illustration of a blade on the end of a pendulum swinging above a man's head

The Pit and the Pendulum

by Edgar Allan Poe

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Topics for Discussion

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1. The narrative never clarifies why the main character has been cast into the pit. Why does Poe choose not to reveal the nature of his crime?

2. Numerous elements in the story allude to a state of sleep, such as mentions of dreams and instances where the character dozes off. How can this story be interpreted as a fictional depiction of a nightmare?

3. The narrator's chief predicament is being trapped between an apparently endless pit and a gradually descending pendulum. What do these two terrors symbolize?

4. What strategies does the protagonist employ to attempt to save himself? How effective are these methods?

5. Why is the protagonist ultimately saved by an external force rather than his own efforts?

6. What prevents the protagonist from simply surrendering to his fate?

7. Some critics propose that the story serves as an allegory for the fundamental dilemma of human existence, with all the major elements mirroring universal human struggles. How might this interpretation hold true?

8. How would you describe the basic personality of the protagonist? Consider not only his actions but also his narration of those actions.

9. This story appears to be set outside any social context and lacks significant social themes. If this is the case, what fundamental human theme or message about human will does it convey?

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