Exploring Characters in The Tell-Tale Heart

The transcript discusses the ambiguity of the main character's gender in a story by Poe, focusing on the narrator's relationship with an old man, whom they see daily and eventually kill. The old man is described as wealthy with a distinctive blue eye, but his character remains passive. A neighbor hears a scream and calls the police, leading to an investigation where the narrator initially appears innocent but ultimately confesses.

How is the gender of the main character hinted at in the story?

• Through a direct statement

• By the character's actions

• By the character's name

• Through a line alluding to the collective nature of 'Mad Men'

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.1

CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

What does the narrator say about 'Mad Men'?

• They are kind

• They know nothing

• They are wise

• They are dangerous

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.6

CCSS.RL.6.6

CCSS.RL.7.6

CCSS.RL.8.6

How often does the narrator see the old man?

• Once a week

• Rarely

• Every day of the week

• Only on weekends

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.6

CCSS.RL.6.6

CCSS.RL.7.6

CCSS.RL.8.6

What is one possible relationship between the narrator and the old man?

• They are family members or the narrator is the old man's servant or tenant

• They are business partners

• They are strangers

• They are neighbors

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.6

CCSS.RL.6.6

CCSS.RL.7.6

CCSS.RL.8.6

What are some characteristics of the narrator?

• Happy and carefree

• Indifferent and detached

• Passionate and unbalanced

• Calm and balanced

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.6

CCSS.RL.6.6

CCSS.RL.7.6

CCSS.RL.8.6

What physical feature of the old man is mentioned?

• He has a scar

• He has a limp

• He has an unnatural and filmy blue eye

• He has a tattoo

What does the neighbor do after hearing the old man's scream?

• Ignores it

• Contacts the police

• Confronts the narrator

• Runs away

Tags

CCSS.RL.1.6

CCSS.RL.5.6

CCSS.RL.6.6

CCSS.RL.7.6

CCSS.RL.8.6

How many police officers come to investigate?

• Three

• Two

• One

• Four

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.1

CCSS.RI.6.1

CCSS.RL.6.1

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

What initially convinces the police officers of the narrator's innocence?

• The lack of evidence

• The neighbor's statement

• The narrator's calm and welcoming manner

• The old man's testimony

What does the narrator eventually do?

• Destroys evidence

• Confesses to the police

• Runs away

• Blames the neighbor

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.6

CCSS.RL.6.6

CCSS.RL.7.6

CCSS.RL.8.6