plot points
This is the number of nights the narrator watches the old man before acting
What is seven nights?
This is how the narrator claims to feel about the old man, despite planning his murder
What is love?
Poe uses this device when the narrator says "very, very" and repeats his claims of sanity
What is repetition?
The old man's eye is described as resembling this type of bird
What is a vulture?
"It is the beating of his hideous ______!"
What is "heart"?
This sound drives the narrator to finally commit the murder on the eighth night.
What is the old man's heartbeat?
This emotion ultimately drives the narrator to confess his crime
What is guilt?
This literary technique creates tension as readers question the narrator's mental state
What is suspense?
This theme drives the story's conclusion as psychological pressure mounts
What is guilt
"Villains! ______ no more! I admit the deed! —tear up the planks!"
What is "dissemble"?
These visitors arrive at the house after a neighbor reports a shriek
Who are the police officers?
The narrator demonstrates this type of narration, making readers question what's real
What is unreliable narration?
This technique allows Poe to explore the psychological effects of guilt and paranoia.
What is internal conflict (or psychological realism)?
The beating heart serves as this literary device, representing the narrator's conscience
What is symbolism?
"And have I not told you that what you mistake for madness is but over-acuteness of the ______?"
What is "senses"?