The Tell-Tale Heart

Front

What is the main theme of 'The Tell-Tale Heart'?

Back

The main theme is the conflict between sanity and insanity, exploring guilt and the effects of a guilty conscience.

Front

Who is the narrator in 'The Tell-Tale Heart'?

Back

The narrator is an unnamed character who insists on their sanity while describing the murder of an old man.

Front

What does the old man's eye symbolize in the story?

Back

The old man's eye symbolizes the narrator's own fears and insecurities, representing his obsession and madness.

Front

What literary device is primarily used in 'The Tell-Tale Heart'?

Back

The story uses unreliable narration, where the narrator's credibility is compromised.

Front

What is the significance of the heartbeat in the story?

Back

The heartbeat symbolizes the narrator's guilt and mental deterioration, ultimately leading to his confession.

Front

Define the M'Naghten Rule.

Back

The M'Naghten Rule states that a person is not responsible for a crime if, at the time of the act, they were suffering from a severe mental disorder.

Front

How does the narrator feel about his actions before the crime?

Back

The narrator feels especially kind towards the old man, despite planning to kill him.

Front

What does the narrator compare the old man's heartbeat to?

Back

The narrator compares the heartbeat to the sound of a watch wrapped in cotton.

Front

What is the climax of 'The Tell-Tale Heart'?

Back

The climax occurs when the narrator hears the heartbeat and confesses to the murder.

Front

What role do the police play in the story?

Back

The police represent authority and the law, contrasting with the narrator's madness.