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

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RI.7.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

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

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.6

CCSS.RL.6.6

CCSS.RL.7.6

CCSS.RL.8.6

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

• To obey an order

• To speak forcefully

• To listen attentively

• To hesitate out of fear

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RI.7.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

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

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.RL.6.4

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

Tags

CCSS.L.4.5

CCSS.L.5.5

CCSS.L.6.5

CCSS.L.7.5

CCSS.L.8.5

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

• Fake behavior meant to deceive

• Excited determination

• Harsh criticism

• Nervous hesitation

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RI.7.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

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

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.RL.6.4

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

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

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

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RI.7.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

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

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.6

CCSS.RL.6.6

CCSS.RL.7.6

CCSS.RL.8.6