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The Gold Bug | Study Guide

Edgar Allan Poe

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Course Hero. "The Gold Bug Study Guide." Course Hero. 24 May 2017. Web. 4 June 2023. <https://www.coursehero.com/lit/The-Gold-Bug/>.

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Course Hero. (2017, May 24). The Gold Bug Study Guide. In Course Hero. Retrieved June 4, 2023, from https://www.coursehero.com/lit/The-Gold-Bug/

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Course Hero. "The Gold Bug Study Guide." May 24, 2017. Accessed June 4, 2023. https://www.coursehero.com/lit/The-Gold-Bug/.

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Course Hero, "The Gold Bug Study Guide," May 24, 2017, accessed June 4, 2023, https://www.coursehero.com/lit/The-Gold-Bug/.

The Gold Bug | Infographic

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Check out this Infographic to learn more about Edgar Allan Poe's The Gold Bug. Study visually with character maps, plot summaries, helpful context, and more.

the-gold-bug-edgar-allan-poe_EDIT2Sources: Biography.com, Encyclopaedia Britannica, The Monetary Imagination of Edgar Allan Poe by Heinz TschachlerCopyright © 2017 Course Hero, Inc.Legrandhis bug is to make my fortune.Treasure ChestSymbolizes the importance of hard currencyDeath’s HeadRepresents not death, but fortune and hidden treasureGold BugSymbolizes how appearances are deceiving when it comes to wealthSymbolsLegrandAshamed, possibly mad scientist obsessed with regaining social standing; leads the narrator and Jupiter on a treasure huntNarratorEven-keeled, middle-aged physician; acts as audience representative, asking questions and explaining Legrand’s processJupiterLoyal indentured servant; slow-witted and backward; provides companionship and comedic relief that may offend modern readersMain CharactersKnown as a master of psychological horror, Poe has terrified millions of readers with his short stories and poems, such as “The Tell-Tale Heart.” However, he also wrote mysteries like “The Gold Bug,” which display his superior logic, exciting readers with intellectual rather than emotional suspense.EDGAR ALLAN POE1809–49AuthorLegrand must use his superior logic and ability with codes to succeed.LogicPoe’s story argues for gold and silver currency over paper money.MoneyLegrand solves puzzles to ensure the gold bug restores his fortune.RestorationWhen William Legrand discovers a gold beetle in the woods, he’s certain the bug will restore his fortune. After Legrand becomes obsessed with money, his friends accompany him on a trek into the woods, fearing he may have gone insane. What they find surprises all but Legrand. All That Glitters Is Not GoldTHEMESEnglishOriginal Language1843Year PublishedEdgar Allan PoeAuthorThe Gold BugMysteryShort Story
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