Tell-Tale Heart (Word meaning, connotation, tone)

What does the word “acute” most likely mean as it is used in paragraph 1?

• Intensely sensitive

• Slightly damaged

• Painfully loud

• Mildly improved

What does the phrase “vulture eye” most likely symbolize in the story?

• The narrator’s hatred for birds

• The old man’s love for animals

• Something evil or disturbing

• A disease the old man has

What does “hearken” most closely mean in paragraph 1?

• To obey an order

• To speak forcefully

• To listen attentively

• To hesitate out of fear

How does the word “stealthily” in Page 2, paragraph 5 affect the tone of the story?

• It shows a calm, peaceful mood

• It adds suspense and secrecy

• It suggests confusion and frustration

• It creates a joyful tone

What does the phrase “a single dim ray” reveal about the narrator’s state of mind?

• He is methodical and obsessive in his behavior

• He fears waking the old man due to guilt

• He is unable to see clearly, symbolizing confusion

• He acts impulsively in a moment of panic

What is the best definition of “dissimulation” in paragraph 3?

• Fake behavior meant to deceive

• Excited determination

• Harsh criticism

• Nervous hesitation

What is the effect of Poe’s repeated use of “very, very slowly” and similar phrases?

• It helps readers relax

• It shows the narrator is impatient

• It builds tension and suspense

• It reveals a time change

In paragraph 3, what does the word “vexed” imply about the narrator’s emotional reaction to the eye?

• It filled him with dread and confusion

• It made him unreasonably angry and obsessed

• It caused him to pity the old man

• It inspired curiosity about the old man’s health

In page 3, paragraph 2, the narrator describes hearing “the hellish tattoo of the heart.” Based on context, what does tattoo most likely mean?

• A design permanently marked on the skin

• A steady, rhythmic drumming or beat

• A sudden, explosive sound

• A whisper too soft to hear clearly

What does the narrator’s repeated mention of the “beating of the old man’s heart” most likely reveal?

• His guilt is manifesting as auditory hallucinations

• The old man is still alive and struggling

• He is satisfied with how carefully he planned the act

• He is overwhelmed by fear of being caught