The Works of Edgar Allan Poe — Volume 4 Trivia Quiz Questions and Answers

What is the name of the village disrupted by a mischievous foreign figure in “The Devil in the Belfry”?

• Vonderful
• Vondervotteimittiss
• Vonderville
• Vonderville

Correct Answer: Vondervotteimittiss

Correct Answer Explanation: The village in “The Devil in the Belfry” is called Vondervotteimittiss, a whimsical and nonsensical name chosen by Poe for its humorous effect.

In “Metzengerstein,” what is the name of the fiery-colored horse that seems to possess supernatural powers?

• Black Fury
• Red Death
• The Raven
• The Devil

Correct Answer: Black Fury

Correct Answer Explanation: The fiery-colored horse in “Metzengerstein” is called Black Fury. This horse is linked to the Baron Metzengerstein’s lineage, representing a force that seems to connect the fates of the Baron and the horse.

Which story satirizes the pursuit of fame and superficiality in society?

• The Tell-Tale Heart
• The Murders in the Rue Morgue
• Lionizing
• The Raven

Correct Answer: Lionizing

Correct Answer Explanation: “Lionizing” is a satirical story that mocks the superficiality of society’s pursuit of fame. The protagonist, Mr. P—, gains notoriety solely based on his “remarkable” nose, highlighting the absurdity of society’s obsession with appearances and fleeting fame.

What is the name of the fictional character who embodies the ambition and often unethical practices of the literary world in “The Literary Life of Thingum Bob, Esq.”?

• Thingum Bob
• The Raven
• The Tell-Tale Heart
• Dr. Tarr

Correct Answer: Thingum Bob

Correct Answer Explanation: Thingum Bob is a fictional character created by Poe to represent the ambition and often unethical practices of the literary world. He is a writer who uses deceit and manipulation to gain fame and fortune, revealing the darker side of the literary scene.

What is the name of the futuristic satire that critiques the social and intellectual advancements of Poe’s time?

• The Fall of the House of Usher
• The Tell-Tale Heart
• Mellonta Tauta
• The Raven

Correct Answer: Mellonta Tauta

Correct Answer Explanation: “Mellonta Tauta” is a satirical story set in a futuristic society, critiquing the social and intellectual advancements of Poe’s time. Through a series of absurdities and contradictions, the story reveals the limitations of human progress.

What is the name of the short story that satirizes the excesses of the French aristocracy, with a Duke who dies of disgust after eating an ortolan?

• The Pit and the Pendulum
• The Duc de L’Omelette
• The Fall of the House of Usher
• The Raven

Correct Answer: The Duc de L’Omelette

Correct Answer Explanation: “The Duc de L’Omelette” is a satirical story about a French Duke who dies from disgust after eating an ortolan, a small bird considered a delicacy. This humorous and ironic ending highlights the excesses and decadence of the French aristocracy.

What is the name of the mystery and suspense tale that features a man who is convinced that his friend is hiding a painting in an oblong box?

• The Tell-Tale Heart
• The Oblong Box
• The Cask of Amontillado
• The Raven

Correct Answer: The Oblong Box

Correct Answer Explanation: “The Oblong Box” is a mystery and suspense story where the narrator is convinced that his friend is hiding a painting in an oblong box, leading to a series of unsettling events and a gruesome revelation.

What is the name of the humorous story about a man who loses his breath after a heated argument with his wife?

• The Tell-Tale Heart
• The Murders in the Rue Morgue
• Loss of Breath
• The Raven

Correct Answer: Loss of Breath

Correct Answer Explanation: “Loss of Breath” is a humorous story that features a man who loses his breath after a heated argument with his wife. The story is an exploration of the absurdity of everyday life, with a farcical and amusing tone.

What is the name of the story that satirizes the superficiality of military heroism, featuring a General whose body is mostly composed of artificial limbs?

• The Tell-Tale Heart
• The Murders in the Rue Morgue
• The Man That Was Used Up
• The Raven

Correct Answer: The Man That Was Used Up

Correct Answer Explanation: “The Man That Was Used Up” satirizes the superficiality of military heroism, depicting a General whose body is mostly made up of artificial limbs. This story is a critique of the fabricated narratives surrounding war heroes and the cult of personality.

What is the name of the story that satirizes the obsession with method and order, featuring a man who finds success in various “business” ventures, despite his eccentric personality?

• The Murders in the Rue Morgue
• The Tell-Tale Heart
• The Business Man
• The Raven

Correct Answer: The Business Man

Correct Answer Explanation: “The Business Man” is a satirical story about a man who finds success in various “business” ventures, despite his eccentric personality. This story highlights the absurdity of the obsession with method and order in business, showing how success can be achieved through unorthodox means.

What is the name of the essay written in the voice of the narrator that explores the concept of landscape gardening and the ways in which it can be used to create a sense of beauty and spiritual connection?

• The Tell-Tale Heart
• The Murders in the Rue Morgue
• The Landscape Garden
• The Raven

Correct Answer: The Landscape Garden

Correct Answer Explanation: “The Landscape Garden” is an essay written in the voice of Poe’s narrator where he explores the concept of landscape gardening and its ability to create a sense of beauty and spiritual connection. It is a reflection on the relationship between nature and art, and the ways in which the natural world can inspire and uplift the human spirit.

What is the name of the story that examines the mystery surrounding the chess-playing automaton created by Baron Kempelen and exhibited by Maelzel?

• The Murders in the Rue Morgue
• The Tell-Tale Heart
• Maelzel’s Chess-Player
• The Raven

Correct Answer: Maelzel’s Chess-Player

Correct Answer Explanation: “Maelzel’s Chess-Player” is an intriguing story that delves into the mystery surrounding a chess-playing automaton created by Baron Kempelen and later exhibited by Maelzel. The story explores the nature of intelligence, the limits of human ingenuity, and the allure of the unknown.

What is the name of the allegorical conversation between two characters, Eiros and Charmion, that delves into the nature of creation, knowledge, and the power of words?

• The Murders in the Rue Morgue
• The Tell-Tale Heart
• The Power of Words
• The Raven

Correct Answer: The Power of Words

Correct Answer Explanation: “The Power of Words” is an allegorical story that features a conversation between two characters, Eiros and Charmion, exploring themes of creation, knowledge, and the power of words. It delves into the fundamental questions about language, its ability to shape reality, and the limits of human understanding.

What is the name of the story that is a dialogue between two characters, Monos and Una, who are reconnected after death?

• The Murders in the Rue Morgue
• The Tell-Tale Heart
• The Colloquy of Monos and Una
• The Raven

Correct Answer: The Colloquy of Monos and Una

Correct Answer Explanation: “The Colloquy of Monos and Una” is a story that presents a dialogue between two characters, Monos and Una, who are reunited after death. This story explores themes of mortality, the nature of consciousness, and the search for meaning beyond the physical world.

What is the name of the story that is a dialogue between two characters, Eiros and Charmion, who are discussing the impending destruction of the Earth by a comet?

• The Murders in the Rue Morgue
• The Tell-Tale Heart
• The Conversation of Eiros and Charmion
• The Raven

Correct Answer: The Conversation of Eiros and Charmion

Correct Answer Explanation: “The Conversation of Eiros and Charmion” is a story that presents a dialogue between two characters, Eiros and Charmion, discussing the impending destruction of Earth by a comet. This story explores themes of cosmic inevitability, the human response to the face of annihilation, and the nature of fate.

What is the name of the parable, told by the character Oinos, that explores the theme of death and the unknown world beyond the grave?

• The Murders in the Rue Morgue
• The Tell-Tale Heart
• Shadow—A Parable
• The Raven

Correct Answer: Shadow—A Parable

Correct Answer Explanation: “Shadow—A Parable” is a story that features a parable told by the character Oinos, exploring the theme of death and the unknown world beyond the grave. The parable is a reflection on the mysteries of existence and the uncertainty that surrounds human mortality.

What is the name of the edition of Poe’s works that includes many of his most famous works?

• The Tell-Tale Heart Edition
• The Murders in the Rue Morgue Edition
• The Raven Edition
• The Business Man Edition

Correct Answer: The Raven Edition

Correct Answer Explanation: The Raven Edition is a collection of Edgar Allan Poe’s works, published after his death, and includes many of his most celebrated pieces like “The Raven,” “The Tell-Tale Heart,” and “The Murders in the Rue Morgue.”

What non-profit organization is dedicated to promoting access to digital books?

• Project Gutenberg
• The Library of Congress
• The National Archives
• The Library of Alexandria

Correct Answer: Project Gutenberg

Correct Answer Explanation: Project Gutenberg is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting access to digital books, offering a vast collection of free e-books. The organization makes a wide range of literary works available to the public, ensuring accessibility to classic and contemporary literature.

In “The Devil in the Belfry,” what is the obsession of the villagers of Vondervotteimittiss?

• Food
• Order and their clocks
• Fashion
• Money

Correct Answer: Order and their clocks

Correct Answer Explanation: The villagers in “The Devil in the Belfry” are obsessed with order and their clocks, which are all perfectly synchronized. Their reliance on clockwork and their adherence to a strict schedule ironically lead to chaos when a mischievous outsider disrupts their routine.

In “Lionizing,” what is the man’s “remarkable” feature that makes him famous?

• His eyes
• His height
• His nose
• His voice

Correct Answer: His nose

Correct Answer Explanation: In “Lionizing,” the man’s “remarkable” feature is his nose, which becomes the catalyst for his unexpected rise to fame. The story satirizes the superficiality of society’s obsession with appearances, highlighting the absurdity of someone becoming famous solely based on a physical trait.

In “Metzengerstein,” what is the name of the rival family of the Baron Metzengerstein?

• The Tell-Tale Hearts
• The Berliftizing
• The Raven
• The Business Men

Correct Answer: The Berliftizing

Correct Answer Explanation: In “Metzengerstein,” the rival family of the Baron Metzengerstein is the Berliftizing. The story explores the theme of rivalry, revenge, and the supernatural, focusing on the connection between the Baron and a fiery-colored horse that seems to have supernatural powers.

In “The System of Doctor Tarr and Professor Fether,” what is the name of the treatment used to treat mental illness?

• The Soothing System
• The Raven System
• The Business Man System
• The Tell-Tale Heart System

Correct Answer: The Soothing System

Correct Answer Explanation: In “The System of Doctor Tarr and Professor Fether,” the treatment used to treat mental illness is called the Soothing System. This story satirizes the medical practices of the time, particularly the use of absurd and inhumane therapies for patients suffering from mental illness.

In “The Literary Life of Thingum Bob, Esq.,” what is the name of the magazine that Thingum Bob wants to get published in?

• The Raven Magazine
• The Tell-Tale Heart Magazine
• The Blackwood’s Magazine
• The Business Man Magazine

Correct Answer: The Blackwood’s Magazine

Correct Answer Explanation: In “The Literary Life of Thingum Bob, Esq.,” Thingum Bob wants to get published in Blackwood’s Magazine. The story satirizes the literary scene, portraying the ambitions and often unethical practices of writers seeking fame and fortune.

In “Mellonta Tauta,” what is the name of the futuristic language that the narrator uses to communicate?

• The Raven Language
• The Tell-Tale Heart Language
• The Business Man Language
• The Mellonta Tauta Language

Correct Answer: The Mellonta Tauta Language

Correct Answer Explanation: In “Mellonta Tauta,” the narrator uses a futuristic language called the Mellonta Tauta Language to communicate. This story is a satirical exploration of future society and its advancements, and the use of a unique language is a humorous and thought-provoking element.

In “The Duc de L’Omelette,” what is the name of the small bird that the Duke dies of disgust after eating?

• The Raven
• The Tell-Tale Heart
• The Ortolan
• The Business Man

Correct Answer: The Ortolan

Correct Answer Explanation: In “The Duc de L’Omelette,” the Duke dies of disgust after eating an Ortolan, a small bird considered a delicacy. The story is a satirical commentary on the excesses of the French aristocracy, where even the pursuit of pleasure can lead to unexpected and ironic consequences.

In “The Oblong Box,” what is the length of the oblong box that the narrator is so curious about?

• 3 feet
• 6 feet
• 10 feet
• 15 feet

Correct Answer: 6 feet

Correct Answer Explanation: In “The Oblong Box,” the oblong box that the narrator is so curious about is 6 feet in length. The story creates a sense of suspense and mystery, with the narrator’s obsessive curiosity about the box and its contents leading to a gruesome revelation.

In “Loss of Breath,” what is the reason for the man’s loss of breath?

• A severe illness
• A heated argument with his wife
• An accident
• A fear of the unknown

Correct Answer: A heated argument with his wife

Correct Answer Explanation: In “Loss of Breath,” the man loses his breath after a heated argument with his wife. The story is a humorous exploration of the absurdity of everyday life, highlighting the unexpected consequences of interpersonal conflicts.

In “The Man That Was Used Up,” what is the name of the General whose body is mostly composed of artificial limbs?

• General Smith
• General Jones
• General Brown
• General Black

Correct Answer: General Smith

Correct Answer Explanation: In “The Man That Was Used Up,” the General whose body is mostly composed of artificial limbs is General Smith. The story is a satirical commentary on the superficiality of military heroism, exposing the fabricated narratives surrounding war heroes.

In “The Business Man,” what is the name of the corporation that asks the narrator to demolish a building?

• The Raven Corporation
• The Tell-Tale Heart Corporation
• The Business Man Corporation
• The Landscape Garden Corporation

Correct Answer: The Business Man Corporation

Correct Answer Explanation: In “The Business Man,” the corporation that asks the narrator to demolish a building is called The Business Man Corporation. This story satirizes the obsession with method and order in business, highlighting the sometimes corrupt practices and the ethical dilemmas faced by individuals in the pursuit of success.

In “The Landscape Garden,” what is the name of the character who writes about the concept of landscape gardening?

• The Raven
• The Tell-Tale Heart
• The Business Man
• The Narrator

Correct Answer: The Narrator

Correct Answer Explanation: In “The Landscape Garden,” the character who writes about the concept of landscape gardening is the narrator. This essay explores the relationship between nature and art, and the ways in which the natural world can inspire and uplift the human spirit.

In “Maelzel’s Chess-Player,” who is the creator of the chess-playing automaton?

• Maelzel
• Baron Kempelen
• The Raven
• The Business Man

Correct Answer: Baron Kempelen

Correct Answer Explanation: In “Maelzel’s Chess-Player,” the creator of the chess-playing automaton is Baron Kempelen. The story delves into the mystery surrounding the automaton, exploring the nature of intelligence, the limits of human ingenuity, and the allure of the unknown.

In “The Power of Words,” what is the name of the character who speaks about the power of words?

• The Raven
• Eiros
• The Business Man
• The Narrator

Correct Answer: Eiros

Correct Answer Explanation: In “The Power of Words,” Eiros is the character who speaks about the power of words. This story is an allegorical exploration of the nature of creation, knowledge, and the power of language to shape reality.

In “The Colloquy of Monos and Una,” what is the name of the character who is reconnected with Una after death?

• The Raven
• Monos
• The Business Man
• The Narrator

Correct Answer: Monos

Correct Answer Explanation: In “The Colloquy of Monos and Una,” Monos is the character who is reconnected with Una after death. The story explores themes of mortality, the nature of consciousness, and the search for meaning beyond the physical world.

In “The Conversation of Eiros and Charmion,” what is the event that is approaching Earth?

• The Raven
• A Comet
• The Tell-Tale Heart
• The Business Man

Correct Answer: A Comet

Correct Answer Explanation: In “The Conversation of Eiros and Charmion,” the event that is approaching Earth is a comet. The story explores themes of cosmic inevitability, the human response to the face of annihilation, and the nature of fate.

In “Shadow—A Parable,” what is the name of the character who tells the parable?

• The Raven
• Oinos
• The Business Man
• The Narrator

Correct Answer: Oinos

Correct Answer Explanation: In “Shadow—A Parable,” Oinos is the character who tells the parable. The story explores the theme of death and the unknown world beyond the grave, offering a reflection on the mysteries of existence and the uncertainty that surrounds human mortality.

What is the year of the disastrous earthquake that destroyed a town in the story, “Shadow—A Parable”?

• 1847
• 2050
• 1947
• 2047

Correct Answer: 2050

Correct Answer Explanation: The earthquake in the story “Shadow—A Parable” occurs in the year 2050. This is a future event that the character Oinos discusses as a reminder of the fragility of civilization and the inevitability of change.

What is the year of the laying of the cornerstone for a monument to George Washington in “Mellonta Tauta”?

• 1847
• 2050
• 2000
• 1947

Correct Answer: 1847

Correct Answer Explanation: The laying of the cornerstone for a monument to George Washington occurs in the year 1847, which is mentioned in “Mellonta Tauta.” This historical reference adds another layer of depth to the story, highlighting the cyclical nature of time and the enduring legacy of past events.

How much money does Ellison inherit from his ancestor, Seabright Ellison in “The Business Man”?

• 450 million dollars
• 10 million dollars
• 100 million dollars
• 1 billion dollars

Correct Answer: 450 million dollars

Correct Answer Explanation: Ellison inherits a vast fortune of 450 million dollars from his ancestor, Seabright Ellison, in “The Business Man.” This sudden wealth forces Ellison’s contemporaries to re-evaluate the idea of wealth and its impact, which is a theme explored in the story.

How many earthly years was Charmion in Aidenn before encountering Eiros in “The Conversation of Eiros and Charmion”?

• 10 earthly years
• 20 earthly years
• 5 earthly years
• 1 earthly year

Correct Answer: 10 earthly years

Correct Answer Explanation: Charmion had been in Aidenn for ten earthly years before she encountered Eiros. This is a significant detail that highlights the cyclical nature of time and the idea of reincarnation that is explored in “The Conversation of Eiros and Charmion.”

In “Shadow—A Parable,” what is the year when Jupiter is conjoined with Saturn?

• 1847
• 2050
• 794
• 1947

Correct Answer: 794

Correct Answer Explanation: In “Shadow—A Parable,” the year when Jupiter is conjoined with Saturn is 794. This is a significant celestial event that is mentioned in the parable, highlighting the cyclical nature of the universe and the idea of recurring patterns in history.

What number holds significance in the parable told in “Shadow—A Parable”?

• 7
• 10
• 5
• 15

Correct Answer: 7

Correct Answer Explanation: The number seven holds significance in the parable told in “Shadow—A Parable” because there are seven people in the room with Zoilus, seven lamps, and seven candles. This is a recurring theme in the story, suggesting the importance of symbolic numbers and their potential meanings in Poe’s works.

When was the “wild star” that the Angel of the Odd speaks about in “The Power of Words” created?

• 3 centuries ago
• 10 centuries ago
• 2 centuries ago
• 1 century ago

Correct Answer: 3 centuries ago

Correct Answer Explanation: In “The Power of Words,” the “wild star” that the Angel of the Odd speaks about was created three centuries ago. This story explores the nature of creation and the power of words, and the creation of the star is a powerful symbol of the potential of human creativity and imagination.

What is the statement made by the narrator in “The Man That Was Used Up” about his friend, General Smith?

• He is a very humble man
• He is a very rich man
• He is very interesting
• He is one of the most remarkable men of the age.

Correct Answer: He is one of the most remarkable men of the age.

Correct Answer Explanation: In “The Man That Was Used Up,” the narrator states that his friend, General Smith, is “one of the most remarkable men of the age.” This statement is ironic, considering that General Smith’s body is mostly composed of artificial limbs, highlighting the superficiality of the narratives surrounding war heroes.

What is the narrator’s profit from his “Assault-and-Battery” business in “The Business Man”?

• 1 dollar and 25 cents
• 50 cents
• 5 dollars and 25 cents
• 10 dollars and 25 cents

Correct Answer: 1 dollar and 25 cents

Correct Answer Explanation: In “The Business Man,” the narrator proudly proclaims that he made a profit of $1.25 from his “Assault-and-Battery” business, showcasing his methodical business habits. This highlights the absurdity of the obsession with method and order in business, which is a central theme of the story.

What is the premium offered for cat heads in the original version of the Cat-Act?

• 10 pence a piece
• 4 pence a piece
• 5 pence a piece
• 1 pence a piece

Correct Answer: 4 pence a piece

Correct Answer Explanation: The original version of the Cat-Act offered a premium of four pence for cat heads. This detail is a humorous element in “The Business Man,” highlighting the absurdity of the narrator’s entrepreneurial ventures and his obsession with cat tails.

How many crops of cat tails does the narrator claim to be able to produce per year?

• 5 crops
• 3 crops
• 2 crops
• 1 crop

Correct Answer: 3 crops

Correct Answer Explanation: In “The Business Man,” the narrator claims to be able to produce three crops of cat tails per year by using Macassar oil. This is a humorous exaggeration that highlights the absurdity of the narrator’s claims and his entrepreneurial endeavors.

What is the temperature at which the narrator claims to have worn a double-padded bobtail frock in “The Business Man”?

• 96 degrees
• 106 degrees
• 116 degrees
• 126 degrees

Correct Answer: 106 degrees

Correct Answer Explanation: In “The Business Man,” the narrator claims to have worn a double-padded bobtail frock in 106-degree heat, showcasing his dedication to his profession. This is another humorous exaggeration that highlights the narrator’s eccentric personality and his unwavering commitment to his business ventures.

What is the charge per leg per hour for standing on one leg to show off new-style strapped pants in “The Business Man”?

• 10 cents
• 12 1/2 cents
• 25 cents
• 50 cents

Correct Answer: 12 1/2 cents

Correct Answer Explanation: In “The Business Man,” the narrator charges 12 1/2 cents per leg per hour for standing on one leg to show off new-style strapped pants. This is a humorous detail that highlights the narrator’s unconventional business ventures and his ability to find profit in unexpected places.

What is the breadth of the oblong box in “The Oblong Box”?

• 1 foot
• 2 feet
• 2 and a half feet
• 3 feet

Correct Answer: 2 and a half feet

Correct Answer Explanation: The oblong box in “The Oblong Box” is also 2 and a half feet in breadth. The narrator’s obsessive curiosity about the box and its contents creates a sense of suspense and mystery, leading to a gruesome revelation.

How long does the ship ride safely during a gale in “The Oblong Box”?

• 12 hours
• 24 hours
• 48 hours
• 72 hours

Correct Answer: 48 hours

Correct Answer Explanation: In “The Oblong Box,” the ship rides safely for 48 hours during a gale before the hurricane intensifies. This is a significant detail that highlights the dangers of seafaring and the unexpected nature of storms.

How many men are lost overboard from the “Independence” ship during the storm in “The Oblong Box”?

• 1 man
• 2 men
• 3 men
• 5 men

Correct Answer: 3 men

Correct Answer Explanation: The “Independence” ship loses three men overboard during the storm in “The Oblong Box.” This event underscores the tragedy and the human cost of a hurricane at sea.

How many passengers remain on board the “Independence” ship after the longboat leaves in “The Oblong Box”?

• 5 passengers
• 10 passengers
• 14 passengers
• 20 passengers

Correct Answer: 14 passengers

Correct Answer Explanation: After the longboat leaves the ship in “The Oblong Box,” 14 passengers remain on board, including the captain, Mr. Wyatt and his party, and the narrator. This detail highlights the desperate situation of those trapped aboard the ship and facing the imminent threat of the hurricane.

What is the name of the science of noses, a satirical concept introduced in the story “Lionizing”?

• Nosology
• The Raven
• The Tell-Tale Heart
• The Business Man

Correct Answer: Nosology

Correct Answer Explanation: In “Lionizing,” Poe introduces a satirical concept called Nosology, which is the science of noses. The story mocks society’s pursuit of fame and superficiality, highlighting the absurdity of someone becoming famous solely based on a physical trait.

What term is used in “How to Write a “Blackwood” Article” to describe the exaggerated, sensational, and often nonsensical writing style of Blackwood’s Magazine?

• The Tell-Tale Heart
• Bizarreries
• The Raven
• The Business Man

Correct Answer: Bizarreries

Correct Answer Explanation: In “How to Write a “Blackwood” Article,” Poe uses the term “bizarreries” to describe the exaggerated, sensational, and often nonsensical writing style of Blackwood’s Magazine. This story is a humorous commentary on the literary scene and the sometimes absurd practices of writers seeking fame and recognition.

What term is used in “How to Write a “Blackwood” Article” to describe a specific type of writing in Blackwood’s Magazine that focuses on extreme emotions and sensational experiences?

• The Tell-Tale Heart
• The Raven
• Intensities
• The Business Man

Correct Answer: Intensities

Correct Answer Explanation: In “How to Write a “Blackwood” Article,” Poe uses the term “intensities” to describe a specific type of writing in Blackwood’s Magazine that focuses on extreme emotions and sensational experiences. This story is a satirical commentary on the literary scene and the sometimes exaggerated and over-the-top writing styles of some authors.

What is the name of the state of sweet idleness or inactivity, commonly experienced by the narrator of “Mellonta Tauta” while aboard the balloon?

• The Raven
• The Tell-Tale Heart
• Dolce far niente
• The Business Man

Correct Answer: Dolce far niente

Correct Answer Explanation: The narrator of “Mellonta Tauta” experiences a state of “dolce far niente,” a state of sweet idleness or inactivity, while aboard the balloon. This story is a satirical exploration of future society and its advancements, and the narrator’s experience of dolce far niente is a humorous commentary on the pursuit of leisure and relaxation in a futuristic world.

What is the name of the art of mystification, a skill the Baron Ritzner von Jung possesses in “Mystification”?

• The Raven
• The Tell-Tale Heart
• Art-mystifique
• The Business Man

Correct Answer: Art-mystifique

Correct Answer Explanation: In “Mystification,” the Baron Ritzner von Jung possesses a skill called “Art-mystifique,” the art of mystification. This story explores the concept of illusion and the ability to deceive and manipulate through appearances and clever tricks.

What is the French phrase meaning “cash on delivery,” used in “The Literary Life of Thingum Bob, Esq.” to describe the magazine’s reluctance to pay contributors immediately?

• The Raven
• The Tell-Tale Heart
• Argent comptant
• The Business Man

Correct Answer: Argent comptant

Correct Answer Explanation: In “The Literary Life of Thingum Bob, Esq.,” Poe uses the French phrase “Argent comptant,” meaning “cash on delivery,” to describe the magazine’s reluctance to pay contributors immediately. This detail is a satirical commentary on the financial realities of the literary world and the power dynamics between publishers and writers.

What is the name for a pseudonym or assumed name, used in both “The Literary Life of Thingum Bob, Esq.” and “Mellonta Tauta” to describe the use of fictional names by authors?

• The Raven
• The Tell-Tale Heart
• Nom-de-guerre
• The Business Man

Correct Answer: Nom-de-guerre

Correct Answer Explanation: Poe uses the term “nom-de-guerre” to describe the use of pseudonyms or assumed names by authors in both “The Literary Life of Thingum Bob, Esq.” and “Mellonta Tauta.” This term highlights the sometimes deceptive and complex nature of authorship and the use of fictional identities in the literary world.

What is the feeling of boredom and listlessness, commonly experienced by the narrator of “Mellonta Tauta” while aboard the balloon?

• The Raven
• The Tell-Tale Heart
• Ennui
• The Business Man

Correct Answer: Ennui

Correct Answer Explanation: The narrator of “Mellonta Tauta” experiences a feeling of “ennui,” a state of boredom and listlessness, while aboard the balloon. This story is a satirical exploration of future society and its advancements, and the narrator’s experience of ennui is a humorous commentary on the potential pitfalls of a life filled with advanced technology and leisure.

What is the name of the philosophical approach that begins with assumptions or axioms, contrasted with “a posteriori” in “Mellonta Tauta”?

• The Raven
• The Tell-Tale Heart
• A priori
• The Business Man

Correct Answer: A priori

Correct Answer Explanation: In “Mellonta Tauta,” Poe contrasts two philosophical approaches: “a priori,” which begins with assumptions or axioms, and “a posteriori,” which relies on empirical observation and inductive reasoning. This discussion highlights the intellectual debates surrounding knowledge and the methods of acquiring understanding in Poe’s time.

What is the name of the philosophical approach that relies on empirical observation and inductive reasoning, contrasted with “a priori” in “Mellonta Tauta”?

• The Raven
• The Tell-Tale Heart
• A posteriori
• The Business Man

Correct Answer: A posteriori

Correct Answer Explanation: In “Mellonta Tauta,” Poe contrasts two philosophical approaches: “a priori,” which begins with assumptions or axioms, and “a posteriori,” which relies on empirical observation and inductive reasoning. This discussion highlights the intellectual debates surrounding knowledge and the methods of acquiring understanding in Poe’s time.

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