Examining Literary Elements

Worksheet Description

This worksheet delves into Edgar Allan Poe’s skillful use of literary elements in the opening paragraphs of “The Tell-Tale Heart” to depict the narrator’s madness. Students are instructed to analyze the following elements:

1. Language: Students will explore how Poe employs specific words, phrases, and descriptive language to convey the narrator’s state of mind and instability.
2. Punctuation: They will examine the punctuation choices made by Poe, focusing on how it contributes to the narrative’s rhythm and the portrayal of the narrator’s mental disarray.
3. Structure: Students will investigate the overall structure of the narrative, including sentence length, paragraph structure, and the pacing of events, to understand how it reflects the narrator’s descent into madness.

Through this exercise, students will gain a deeper appreciation for Poe’s craftsmanship and his ability to use language, punctuation, and structure to create a sense of madness and suspense in the story. It encourages close reading, critical thinking, and literary analysis.