What happened in the past when you think about a time you had to be brave?
- I stood up to a bully even though I was scared
- I went on a rollercoaster even though I’m afraid of heights
- I performed in front of an audience even though I get stage fright
- I quit my job and started my own business even though it was risky
How prepared are you to stand up to someone like Montoni if he threatened you or someone you love?
- I am very prepared and would confront them head-on.
- I am somewhat prepared and would find a way to outsmart them.
- I am not very prepared and would likely try to avoid confrontation.
- I am not at all prepared and would probably panic.
What makes you most frustrated about Emilia’s situation in the castle?
- Her lack of control over her own fate.
- Her inability to escape from the castle.
- Her constant fear and anxiety.
- Her separation from Valancourt.
If you could waive a magic wand, what would the perfect outcome for Emilia be at the end of her time at Udolfo?
- To see Montoni brought to justice and her aunt’s honor restored.
- To escape from Udolfo and be reunited with Valancourt.
- To find peace and happiness in a safe and loving environment.
- To uncover all the secrets of Udolfo and expose the truth.
What do you think you need in order to overcome a challenge like facing your fears in a dangerous situation like Emilia?
- Inner strength and courage.
- A strong support system of friends or allies.
- A plan of action and the determination to see it through.
- Faith in a higher power or destiny.
A specific situation arises, a mysterious figure appears in a darkened hallway, do you approach them or hide?
- I cautiously approach and try to get a better look.
- I hide and observe from a distance.
- I call out to them and hope for a friendly response.
- I run in the opposite direction, better safe than sorry!
What is your absolute favorite fictional creepy castle?
- Hogwarts from Harry Potter
- Dracula’s Castle from Bram Stoker’s Dracula
- Castle Rock from Stephen King’s novels
- The House of Usher from Edgar Allan Poe’s The Fall of the House of Usher
What is your current biggest challenge when it comes to relating to characters from classic literature?
- Understanding their motivations and actions in their historical context.
- Overcoming the language barrier and archaic writing style.
- Connecting with characters who may seem very different from modern-day people.
- Finding the time and attention span to dedicate to reading classic literature.
When you were a kid, how did you react when watching scary or suspenseful movies?
- I loved the thrill and couldn’t get enough!
- I watched some parts from behind my fingers.
- I preferred movies that were less scary.
- I avoided scary movies altogether.
What’s your favorite memory of a time you connected with a piece of art or media in a meaningful way?
- The time I cried at the end of a sad movie because I felt so connected to the characters.
- The time I finished reading a book that had such a profound impact, I immediately wanted to read it again.
- The time I discovered a band that perfectly captured the feelings I couldn’t put into words.
- The time I saw a painting that moved me with its beauty and made me see the world in a new light.
How do you handle a situation where you suspect someone is trying to manipulate you, like Montoni does to Emilia?
- I directly confront them and demand an explanation.
- I try to gather evidence and expose their lies.
- I distance myself from them and refuse to be manipulated.
- I seek help and advice from trusted friends or authorities.
How often do you let your imagination run wild like Ann Radcliffe when she describes the mysteries of Udolpho?
- Every day – I’m a natural daydreamer!
- Often – I love to get lost in my imagination.
- Sometimes – when I have the time and inspiration.
- Rarely – I’m more practical and grounded in reality.
- Never – I don’t have time for such things!
How well do you think you would have navigated the social scene of a gothic novel, full of mystery, danger, and romance?
- I’d thrive in that environment! I’m a natural at reading people and unraveling secrets.
- I’d be cautious and observant, trying to stay one step ahead of any danger.
- I’d be easily charmed and possibly fall prey to a dashing villain (or heroine!).
- I’d be completely out of my depth and probably get caught up in something dangerous.
Which of the following is most accurate when it comes to your taste in books and movies?
- I love anything gothic, romantic, and suspenseful.
- I enjoy a good mystery but prefer a touch of realism.
- I’m open to different genres but appreciate well-developed characters and compelling plots.
- I prefer lighthearted and uplifting stories over dark and brooding ones.
You have a choice of spending a week exploring a creepy castle with a spooky history or relaxing on a tropical beach, which do you choose?
- Exploring a creepy castle, no question! Bring on the mystery and adventure.
- Relaxing on a tropical beach sounds more my speed.
- I’d choose the castle, but only if I could bring a friend to explore with me.
- I can’t decide, both options have their appeal.
In a perfect world, what would the castle of Udolfo be like if it weren’t shrouded in mystery and danger?
- A museum dedicated to art and history, preserving its beauty and stories.
- A luxurious hotel, offering guests a taste of gothic elegance and romance.
- A thriving community center, hosting cultural events and bringing people together.
- A peaceful nature retreat, allowing visitors to reconnect with themselves and the natural world.
What do you dream about when it comes to experiencing a truly captivating story?
- Getting completely lost in another world, forgetting about my own reality for a while.
- Connecting deeply with the characters, feeling their emotions and rooting for their success.
- Having my mind blown by unexpected twists and turns, keeping me on the edge of my seat.
- Learning something new about myself or the world through the characters and their experiences.
What comes to mind when you picture yourself as a character in I misteri del castello d’Udolfo? What is your role in the story?
- The brave and resourceful hero(ine), who confronts danger head-on and saves the day.
- The loyal and supportive best friend, who provides a listening ear and a helping hand.
- The mysterious and enigmatic stranger, whose true motives and allegiances are unclear.
- The comic relief character, who provides humor and lightheartedness in tense situations.
How comfortable are you with exploring the darker aspects of human nature, like those explored in I misteri del castello d’Udolfo?
- I’m fascinated by the darkness and enjoy exploring the depths of human psychology.
- I’m comfortable with it to a certain extent but prefer stories with a balance of light and dark.
- I find it unsettling and prefer to focus on the more positive aspects of humanity.
- I avoid it altogether. Life is tough enough without dwelling on the negative.
What keeps you up at night about the potential for human beings to be cruel to one another like Montoni is to those around him?
- The realization that people are capable of great evil is a sobering thought.
- I worry about the systems and structures that enable and perpetuate cruelty.
- I try to focus on the good in humanity and believe that love and compassion can prevail.
- I don’t dwell on it too much. There’s nothing I can do to change it.
What is most likely to make you feel down about the state of the world and its capacity for darkness as depicted in the novel?
- When innocent people are harmed by the actions of others.
- When greed and power corrupt individuals and institutions.
- When justice is not served and the guilty go unpunished.
- When hope seems lost and darkness feels overwhelming.
How often do you make time to dive into a good book and let your imagination take over?
- Every day – it’s part of my daily routine!
- A few times a week – I try to make time for it regularly.
- Once a week – usually on the weekends when I have more free time.
- Once a month or less – life gets busy!
- Almost never – I wish I had more time to read.
Which member of the group of characters in I misteri del castello d’Udolfo are you?
- Emilia – brave, resourceful, and determined to overcome adversity.
- Valancourt – romantic, idealistic, and deeply in love.
- The Countess – proud, independent, and willing to stand up for herself.
- Lodovico – loyal, compassionate, and always willing to help those in need.
You are at a party and someone brings up their love of gothic literature, what do you do?
- Enthusiastically join the conversation, eager to share my love of the genre.
- Listen politely but admit that gothic literature isn’t really my cup of tea.
- Steer the conversation towards a different genre or topic that I’m more comfortable with.
- Excuse myself and find someone else to talk to.
Someone asks you “What’s your favorite thing about getting lost in a good story?” what’s the actual answer, not just a basic answer like “everything?”
- I love feeling a sense of escape from my everyday life and immersing myself in another world.
- The suspense! I love trying to piece together the clues and figure out what’s going to happen next.
- The characters! I love getting to know them and experiencing the story through their eyes.
- The emotional rollercoaster! I love feeling all the feels – joy, sadness, fear, anger, and everything in between.
You have a free weekend to do whatever you want, what do you do?
- Curl up with a good book and a cup of tea, and let myself get lost in another world.
- Go on an adventure! Explore a new city, hike a scenic trail, or try something I’ve never done before.
- Spend time with loved ones! Catch up with friends, have dinner with family, or just relax at home.
- Focus on self-care! Get a massage, take a long bath, or just give myself permission to do nothing at all.
What’s your go-to spooky or suspenseful movie or TV show when you want to be creeped out?
- The Shining (movie)
- The Haunting of Hill House (TV show)
- Psycho (movie)
- Stranger Things (TV show)
New information related to a mystery you’re trying to solve comes up, what is your first response?
- Analyze the new information carefully, looking for connections and inconsistencies.
- Get excited! Every new clue brings me closer to solving the mystery.
- Share it with someone! Two heads are better than one when it comes to cracking a case.
- Become more determined than ever to uncover the truth, no matter the cost.
Which of these gothic or historical fiction novels would you enjoy reading the most?
- Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
- Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
- The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
- The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins
What aspect of gothic literature makes you the most happy?
- The atmosphere! I love the spooky vibes, the creepy settings, and the sense of impending doom.
- The romance! I love the passionate love stories that often play out against a backdrop of danger and intrigue.
- The mystery! I love trying to unravel the secrets and solve the puzzles alongside the characters.
- The escapism! I love being transported to another time and place, far away from the mundane realities of everyday life.
Which of these topics or issues explored in I misteri del castello d’Udolfo is most likely to be a struggle for you?
- Dealing with feelings of isolation and loneliness.
- Standing up to authority figures and fighting for what’s right.
- Trusting your instincts and following your heart, even when it’s risky.
- Letting go of the past and embracing the uncertainty of the future.
What place, concept, idea, or topic do you most want to explore, learn about, or dive deep on?
- The history of castles and their role in medieval society.
- The psychology of fear and how it manifests in different people.
- The power of the human spirit to overcome adversity.
- The enduring appeal of gothic literature and its exploration of the dark side of human nature.
What do you think is missing in your quest to connect deeply with the stories you consume?
- Time! I just need more time to dedicate to reading, watching, and experiencing stories.
- Focus! I get easily distracted and often find myself multitasking instead of being fully present.
- Connection! I crave conversations with other people who share my love of stories.
- A sense of adventure! I want to be more open to exploring different genres and stepping outside of my comfort zone.
What is your I misteri del castello d’Udolfo goal?
- To finish the book and feel a sense of accomplishment.
- To understand the complex characters and their motivations.
- To immerse myself in the story and experience the full range of emotions it evokes.
- To gain a deeper appreciation for gothic literature and its enduring themes.
How do you determine a story’s emotional impact each time you finish one?
- By how long it stays with me after I’ve finished it. If I’m still thinking about it days or weeks later, I know it’s had a profound impact.
- By how deeply I connected with the characters. If I felt their joys and sorrows as if they were my own, I know it was a powerful story.
- By how much it challenged my perspectives and made me think about the world in new ways.
- By how it made me feel! If it made me laugh, cry, think, or feel something deeply, I know it was a successful story.
Tell us a little about your dream gothic novel setting.
- A crumbling castle perched precariously on a cliff overlooking a stormy sea.
- A dense, mist-shrouded forest filled with ancient trees and whispered secrets.
- A forgotten graveyard where the dead still walk among the living.
- A bustling city shrouded in shadows, where danger lurks around every corner.
How do you handle a situation where you’re feeling overwhelmed by too many responsibilities?
- I make a list and prioritize my tasks, tackling them one at a time.
- I take a break and do something to de-stress, like reading, taking a bath, or spending time in nature.
- I ask for help! There’s no shame in admitting when you need support.
- I power through it! Sometimes you just have to buckle down and get things done.
What happens if you find yourself relating to a villain in a book more than the hero?
- I lean into it! Villains can be just as complex and compelling as heroes, and sometimes even more so.
- I try to understand the villain’s motivations and see the story from their perspective.
- I question my own moral compass! Am I secretly drawn to the dark side?
- I don’t worry about it too much. It’s just a story, after all.
If you could choose any supernatural ability found in gothic literature, which one would you choose and why?
- Telekinesis – The ability to move objects with my mind, like some gothic villains.
- Premonition – The ability to see glimpses of the future, so I could avoid danger or change my fate.
- Astral Projection – The ability to separate my spirit from my body and travel to other realms, just like the ghosts in spooky stories.
- Healing – The ability to heal myself and others, because who wouldn’t want that power?
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you’re presented with a new book to read?
- Will I like it? I hope it’s good!
- What’s it about? I need to read the synopsis.
- Who wrote it? I wonder if I’ve read anything else by this author.
- Where will I read it? I need to find a cozy spot.
What affects you the most when reading a truly immersive story?
- The author’s writing style. Beautiful prose can make even the simplest story come alive.
- The characters’ development. I’m drawn to stories with well-developed, relatable characters.
- The emotional impact of the story. A story that makes me feel something deeply is a story I’ll never forget.
- The overall message or theme. I appreciate stories that make me think about the world in new ways.
What’s your idea of a perfect spooky season activity?
- Visiting a haunted house or going on a ghost tour.
- Having a scary movie marathon with friends.
- Reading gothic novels and getting lost in creepy tales.
- Carving pumpkins, decorating for Halloween, and embracing the spooky vibes.
What is your strongest personality trait when it comes to engaging with gothic literature?
- My curiosity. I’m always eager to unravel the mysteries and explore the unknown.
- My empathy. I connect deeply with the characters, even when they’re flawed.
- My imagination. I can easily visualize the settings and situations described in the books.
- My open-mindedness. I’m willing to suspend my disbelief and embrace the supernatural elements of the genre.