1. What might motivate Edmund to place his trust in Dupin?

2. What prevents Edmund from seeking help from the police?

3. If Poe were truly the half-crazed alcoholic portrayed in The Man Who Was Poe, would that diminish the value of his writings? Does the personal character of a writer influence the way we perceive their work?

4. Why does Poe insist that Sis must perish?

5. Why is Poe unable to distinguish between his fictional stories and reality? Despite this confusion, why does Edmund continue to stay with him?

6. Is Avi's portrayal of Poe fair? How can you determine this?

7. What does Poe mean when he says, "Lies have their own truth"? Why is this significant to Edmund?

8. Why does Mr. Arnold (also known as Rachett) still wish to marry Mrs. Whitman even after stealing the gold?

9. If you were unaware from the beginning that Auguste Dupin is a fictional character created by Poe, would The Man Who Was Poe still be enjoyable to read?

10. Why is Poe hesitant to explain the situation to Edmund?