Tell-Tale Heart
Who is the narrator? Who is the narrator trying to convince of his sanity?
Nameless man. The reader.
Who is the main character?
Billy Weaver
Who is the main character?
Describe him.
Martin is a 12-year-old boy who is very skinny and gets bullied at school. He is also afraid of elevators.
What is the Sakkaros family afraid of?
Water/rain
What is foreshadowing?
a hint or clue about what will happen later in the story
What causes the narrator to finally confess to the crime?
He hears the old man’s heartbeat growing louder and believes others can hear it too.
What does the landlady offer Billy when he arrives?
tea and a place to stay
How does the elevator contribute to the story’s mood?
It creates claustrophobia and suspense.
What happens to the Sakkaros family at the end of the story?
They melt in the rain because they’re made of sugar.
What are the two types of irony? Explain them.
Dramatic: we know something the characters do not
Situational: plot twist
What POV is the story told from?
1st person
What detail foreshadows Billy’s fate?
The names in the guest book are from years ago, but the landlady says they’re still upstairs.
What is strange about the woman in the elevator?
She never speaks and seems to follow Martin everywhere.
What type of irony is used when the family refuses lemonade on a hot day?
Situational irony
What is imagery?
Descriptive language that appeals to the senses
How many nights did the narrator watch the old man and what time did he watch him?
7 nights; 12am
What type of irony is used when the landlady says, No, my dear. Only you?”
Dramatic irony
What is the climax of the story?
When Martin gets trapped in the elevator with the woman.
How does the author create suspense in the story?
Through hints (foreshadowing) about the Sakkaros’ strange behavior around water.
What are examples of figurative language?
Metaphor, simile, personifitcation, hyperbole
Why did the cops come to the house?
because a neighbor reported hearing a loud shriek
What theme does this story explore?
Trusting appearances can be dangerous
How does Martin’s relationship with his father add to the tension and overall theme of The Elevator?
Martin’s father dismisses his fears and mocks him for being scared, which makes Martin feel isolated and powerless.
What is the main theme of the story?
Appearances can be deceiving / Don’t judge people without understanding them.
what is the difference between mood and tone?
Mood is the feeling created for the reader; tone is the author’s attitude toward the subject.