Critical essay key evidence

Question 1

5 key techniques used in ‘The Tell Tale Heart’

Answer 1

Unreliable narrator, direct address, structure, symbolism, themes of…

Question 2

Main themes of ‘The Tell Tale Heart’

Answer 2

Obsession, insanity, loss of humanity, violence, death

Question 3

Issue explored in ‘The Tell Tale Heart’

Answer 3

Morality

Question 4

Quote that uses direct address

Answer 4

“Why will you say that I am mad?”

Question 5

Quote that shows themes of obsession

Answer 5

“You fancy me mad”

Repitition of key language like “mad” can show obsession

Can also be used for direct address

Question 6

Quote that shows themes of insanity

Answer 6

“I could scarcely contain my feelings of triumph”

The contrast between killing the old man and the feelings of triumph sho

Question 7

Quote that shows loss of humanity

Answer 7

“I then smiled gaily”

The narrator smiling as they killed the old man can show a loss of empat

Question 8

Quote showing how the issue of morality is explored

Answer 8

“I loved the old man. He had never wronged me.”

Shows that there was no moral motive for killing the old man, who had ne

Question 9

Quote that shows paranoia

Answer 9

“the vulture eye”

Can show connotations of danger and being preyed on, the constant use of

imagery