What makes you most frustrated about the current state of technological advancements?
- I’m concerned about the erosion of privacy and the increasing reliance on technology.
- I’m frustrated by the spread of misinformation and the decline of critical thinking.
- I find it overwhelming to keep up with the rapid pace of change.
- I worry about the potential for technology to be used for harmful purposes.
What is your absolute favorite anecdote from Derniers Contes and why?
- The story of the dead woman who was buried alive in Baltimore, because it highlights the fragility of life and the terrifying possibility of being mistaken for dead.
- The story of the Frenchwoman who was buried alive and revived by her lover because it speaks to the enduring power of love and devotion.
- The story of the French officer who was buried alive and revived because it’s a vivid and unsettling account of a truly horrifying experience.
What keeps you up at night about the absurdity of life?
- The realization that our existence is finite and often unpredictable.
- The feeling that we are all just small cogs in a much larger and indifferent machine.
- The knowledge that even our best efforts can be thwarted by chance or fate.
- I honestly sleep like a baby, nothing keeps me up at night!
How do you feel about Poe’s portrayal of the dark side of human nature?
- I find it unsettling but also strangely compelling.
- I think it’s an honest reflection of the capacity for both good and evil that exists within us all.
- It reminds me to be cautious and aware of the potential for darkness in myself and others.
- It doesn’t really affect me, I prefer to focus on the positive.
You have a choice of spending an evening with The Duc de l’Omelette or the narrator from “L’Ensevelissement Prématuré,” who do you choose and why?
- The Duc de l’Omelette, because he seems like he’d be a riot! I’d love to hear about his afterlife adventures.
- The narrator from “L’Ensevelissement Prématuré” because I find his fear relatable and I’d like to offer him some comfort.
- Neither, I wouldn’t want to spend an evening with either of those weirdos.
What’s your idea of a truly terrifying scenario?
- Being buried alive.
- Losing my mind and sanity.
- Being stalked by an unseen enemy.
- The world ending in a fiery apocalypse.
If you could choose any superpower from the world of Derniers Contes, which one would you choose and why?
- The ability to talk to the dead, like the characters in “The Facts in the Case of M. Valdemar,” because I’ve always been curious about the afterlife.
- The ability to decipher codes and ciphers, like the narrator in “The Gold-Bug” because it seems like a useful skill to have.
- The ability to predict the future, because who wouldn’t want to know what’s going to happen next?
Which of these themes from Derniers Contes is most likely to be a struggle for you: the absurdity of life, the darkness of human nature, or the power of imagination?
- The absurdity of life, because I find it difficult to accept that there may not be any inherent meaning or purpose to our existence.
- The darkness of human nature, because I want to believe in the inherent goodness of people.
- The power of imagination, because I sometimes struggle to distinguish between fantasy and reality.
What’s your go-to method for dealing with feelings of existential dread?
- I distract myself with hobbies, work, or spending time with loved ones.
- I try to focus on the present moment and appreciate the good things in my life.
- I explore my feelings through creative pursuits like writing, painting, or music.
- I drink!
When you think about the darker aspects of human nature, what are you most concerned about?
- The capacity for cruelty and violence that exists within us all.
- The potential for greed and selfishness to corrupt even the best of intentions.
- The ease with which people can be manipulated and controlled by fear and propaganda.
- I try not to dwell on such things.
How would your friends and family describe your perspective on life: witty and satirical, philosophical and reflective, or gothic and macabre?
- Witty and satirical, because I love to make people laugh and I’m not afraid to poke fun at the absurdity of life.
- Philosophical and reflective, because I’m always pondering the big questions and I enjoy deep conversations.
- Gothic and macabre, because I’m drawn to the dark and mysterious side of life.
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the phrase “buried alive?”
- Panic, claustrophobia, and a sense of overwhelming dread.
- A scene from a horror movie I saw once.
- A fear that I’ve had since I was a kid.
- Not much, it doesn’t really bother me.
Tell us a little about your favorite memory of reading Poe’s work.
- It was Halloween night and I was home alone, reading “The Tell-Tale Heart” by candlelight.
- I was on a family vacation and we visited Poe’s house in Baltimore.
- I was in high school and I had a really passionate English teacher who brought Poe’s stories to life.
Which member of the literary society in “The Signora Psyche Zenobia” are you most like?
- The Signora Psyche Zenobia herself, because I’m a bit of a drama queen and I love to be the center of attention.
- The narrator, because I’m a bit of an outsider and I’m fascinated by people who are different from me.
- The other members of the society, because I’m just an average person trying to fit in.
What happened in the past when you first encountered Poe’s dark and melancholic writing style?
- It was like a whole new world opened up to me.
- I was instantly hooked.
- I thought it was a bit much, but I grew to appreciate it over time.
- I didn’t really care for it.
What do you dream about when it comes to exploring the power of your own imagination?
- Writing a bestselling novel that transports readers to another world.
- Creating a work of art that evokes strong emotions in those who view it.
- Coming up with a groundbreaking invention that changes the world.
- I’m not much of a dreamer, I prefer to focus on reality.
A specific situation arises where you have the opportunity to pull off a clever trick or deception, just like Peter Profit. How do you react?
- I seize the opportunity, as long as it doesn’t harm anyone.
- I hesitate, weighing the potential risks and rewards.
- I decline, as I prefer to achieve my goals through honest means.
You are at a party and the topic of Edgar Allan Poe comes up. What do you do?
- I launch into an enthusiastic discussion of my favorite Poe stories and poems.
- I listen politely but I don’t have much to contribute to the conversation.
- I excuse myself and go find a more interesting conversation.
What comes to mind when you think about the conflict between reason and imagination?
- I believe that both reason and imagination are essential for a fulfilling life.
- I think that reason should always take precedence over imagination.
- I think that imagination is more important than reason because it allows us to dream and create.
What is your strongest quality when it comes to navigating the complexities of life?
- My sharp wit and sense of humor.
- My ability to think critically and analyze situations.
- My capacity for empathy and understanding.
What affects you the most: the absurdity of existence, the dark side of human nature, or the boundless potential of the imagination?
- The absurdity of existence, because it makes me question everything.
- The dark side of human nature, because it makes me fear for the future.
- The boundless potential of the imagination, because it gives me hope.
You have an entire weekend to do whatever you want, how do you spend it?
- I lock myself in my room with a stack of Poe’s stories and a pot of coffee.
- I go exploring in nature, searching for inspiration in the beauty of the natural world.
- I catch up with friends and family, enjoying the simple pleasures of human connection.
- I binge-watch the latest true-crime documentary series, I can’t get enough of that stuff.
What is your favorite short story from Derniers Contes?
- “Le Duc de l’Omelette” because it’s a hilarious and thought-provoking satire of life and death.
- “Le Mille et Deuxième Conte de Schéhérazade” because it’s a fantastical and imaginative adventure story.
- “L’Ensevelissement Prématuré” because it’s a chilling and suspenseful tale of terror.
- “The Murders in the Rue Morgue” because I love a good detective story.
Someone asks you how you’re doing today. What’s the actual answer, not just “I’m good?”
- Honestly, I’m feeling a bit like the narrator from “The Fall of the House of Usher” today – gloomy and introspective.
- I’m doing pretty well, but I’m ready for a vacation, like a one-way trip to the idyllic island in “The Oval Portrait.
- I’m feeling creatively inspired, like I could write a story as chilling as “The Pit and the Pendulum.
What place, concept, or idea from Derniers Contes do you most want to explore?
- The depths of the human psyche, as explored in stories like “The Tell-Tale Heart.”
- The mysteries of the universe, as hinted at in “Mellonta Tauta.”
- The nature of reality itself, as challenged in “The Sphinx.”
- I think I’ll stick to exploring the real world, thank you very much.
What causes, topics, or interests are you most passionate about?
- Social justice and fighting for equality.
- Environmental conservation and protecting our planet.
- Art, literature, and expanding my knowledge of the world.
- That’s a bit personal, don’t you think?
How do you determine your priorities each day?
- I make a list of everything I need to do and prioritize them based on urgency and importance.
- I go with the flow and tackle tasks as they come up.
- I let my mood dictate my priorities for the day.
How do you handle a situation where your carefully laid plans are disrupted?
- I assess the situation, adapt my plans as needed, and keep moving forward.
- I get frustrated and have to take a moment to regroup before I can proceed.
- I throw my hands up in the air and give up, it’s not worth the effort.
What do you think you need to achieve a greater understanding of yourself and the world around you?
- To spend more time in self-reflection, exploring my own thoughts and feelings.
- To engage in more meaningful conversations with people who have different perspectives than my own.
- To travel to new places and experience different cultures.
Are your actions consistently aligned with your values?
- Yes, I strive to live a life that is true to my beliefs.
- For the most part, but I’m not perfect.
- Not really, I tend to make decisions based on what’s convenient or comfortable in the moment.
To what degree do you experience fear and anxiety in your daily life?
- Rarely, I’m generally a calm and collected person.
- Occasionally, but it doesn’t usually interfere with my life.
- Frequently, it can be debilitating at times.
What is your current biggest challenge when it comes to personal growth?
- Overcoming my fear of failure.
- Learning to be more present and mindful.
- Letting go of the past and embracing the future.
How well do you think you cope with feelings of sadness or melancholy?
- I allow myself to feel my emotions fully but I don’t dwell on them.
- I try to distract myself or push my feelings down.
- I wallow in my sadness and it can be hard to pull myself out of it.
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you encounter an obstacle that seems insurmountable?
- There’s always a solution, I just need to find it.
- This is too hard, I give up.
- I need help, I can’t do this alone.
Which of the following is most accurate when it comes to your problem-solving skills?
- I’m a logical and analytical thinker who enjoys a good challenge.
- I’m more of a creative thinker who prefers to come up with unconventional solutions.
- I’m not very good at solving problems on my own, I prefer to ask for help.
How confident are you in your ability to achieve your goals?
- Very confident, I believe in myself and my abilities.
- Somewhat confident, I have my doubts but I’m hopeful.
- Not confident at all, I feel like I’m always failing.
Which of these best describes your current approach to life?
- I embrace the unknown with a sense of adventure and curiosity.
- I approach life cautiously, preferring to avoid unnecessary risks.
- I’m just trying to make it through each day, one step at a time.
How prepared are you for the unexpected twists and turns that life inevitably throws your way?
- I’m as prepared as I can be, I know that anything can happen.
- I’m not very prepared, I tend to get thrown off by unexpected events.
- I try not to think about it, I’d rather just enjoy the good times while they last.
What do you think is missing in your life right now?
- More adventure and excitement.
- Deeper connections and a sense of belonging.
- A greater sense of purpose and meaning.
What is your biggest fear when it comes to death and the afterlife?
- The unknown, I’m afraid of what happens after we die.
- The possibility of eternal suffering.
- The thought of ceasing to exist altogether.
How often do you make time for introspection and self-reflection?
- Daily, it’s an important part of my routine.
- Weekly or monthly, when I need to process my thoughts and feelings.
- Rarely, if ever, I’m too busy living my life.
Do you have a strong support system in place, such as close friends, family, or a therapist?
- Yes, I’m surrounded by people who love and support me.
- I have a few close friends and family members I can rely on.
- No, I’m more of a lone wolf.
How do you handle feelings of loneliness or isolation?
- I reach out to my support system or find ways to connect with others.
- I try to distract myself with hobbies or activities.
- I isolate myself further and withdraw into myself.
What happens if you find yourself in a situation where you’re feeling overwhelmed by fear or anxiety?
- I use coping mechanisms like deep breathing or meditation to calm myself down.
- I try to remove myself from the situation if possible.
- I have a panic attack and it takes me a while to recover.
Which of the following is most likely to frustrate you?
- People who are close-minded and refuse to see other perspectives.
- Injustice and inequality in the world.
- My own limitations and shortcomings.
Do you tend to overthink things or avoid difficult emotions?
- I overthink everything!
- I avoid my feelings like the plague.
- I try to find a healthy balance between thinking and feeling.
What is the trickiest part about maintaining meaningful relationships?
- Communication breakdowns and misunderstandings.
- Jealousy, insecurity, and fear of abandonment.
- Finding the time and energy to nurture relationships when life gets busy.
How connected do you feel to your intuition and inner wisdom?
- Very connected, I trust my gut and I’m usually right.
- Somewhat connected, I’m working on listening to my intuition more.
- Not connected at all, I don’t really believe in that kind of thing.
How do you typically respond when someone criticizes your work or ideas?
- I try to see it as an opportunity for growth and improvement.
- I get defensive and take it personally.
- I shut down and stop sharing my work with others.
How resourceful are you when it comes to solving problems?
- Very resourceful, I’m good at thinking on my feet and coming up with creative solutions.
- Somewhat resourceful, I can usually figure things out eventually.
- Not very resourceful, I prefer to rely on others for help.
What descriptive words do you experience most in your day-to-day life?
- Joy, gratitude, and contentment.
- Stress, anxiety, and overwhelm.
- Boredom, apathy, and restlessness.