Reading Log - The Tell-Tale Heart (Page 2 of 4) in pdf

Reading Log - The Tell-Tale Heart Page 2

6. “...there came to my ears a low, dull, quick sound, such as a watch makes when enveloped in

cotton. I knew that sound well too.” What does the narrator think he is hearing? In reality, what is

he more likely hearing?

7. Consider the second column on page 540. What time does the narrator say it is? How do the

details about time and place contribute to the mood?

After finishing the story

...

(541 - 542)

8. Consider the first column on page 541. What is ironic about the narrator’s insistence here that you

will no longer think he is mad?

9. “There was nothing to wash out - no stain of any kind - no blood spot whatever. I had been too

wary for that. A tub had caught it all - ha! ha!” What impression do you form of the narrator from

this exclamation? Explain.

10. The police arrive and the narrator invites them in. What is ironic about what happens next?

Explain why this is ironic.

Thinking Critically...

11.Why do you think Poe entitled his story “The Tell-Tale Heart”?

Reading Log - The Tell-Tale Heart Page 2