Exploring The Tell-Tale Heart: Key Themes and Analysis

The narrator, plagued by nervousness, recounts their obsession with an old man's eye. They meticulously plan and execute a scheme to rid themselves of the eye by stopping the old man's heart. Despite successfully concealing the act, their guilt and paranoia lead to a confession during an investigation.

What emotion does the narrator express at the beginning of the story?

• Happiness

• Indifference

• Anger

• Nervousness

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 eye

• His voice

• His wealth

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 his nightly visits?

• Cruel

• Indifferent

• Kind

• Aggressive

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.10

CCSS.RI.8.10

CCSS.RI.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.8.10

On which night does the narrator decide to act?

• The fifth night

• The eighth night

• The third night

• The first night

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.10

CCSS.RL.6.10

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

What sound drives the narrator to commit the act?

• A clock ticking

• The old man's voice

• The old man's heartbeat

• Footsteps

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 crime?

• Throws it in the river

• Hides it under the floorboards

• Buries it in the garden

• Burns it

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.6

CCSS.RL.6.6

CCSS.RL.7.6

CCSS.RL.8.6

What excuse does the narrator give the police for the old man's absence?

• He went to the city

• He is visiting relatives

• He is on a business trip

• He is at the market

What does the narrator offer the police when they arrive?

• A drink

• A tour of the house

• An alibi

• Money

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.6

CCSS.RL.6.6

CCSS.RL.7.6

CCSS.RL.8.6

What ultimately causes the narrator to confess to the crime?

• He wants to be caught

• He hears the old man's heartbeat

• He feels guilty

• The police find evidence

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.6

CCSS.RL.6.6

CCSS.RL.7.6

CCSS.RL.8.6

How does the narrator describe his mental state at the end of the story?

• Happy

• Angry

• Calm

• Nervous

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.6

CCSS.RL.6.6

CCSS.RL.7.6

CCSS.RL.8.6