High School

Read the excerpt from the climax of "The Tell-Tale Heart."

"Villains!" I shrieked, "dissemble no more! I admit the deed!—tear up the planks! Here, here! It is the beating of his hideous heart!"

Which theme does this climax most connect with?

A. It takes evil to catch evil.
B. Pride leads to eventual ruin.
C. Bad things happen in groups.
D. Evil cannot stay hidden for long.

Answer :

Final answer:

The climax of "The Tell-Tale Heart" reflects the theme that evil cannot stay hidden for long, as the narrator's guilt leads to his confession. This moment illustrates the futility of trying to conceal one's dark deeds, underscoring the psychological consequences of wrongdoing. Poe masterfully demonstrates that the truth often reveals itself, no matter the attempts to hide it.


Explanation:

Understanding the Climax of "The Tell-Tale Heart"


The excerpt from Edgar Allan Poe's "The Tell-Tale Heart" represents a climactic moment that is rich with thematic elements. In this passage, the narrator admits to the murder, revealing his psychological unraveling. This moment connects most closely with the theme of Evil cannot stay hidden for long.


Throughout the story, the narrator attempts to conceal his crime and maintain a façade of sanity. However, his guilt manifests through the imagined sound of the victim's beating heart, driving him to confession. This illustrates the idea that no matter how much one tries to suppress evil actions, the truth will eventually emerge, a powerful notion in literature and life.


Key Reasons for the Theme



  • The narrator's escalating madness symbolizes the futility of hiding one's dark deeds.

  • The climax shows how inner turmoil can lead people to reveal their secrets despite their attempts at deception.

  • This theme resonates throughout Poe's works, emphasizing that ultimately, 'what's done in the dark will come to light.'


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