Edgar Allan Poe's, The Tell Tale Heart

Edgar Allen Poe is truly a remarkable writer. For this reason, I chose to analyze his short story, "The Tell Tale Heart". The nature of the story itself is unique, with a great narrative perspective and an equally impressive sense of accuracy of portraying a madman. The plot, chain of events, and simplicity of the story all work well together to make a classic short story.

The story itself is unique. The reader assumes that the character, who is nameless, is talking in the present tense. Although it could be a police report, diary, or other form of recording, Edgar Allen Poe creates a sense of direct conversation with the reader. In this conversation, the narrator professes he is not mad, and tries to reinforce his claim through re-telling his story. Poe then describes the motive of the murder the narrator commits, which is rather menial. While the narrator still claims he is not mad, it becomes apparent to the reader that this might not be so true. Throughout the telling of the story, Poe descriptively goes from each scene until the events lead up to the killing of the old man that the narrator despises. The chain of events leave nothing to be desired, and nothing to ponder about. The reader is left with a calm sense of simplicity, as there is no threatening problem being posed onto the narrator other than the old man's eye. However, things become more interesting when the man is dead, and yet, the narrator can still hear his heartbeat. The reader again rethinks the narrator's statement as being sane. The police come to investigate a shriek in the killing, and the narrator confesses to the crime in a fit of frustration.