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.

The climax of "The Tell-Tale Heart" relates most closely to the theme that evil cannot stay hidden for long. The narrator's frantic confession reveals his guilt and madness, demonstrating that no wrongdoing can remain concealed. This moment serves as a powerful reminder of the inescapable nature of one's conscience.

Explanation:

Identifying the Theme in "The Tell-Tale Heart"

The excerpt from the climax of Edgar Allan Poe's "The Tell-Tale Heart" highlights the theme that evil cannot stay hidden for long. In this scene, the narrator's madness and guilt reach a peak as he confesses to the crime he has committed. Despite his attempts to conceal his actions, the overwhelming sound of the beating heart symbolizes his inability to escape his own conscience.

This theme reinforces the idea that no matter how much one tries to mask or dissemble their wrongdoings, the truth will eventually come to light. The narrator’s emotional breakdown and the revelation of his guilt illustrate the futility of trying to suppress the reality of one's actions. This aligns perfectly with the saying that evil cannot stay hidden for long, as the narrator’s dark secret is ultimately exposed by his own mind.

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