The Gold Bug

There are only 3 main characters in “The Gold-Bug”: the narrator, William Legrand, and Jupiter. Chose two characters and consider their relationship—does it change as the narrative progresses?

How significant is the role of chance or coincidence in story? Support your answer with evidence from the text.

Could “The Gold-Bug” be described as detective fiction? Use evidence from the text to strengthen your argument.

Consider the portrayal of Jupiter. To what extent could his characterization be described as racist? Reference the text to support your answer.

The narrator remains anonymous throughout “The Gold-Bug.” Consider the effect of Poe’s choice of narrator and use of narrative voice and trace the effect it has throughout the story.

What are the characters’ attitudes towards “madness” in the story? How far does this reflect both contemporary ideas of mental illness and ideas prevalent during Poe’s time?

Legrand describes the gold bug as “the loveliest thing in creation” (8). How does the gold bug function in the story? Does it hold any symbolic significance?

Through the publication of “The Gold-Bug,” Poe greatly popularized the art of secret writing. How is the cryptograph important in the story? Refer to the text to support your response.