Exploring the Themes of Tell Tale Heart

The narrator, plagued by nervousness, becomes obsessed with an old man's eye. Over several nights, he meticulously plans and executes a scheme to rid himself of the eye. On the eighth night, he confronts the old man, leading to the man's death. The narrator hides the body but is eventually driven to confess by the sound of the old man's heart, which he believes the neighbors can hear.

What emotion does the narrator repeatedly claim to feel?

• Calm

• Nervousness

• Anger

• Joy

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.6

CCSS.RL.6.6

CCSS.RL.7.6

CCSS.RL.8.6

What specifically bothers the narrator about the old man?

• His behavior

• His wealth

• His voice

• His eye

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.6

CCSS.RL.6.6

CCSS.RL.7.6

CCSS.RL.8.6

How does the narrator describe his behavior towards the old man during the days leading up to the act?

• Kind

• Indifferent

• Suspicious

• Hostile

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

What time of night does the narrator choose to act?

• Midnight

• Noon

• The hour of the slowest clock

• Dawn

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

What sound drives the narrator to finally act?

• The old man's heart

• A clock ticking

• A scream

• Footsteps

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.6

CCSS.RL.6.6

CCSS.RL.7.6

CCSS.RL.8.6

What does the narrator do after the old man's heart stops?

• Runs away

• Calls for help

• Hides the body

• Confesses immediately

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.6

CCSS.RL.6.6

CCSS.RL.7.6

CCSS.RL.8.6

How does the narrator hide the evidence of his act?

• Hides it under the floorboards

• Buries it in the garden

• Throws it in the river

• Burns it

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

What do the neighbors report to the authorities?

• A fire

• A scream

• A missing person

• A robbery

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.6

CCSS.RL.6.6

CCSS.RL.7.6

CCSS.RL.8.6

How does the narrator react when the officers arrive?

• Runs away

• Confesses immediately

• Invites them in

• Hides in the attic

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.6

CCSS.RL.6.6

CCSS.RL.7.6

CCSS.RL.8.6

What ultimately causes the narrator to confess?

• A neighbor's testimony

• The old man returns

• The officers find evidence

• The sound of the heartbeat

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.6

CCSS.RL.6.6

CCSS.RL.7.6

CCSS.RL.8.6