The Tell-Tale Heart is a short story by American writer Edgar Allan Poe, first published in 1843. It follows an unnamed narrator who insists on his sanity after murdering an old man with a “vulture eye.” In the tale, the narrator attempts to convince readers of his mental stability while describing a murder he committed and disposing of its evidence.
This work has been widely adapted into many different forms, including films, television series, plays, and operas. It also serves as one of the most iconic works from Poe’s oeuvre due to its psychological horror themes that explore notions such as guilt and madness. Furthermore, it is considered one of literature’s best examples of unreliable narration, which adds to its appeal for modern audiences who appreciate stories told from multiple perspectives or through fractured lenses.
The influence this piece had over subsequent generations can be seen in other literary works like Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein (1818), Robert Louis Stevenson’s Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde (1886), and even contemporary films like Memento (2000). Thus, The Tell-Tale Heart is an essential part not only within the context of Edgar Allan Poe but also in wider literature itself.