How do these words set the mood for the story? (The Tell-Tale Heart)
After you have read the story MORE THAN ONCE and after you have written up your thoughts, someone here will be happy to comment and make suggestions.
http://www.literature.org/authors/poe-edgar-allan/tell-tale-heart.html
To determine how specific words set the mood for a story, we can analyze their connotations, symbolism, and the context in which they are used. In the case of "The Tell-Tale Heart" by Edgar Allan Poe, there are several words that contribute to the story's mood of suspense, tension, and madness.
1. "Heart": The persistent mention of the heartbeat throughout the story creates a sense of anxiety and unease. The word "heart" is associated with life, emotion, and fear, enhancing the suspense as the protagonist becomes increasingly obsessed with the sound.
2. "Pale": This word, frequently used to describe the old man's pale blue eye, helps to establish a sense of dread. "Pale" implies sickness, death, and a lack of vitality, contributing to the eerie atmosphere.
3. "Evil": The recurring reference to the narrator's belief that the eye is evil contributes to the story's dark and menacing tone. As the protagonist's obsession grows, the word "evil" heightens the sense of impending doom and madness.
4. "Vulture": The comparison of the old man's eye to that of a vulture is both vivid and unsettling. Vultures are often associated with death, decay, and scavenging, amplifying the story's macabre ambiance.
5. "Hideous": Used to describe the narrator's feelings towards the eye, the word "hideous" evokes a strong sense of disgust and horror. This word choice intensifies the unsettling nature of the story and contributes to its ominous mood.
By analyzing and understanding the connotations and context of these words, we can grasp how they effectively set the mood of suspense, tension, and madness in "The Tell-Tale Heart."