Why Should We Read Poe (video)

What makes Edgar Allan Poe one of the greatest American authors?

• His love for animals

• His ability to write long novels

• His careful attention to form and style

• His unique hairstyle

What are the two cardinal rules Poe identified for the short story form?

• Must be humorous and have animals

• Must have a happy ending

• Must be short enough to read in one sitting and every word must contribute to its purpose

• Must include a detective

What effect does Poe aim to achieve in his stories?

• Unity of effect

• To make readers laugh

• To write the longest stories

• To promote peace

What themes do Poe's stories explore?

• Space exploration

• Love, grief, and guilt

• The beauty of nature

• The joy of living

What literary device is Poe known for pioneering?

• Animal characters

• First-person perspective

• Unreliable narrators

• Rhyming schemes

Which genre did Poe invent?

• Science fiction

• Fantasy

• Detective story

• Autobiography

What is the name of Poe's most famous poem?

• The Sparrow

• The Raven

• The Dove

• The Eagle

What personal challenges did Poe face?

• He struggled with alcoholism

• He was extremely wealthy

• He was a celebrated athlete

• He traveled the world

How did Poe's mother and wife die?

• Of tuberculosis

• In a car accident

• They were lost at sea

• In a fire

What is the definition of 'macabre' as used in the context of Poe's work?

• Scientific and factual

• Disturbing and horrifying because of involvement with or depiction of death and injury

• Funny and light-hearted

• Romantic and dreamy