"The Tell-Tale Heart" Comprehension Flashcard

Front

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

Back

The main theme is the effects of guilt and the descent into madness.

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 motivates the narrator to commit murder?

Back

The narrator is driven by an obsession with the old man's vulture-like eye.

Front

How does the narrator describe their hearing ability?

Back

The narrator claims their sense of hearing has become acute, allowing them to hear things others cannot.

Front

What is the significance of the old man's eye?

Back

The old man's eye symbolizes the narrator's irrational fears and obsessions.

Front

What happens to the narrator's mental state throughout the story?

Back

The narrator's mental state deteriorates, leading to paranoia and guilt.

Front

How does the story illustrate the concept of unreliable narration?

Back

The narrator's insistence on their sanity and their distorted perception of reality make them an unreliable narrator.

Front

What role do the police play in the story?

Back

The police represent the law and order that contrasts with the narrator's chaotic mind.

Front

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

Back

The climax occurs when the narrator confesses to the murder, driven by the sound of the old man's heart.

Front

How does the setting contribute to the story's mood?

Back

The dark, oppressive setting enhances the suspense and horror of the narrative.