Edgar Allan Poe The Tell Tale Heart Pdf
First published in 1843, The Tell-Tale Heart is a short story by Edgar Allan Poe that has become one of the most famous and enduring works of American literature. The story is told from the perspective of an unnamed narrator who is tormented by his own guilt after he commits a senseless and brutal murder. In this article, we will explore the themes, symbolism, and literary techniques used in The Tell-Tale Heart, as well as provide a PDF version of the story for readers to download and enjoy.
The Plot of The Tell-Tale Heart
The story begins with the narrator insisting that he is not mad, even though he plans to kill an old man who he lives with. The narrator is obsessed with the old man's eye, which he describes as "pale blue with a film over it." He decides to kill the old man because of the eye, stating that he "made up his mind to take the life of the old man, and thus rid myself of the eye forever." After several nights of watching the old man sleep, the narrator finally decides to commit the murder. He sneaks into the old man's room and suffocates him with the bed covers, then dismembers his body and hides it under the floorboards.
When the police come to investigate, the narrator becomes increasingly agitated and paranoid, believing that they can hear the old man's heart beating beneath the floorboards. He finally confesses to the crime, driven mad by his own guilt and the sound of the imaginary heartbeat.
Themes and Symbolism in The Tell-Tale Heart
One of the most important themes in The Tell-Tale Heart is the theme of guilt. The narrator is consumed by guilt after committing the murder, and his obsession with the sound of the old man's heart beating is a metaphor for his own conscience. The sound of the heartbeat becomes a symbol of the narrator's guilt, driving him to confess his crime.
The eye of the old man is another important symbol in the story. The narrator is fixated on the eye, which he describes as "the eye of a vulture." The eye represents the narrator's fear of being watched or judged, as well as his own sense of paranoia.
Another theme in the story is the theme of madness. The narrator insists that he is not mad, but his obsession with the old man's eye and his eventual breakdown suggest otherwise. The story explores the idea that madness can be both a symptom and a cause of guilt.
The Literary Techniques Used in The Tell-Tale Heart
One of the most notable literary techniques used in The Tell-Tale Heart is the use of first-person narration. The story is told from the perspective of the narrator, allowing readers to experience his guilt and paranoia firsthand. The use of first-person narration also creates a sense of intimacy and immediacy, drawing readers into the story and making it more compelling.
The story also uses a variety of other literary techniques, such as repetition, imagery, and foreshadowing. The repetition of certain phrases, such as "I heard all things in the heaven and in the earth," emphasizes the narrator's heightened senses and paranoia. The use of vivid imagery, such as the description of the old man's eye, creates a sense of unease and discomfort in readers. Finally, the foreshadowing of the narrator's eventual breakdown builds suspense and tension throughout the story.
The Tell-Tale Heart PDF
For readers who would like to read The Tell-Tale Heart in its entirety, we have provided a PDF version of the story that can be downloaded below. This version of the story is free to download and share.
Conclusion
The Tell-Tale Heart is a haunting and unforgettable story that explores themes of guilt, madness, and paranoia. Through its use of first-person narration, vivid imagery, and suspenseful pacing, the story creates a sense of unease and discomfort in readers that lingers long after the final page. We hope that readers will take the time to download and read the PDF version of the story provided above, and that this article has provided a deeper understanding of the themes and literary techniques used in this classic work of American literature.