Restate the Guided Reading Questions for “The Tell-tale Heart” on a document to be submitted to Schoology:
- How is repetition used to show the narrator’s emotions in the beginning of the story?
- Why is “The Tell-Tale Heart” an example of dramatic irony?
- Poe uses imagery when he describes the old man’s eye. How does this use of imagery build suspense in the story?
- Does the narrator’s opinion of himself on the first page make you trust him more or less? Why?
- How do the repeated actions, words or phrases in the story build suspense?
- Do you think the old man is suspicious of the narrator? Why or why not?
- The narrator claims to know the old man is making excuses for the noises he hears. Why is the narrator saying this? Support your answer.
- The narrator states, “Death in approaching him, had stalked with his black shadow before him, and enveloped the victim” (Poe 85). How does this example of personification build suspense?
- What does the narrator claim to be hearing? Do you think he is correct? Why or why not?
- The narrator repeats, “For what had I to fear?” What does he have to fear at this point?
- What does the beating heart symbolize and why?
- Think about the emotions that the narrator is feeling. How does Poe help the reader feel the same way?