Which of the following best describes the significance of the beating heart throughout the
story?
A. It represents the narrator’s own death, like the old man’s, drawing near as he faces
punishment for his crime.
B. It shows there is something supernatural happening to the narrator, for the ghost of
the old man is haunting him.
A. It represents the narrator’s own death, like the old man’s, drawing near as he faces punishment for his crime.
The beating heart in the story represents the narrator's guilt and psychological torment, rather than the specific options A or B given. Throughout the story, the sound of the beating heart grows louder and intensifies, reflecting the narrator's increasing guilt and fear of being caught for the murder he has committed. The beating heart symbolizes the presence of the old man's conscience, haunting the narrator and eventually leading to his confession of the crime. Therefore, the significance of the beating heart is related to the narrator's inner turmoil and psychological deterioration, rather than representing his impending death or a supernatural presence.
To determine the significance of the beating heart throughout the story, we should analyse the text closely. Specifically, we should look for clues, themes, and recurring motifs that shed light on the author's intended meaning.
One way to analyze the significance of the beating heart is to consider the overall theme or message of the story. In this case, the story is likely Edgar Allan Poe's "The Tell-Tale Heart," a classic tale of guilt, paranoia, and psychological disturbance.
To understand the significance of the beating heart, we can examine the narrator's behavior and reactions in relation to the heart. For example, does the narrator perceive the sound of the heart as a purely supernatural phenomenon or as a representation of his own inner turmoil?
Additionally, other elements of the story may provide insight. Is there a connection between the heart and the crime committed by the narrator? Does the sound of the heart intensify as the narrator's guilt increases, or is there a pattern to its presence?
By considering these aspects and examining key passages from the story, we can determine which of the given options—A or B—best describes the significance of the beating heart throughout the story.