
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1909
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1849
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1949
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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, and his professional roles. Ideal for learners interested in American literature and gothic fiction.
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- 2.
Edgar Allan Poe is known as the first writer of what genre of writing?
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Romantic fiction
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Nonfiction
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Detective fiction
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Horror fiction
Correct Answer
A. Detective fictionExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Which of the following works by Edgar Allan Poe is a short story, NOT a poem?
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"The Raven"
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"Annabel Lee"
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"The Tell-Tale Heart"
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"A Dream Within A Dream"
Correct Answer
A. "The Tell-Tale Heart"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.Rate this question:
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- 4.
What job did Poe's birth parents have?
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Tobacco merchants
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Writers
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Actors
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None
Correct Answer
A. ActorsExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Why did Poe get kicked out of West Point Military School?
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He drank too much.
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He broke too many rules.
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He left the base.
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He scared too many people.
Correct Answer
A. 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.Rate this question:
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- 6.
How did Poe's wife, Virginia, die?
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She was murdered.
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She got tuberculosis.
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She had a brain tumor.
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She killed herself.
Correct Answer
A. 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.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Poe died at the age of 40. What city did he die in?
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New York
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Philadelphia
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Baltimore
Correct Answer
A. BaltimoreExplanation
Poe died in Baltimore.Rate this question:
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- 8.
What is the wind a symbol for in "Annabel Lee"?
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Murder
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Love
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Tuberculosis/disease
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Family
Correct Answer
A. Tuberculosis/diseaseExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Who is the poem, "Annabel Lee", probably written about?
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Poe's mother
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Poe's adopted mother
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Poe's aunt
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Poe's wife/cousin
Correct Answer
A. Poe's wife/cousinExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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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?
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Angry
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Crazy
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Frustrated
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Sane
Correct Answer
A. CrazyExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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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?
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He's annoyed by the old man's voice.
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He is driven crazy by the old man's eye.
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He wants the old man's house.
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He is angry that the old man is smarter than him.
Correct Answer
A. 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.Rate this question:
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- 12.
How long does the narrator of "The Tell-Tale Heart" watch the old man while he's sleeping?
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One day
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One month
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One year
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One week
Correct Answer
A. One weekExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 13.
What does the old man do on the 8th night?
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He sits up in bed and cries, "who's there??"
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He sleeps soundly.
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He attacks the narrator.
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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.Rate this question:
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- 14.
How does the narrator kill the old man?
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He stabs him in his heart with a knife.
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He suffocates him under the bed mattress.
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He strangles him with his hands.
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He poisons him.
Correct Answer
A. 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.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Which of the following works by Edgar Allan Poe is a poem?
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"The Fall of the House of Usher"
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"The Tell-Tale Heart"
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"The Raven"
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"The Murders in the Rue Morgue"
Correct Answer
A. "The Raven"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 contentRate this question:
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- 16.
What is the beating heart a symbol of?
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A feeling of hatred
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A feeling of sadness
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A feeling of guilt
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A feeling of confusion
Correct Answer
A. A feeling of guiltExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 17.
What is the RESOLUTION of "The Tell-Tale Heart"?
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The narrator gets away with the murder.
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The old man comes back to life.
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The police question the narrator.
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The narrator confesses.
Correct Answer
A. 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.Rate this question:
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- 18.
Why does the narrator confess to the police?
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He hears the beating of the old man's heart in his head.
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He sees a spot of blood on the floor and thinks they'll see it.
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He thinks the police already know.
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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.Rate this question:
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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.
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Resolution
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Rising action
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Introduction or exposition
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Falling action
Correct Answer
A. Introduction or expositionExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 20.
The ____________ of a fiction text is the highest point of action in the plot.
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Introduction or exposition
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Falling action
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Climax
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Resolution or conclusion
Correct Answer
A. ClimaxExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 21.
The _____________ is the series of all the actions in a story.
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Theme
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Plot
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Resolution
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Summary
Correct Answer
A. PlotExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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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?
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Text-to-Self Connections
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Text-to-Text Connections
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Text-to-World Connections
Correct Answer
A. Text-to-Text ConnectionsExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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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?
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Making Connections
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Summarizing
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Predicting
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Inferring
Correct Answer
A. PredictingExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 24.
What was the last word that Poe was screaming before he died?
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Virginia!!!
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Raven!!!
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Murder!!!
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Reynolds!!!
Correct Answer
A. Reynolds!!! -
- 25.
How did Poe die?
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He was murdered.
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He committed suicide.
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He had a brain tumor.
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We don't know for sure. It's a mystery!
Correct Answer
A. 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.Rate this question:
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+Eliza+Arnold+Hopkins+Poe+(Edgar+Allan+Poe%27s+mother)+1787-1811..jpg "What job did Poe's birth parents have?")
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Jan 08, 2025Quiz Edited by
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Nov 08, 2009Quiz Created by
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