The Tell-Tale Heart

The Tell Tale Heart by Edgar Allan Poe is a haunting tale that explores the themes of internal conflict,symbol, and narrator. Through the use of intricate storytelling Edgar Allan Poe created a story with tension and horror. One of the central themes in the story is the internal conflict shown by the protagonist/The Butler as he battles his inner rage and fear of the old man's eye. Another important theme is the use of symbolism, particularly the old man's eye, which serves as a very powerful symbol for the Butler's inner rage. Additionally, the theme of narrator is crucial to the story's theme. The narrator's insanity helps shape the reader's understanding of the passage. Overall, The Tell Tale Heart is mainly about the struggle of The Butler

The Butler is plagued by the rage for the old man's eye leading to him eventually murdering the old man. The conflict is obvious throughout the passage the Butler battles with himself to conceal his rage for the old man's eye. For instance, the Butler says, “I loved the old man”(paragraph 2) and “I made up my mind to take the life of the old man” This shows the Butlers' confliction about killing the old man showing the struggle to suppress his rage. Another example is when he hears the beating of the old man's heart “It grew louder—louder—louder! And still the men chatted pleasantly, and smiled.” (paragraph 20) This quote highlights the Butlers inner struggle as he tries to maintain his composure in front of the police officers while being tormented by the sound of the old man's heartbeat. The theme of internal conflict is a main element in The Tell Tale Heart because it contributes to the suspense and horror of the

The Butler's perspective shapes the reader's understanding of the passage, as well as the interpretation of the events. For instance, the Butler says, “You fancy me mad. Madmen knows nothing. But you should have seen me.you should have seen how wisely I proceeded.”(paragraph 3) The Butler's insanity is apparent in the quote, and his precipitation of his own sanity builds the suspense of the passage by showing the reader the Butler's descent into insanity. The use of first person narration allows the reader to see the passage through the Butler's eyes providing insight into his psyche. Furthermore, the Butler's obsession with the old man's eye shows his level of insanity to kill someone he loves over their eye.”I was never kinder to the old man than during the whole week before I killed him”(paragraph 3) The Butler's determination to kill the old man adds to the overall sense of horror of the passage. Therefore, the theme of narrator is a crucial element to The Tell Tale Heart as it shapes the reader's interpretation of the