Edgar Allen Poe “The Tell-Tale Heart”

literary analysis

“The Tell-Tale Heart” is a famous short story by American author Edgar Allan Poe. He first published the story in January 1843, in the short-lived Pioneer magazine. “Tell-Tale” is about a nameless man who kills an old man for a really strange reason. The nameless man tells the story of the murder to prove he is not insane. Since it’s fiction, you can look at it objectively and, in doing so, learn more about your own feelings concerning murder, confession, and related topics. If you have to think about these things, why not use a guy like Poe, who thought about them most of the time.Edgar Allen Poe demonstrates how a person’s inner turmoil and fear can drive him insane through illustrative language, perplexing characters and an intricate plot.

Theme: Home is where the heart is.” Edgar Allan Poe makes a mockery of this shopworn phrase in “The Tell-Tale Heart,” expressing some deep anxieties toward the very idea of “home” (as in the place one hangs one’s hat) and “home,” (as in the larger community). Here home (in both senses) is a place of violence, death, disease, anguish, and isolation. It’s also a place where mysterious hearts tell tales in the night, grim tales, of home gone bad.

Analyze setting:

We don’t know where the narrator is while he’s telling the story of the old man’s murder. The story he tells us takes place inside a random old house about which few details are directly given. We are told that the old man keeps his shutters tightly locked. A neighbor hears at least one of the story’s two screams. The cops arrive promptly, just after the narrator has hidden the body. As such, the house might be in an urban area, possibly a high-crime one. As to the interior of the house, we only hear about the old man’s bedroom, which is the a place where horror plays in the dark while the old man sleeps, completely unaware. The room is all the more scary because it isn’t described, because we can’t see it. This story taps our fears of the dark, and what the dark might hold.

Analyze plot:

Initial Situation

Not insane! and the “Evil Eye”

The narrator wants to show that he is not insane, and offers a story as proof. In that story, the initial situation is the narrator’s decision to kill the old man so that the man’s eye will stop looking at the narrator.

Conflicts

Open your eye!

The narrator goes to the old man’s room every night for a week, ready to do the dirty deed. But, the sleeping man won’t open his eye. Since the eye, not the man, is the problem, the narrator can’t kill him if the offending eye isn’t open.

The narrator makes a noise while spying on the old man, and the man wakes up – and opens his eye.

This isn’t much of a complication. The man has to wake up in order for the narrator to kill him. If the man still wouldn’t wake up after months and months of the narrator trying to kill him, now that would be a conflict.

Climax

Murder…

The narrator kills the old man with his own bed and then cuts up the body and hides it under the bedroom floor.

Suspense

Uh-oh, the police.

The narrator is pretty calm and collected when the police first show up. He gives them the guided tour of the house, and then invites them to hang out with him in the man’s bedroom. But, the narrator starts to hear a terrible noise, which gets louder and louder, and…

Resolution

The narrator identifies the source of the sound.

Up to this moment, the narrator doesn’t identify the sound. It’s described first as “a ringing,” and then as “a low, dull, quick sound – much such a sound as a watch makes when enveloped in cotton”. Only in the very last line does the narrator conclude that the sound was “the beating of [the man’s] hideous heart!”

Analyze point of view:

In this case, the narrator is trying to prove his sanity. One bit of proof he offers is his ability to exercise “dissimulation” (to act or speak one way to mask true feelings or intention) with the old man. So, if he’s trying to prove he’s sane, and dissimulation is a proof of sanity, doesn’t that suggest his probably using the old dissimulation on us, too?

As you can see, the narrator’s insight into the man’s head is just a reflection of his own experience. Yet, he’s probably right. In this moment he humanizes both himself and the man through empathy.

Analyze characterization:

Our narrator is such a wreck, it’s hard not to feel sorry for him. He’s nervous (“very dreadfully nervous”), paranoid, and physically and mentally ill. He doesn’t know the difference between the “real” and the “unreal,” and seems to be completely alone and friendless in the world. We suspect that he rarely sleeps. He’s also a murderer.

Maybe this explains why he doesn’t share his name, or any other identifying characteristics. He wants us to know what he did, but not where to find him. We actually have precious little to go on in discussing his character. We have to do lots of investigation and reading between the lines to come up with possibilities.

Before we explore some of those possibilities, we should clear up a fine point. Poe doesn’t explicitly tell us if the narrator is male or female. The only reason we feel comfortable calling the narrator “he” is these lines: “You fancy me mad. Madmen know nothing”. This isn’t one hundred percent proof that the narrator is male, so it’s important to consider the possibility that the narrator is female. But, for now, we are clinging to those lines to get out of having to use the awkward “he/she.”

Analyze irony:

So his decision to murder the old man, while at the same time claiming to love him, is an example of saying the opposite of what is really meant. Another example of irony in this story is dramatic irony. The readers are aware of the plot, that the narrator has to kill the old man, but the old man is completely unaware.

Analyze symbolism:

 

The Eye – There are many symbolic interpretations of the old man’s eye: (1) The eye represents the “I”; that is, it represents the essence of the old man; (2) The eye holds mysterious powers, according to the narrator, and may symbolize the inability of the narrator to hide his secret sins; (3) The old man’s eye is “pale blue, with a film over it,” indicating a lack of visual clarity and reliability.

An overall evaluation:

I do not like this type of stories, to much evil and craziness, maybe someone who likes to read fiction would like it but its a good story overall, well confusing writing and good crazy characters. 

 

 

 

 

 

Name of the restaurant: BJ’S Restaurant Brewhouse

Location: 23002 Eureka Rd Taylor, Mi. 48180 /Phone Number: 734-720-8800

I visited this restaurant with my son, it’s newly open this year 2018 and is located Dowriver, average safety neighborhood and about 15 minutes from my house, parking is spacious and big.  I found out that the owners are two brothers and the executive chef is a women. My first impression after i saw the menu was “I love it”!! not to mention the great bar and style, is an open space style with different size of sections, nice relax atmosphere, the space between the tables is good, I really liked how comfortable you can walk between tables. Bathrooms are clean.  I think the waiting area it’s not big enough considering the size of the restaurant, you can get on the way of other people and employees while you waiting for a table.

Restaurant Story

The first BJ’s restaurant was opened in 1978 in Orange County, California and centered on bringing the unique flavor of deep-dish pizza to California. The Company acquired the original BJ’s restaurants in 1995 from the original owners. Our initial public offering of common stock occurred in 1996. Over the years we expanded the BJ’s concept from its beginnings as a small pizzeria to a full service, high energy casual dining restaurant with over 100 menu items, including appetizers, specialty salads, soups, pastas, sandwiches, entrees and desserts. In 1996, we introduced our own handcrafted beers through our first BJ’s Restaurant & Brewery in Brea, California and today our brewing team continues to passionately brew a variety of award-winning handcrafted beers you can enjoy on tap every day. In addition to our ten regular signature beers, including BJ’s Brewhouse Blonde and Jeremiah Red, we also offer regular seasonal beers such as BJ’s Pumpkin Ale and Annual Grand Cru, and even experimental beers that we brew out of our award winning Boulder, CO brewery.

They operate 6 breweries that supply our restaurants with our beers, our main breweries being in Reno, NV and Temple, TX. Their other breweries are found in Brea and West Covina in California, Chandler in Arizona, and their test brewery in Boulder, Colorado.

BJ’s Restaurants, Inc. owns and operates 200 restaurants as of June 2018, located the 27 states of Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and Washington. Each of our restaurants is operated either as a BJ’s Restaurant & Brewery ® which includes a brewery within the restaurant, a BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse ® which receives the beer it sells from one of our breweries or independent third party brewers of our proprietary beer recipes, or a BJ’s Pizza & Grill ® which is a smaller format, full service restaurant with a more limited menu than our other restaurants. Our menu features our BJ’s ® award-winning, signature deep-dish pizza, our own handcrafted beers as well as a wide selection of appetizers, entrees, pastas, sandwiches, specialty salads and desserts including our unique Pizookie ® dessert. Several of our BJ’s Restaurant & Brewery restaurants feature in-house brewing facilities where BJ’s proprietary handcrafted beers are produced for many of our restaurants. 

Sevice and more

No reservation is required, however is a waiting time. We were there on a Sunday for dinner and it was packed, surprisingly the waiting time was only twenty min. The front desk has two hostess, one for taking your name and phone number and another one who tells you when your table is ready. It was quick and friendly, our waiter was a lady, she gave us a nice welcome but I felt she was tired and not that happy, took long to come to the table after we had our food.

The menu is attractive and well done designed, easy to understand, booklet style, nice colorful pictures with plenty of choices and number of calories included for each meal. The prices are reasonable for its quality and healthy food in compare to other restaurants where prices are lower but not good quality and more like fast food taste. I Really enjoyed my dinner, very good taste and portion for me, for people who eat a lot, maybe some sides will have to be added and some dessert but I still think is well designed, that way costumers will have appetizers, dinner and delicious dessert which i think is a good strategy. I couldn’t  get over the menu, i wanted to try everything. Range prices are form $28.00 prime rib to $2.00 for mushrooms topping. I have taste the salmon, chicken and some appetizers. W end up spending $65.00 including soft drink and beer. I definitely can’t afford to be there every weekend but is place i will pick for a good time and food.

Brownie with ice cream – YUMMY!!!

Extensive choices of beer and delicious desserts and individual pizza, good for and drinks for all.

Chicken wings for appetizer and choices of  meat and sea food. Grill vegetables and season fries, very good. I loved the fresh taste of everything.

 

The service is fast overall, could be little faster. I notice there is not too many families with kids but certainly its all kinds of people, gender and age. Dress code is casual, all major credit cards are accepted. Web page offers order on line, catering and a section for offers and events, very classy easy to navigate. As a right now BJ’s is one of my favorite restaurants to go with family and friends.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.- Someone who has impacted me individually

Rebecca Lopez

 

My aunt Rebecca is a nun, she is one of the most important persons who, still to this day, has impacted my life. I remember her as my favorite aunt because when I was little she would look up for me and my brothers. She is my Dad’s sister and since she is a nun she will talked to my Dad about the importance of going to school because at one point my Dad dint care much about me and my brothers going to school. She is one of the reasons I went to catholic schools and continue my education to high school.

When I was growing up my aunt Rebecca will visit us for holidays and summer vacations and I remember how happy I will be to see her because she will take me to do her errands and I will be out of the house all day with my Dads approval. My aunt is a teacher, mostly, for elementary school and often she will help me to spell and talk correctly. She will take me to church every day she was in town. We will talked about life and she will give me her expertise advice.

Her Mon die when she was little just like it happen to me so that always make her empathetic towards me and my brothers. She will come with presents, my favorite presents from when I was a little girl came from her, have her close to me will always make me fill well and confident.

For my high school years I went out of town to a catholic school thanks to my aunt and she was the only one who visited me in 3 years I stayed in the dorms, she will call me and provided me with personal supplies, she guided me for most of my life. I love her.

2.- Someone who has impacted many people

Louis Hay

Louise Hay is also known as one of the founders of the self-help movement. Her first book, Heal your body, was published in 1976, long before it was fashionable to discuss the connection between the mind and body. Revised and expanded in 1988, this best-selling book introduced Louise’s concepts to people in 33 different countries and has been translated into 25 languages throughout the world.

Through Louise’s healing techniques and positive philosophy, millions have learned how to create more of what they want in their lives, including more wellness in their bodies, minds, and spirits. Her own personal philosophy was forged from her tormented upbringing. Her childhood was unstable and impoverished, and her teen years were marked by abuse. Louise ran away from home and ended up in New York City, where she became a model and married a prosperous businessman. Although it appeared that her life had turned around, it was not until the marriage ended 14 years later that her healing really began.

Every time I think of my bucket list, I get excited because everything is possible. Here are my ten, no particular order.

1.- Skydiving

I really want to do it. It’s expensive, and I was told that once you are on the plane you gotta jump because money is not refundable, $500 dollars at least is the cost. When I think about it and watch videos I get mix feelings, either I will get a heart attack or pass out before I jump from the plane (I’m laughing out loud). I hope is neither one and soon get the opportunity to do it. Some family members and friends already did skydiving and they love it. The fact that I’m not jumping alone, that someone will be on my back makes me feel secure. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.- Travel to Holy Land

 

When I was a little girl I use to go to religion classes and I learned the story of Jesus Christ and since than I have the desire to visit Holy Land.  For some reason I like the feeling of places with lots of history, magical places that can amaze me and give me the feeling of peace. I am a curios person with desired to now the world.  The Holy Land is an area roughly located between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea that also includes the Eastern Bank of the Jordan River. Traditionally, it is synonymous with both the biblical Land of Israel and historical Palestine. 

For Christians, the Land of Israel is considered holy because of its association with the birth, ministry, crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, whom Christians regard as the Savior or Messiah, and because it is the land of his people, the Jews (according to the Bible).

 

 

3.- Get a big boat

Last summer, some family, friends and I took a ride on a boat, the feeling of freedom and the breeze on my face is the best feeling. Its always been in my mind to get a boat, a big one with all the equipment and comfort to go for a long trip and end up in a island. I also would like to learn how to drive it  and learn all about boats. Spend some holidays and make birthday party’s on a boat will be awesome. I feel like some of my buckets list things are dreams but still buying a boat is something i would love to do if i ever have the money, if is not possible i will be fine with taking a cruise to an island.

 

4.- Ride a Aerostatic Globe (hot air balloon)

In aeronautics, a balloon is an unpowered aerostat, which remains aloft or floats due to its buoyancy. A balloon may be free, moving with the wind, or tethered to a fixed point. It is distinct from an airship, which is a powered aerostat that can propel itself through the air in a controlled manner.

Just by looking at the pictures it’s excited. I want to do this because seems to be relaxing, fun and enjoyable. I like open spaces and heights.

 

5.- Take a long cruise to all over Europe

Traveling is one of my favorite things to do specially to far a way places to learn about their culture and way of living and of course to meet new people. Not only is travel fun; it provides a variety of surprising personal and health benefits. Studies show travel leads to a greater learning capacity, increased feeling of happiness and satisfaction, better family relationships, and even decreased risk of heart disease. The simple act of “getting away from it all” helps people reduce stress, whether it is for a day or a week. Travel can help you relieve stress in the following ways: Fresh air and sunshine are good for our health. Fresh air increases oxygen in our blood and in turn, gives us more energy.

 

6.- Visit all the National Parks in the US

There are 58 national parks in the United States, many of them unsung natural oases full of majestic beauty. And while the marquee parks—Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Yosemite—are well worth visiting, there are drawbacks, namely high admission prices and enormous crowds.

 

7.- Go to a concert to see my favorite singers

Some of my favorite singers are Michael Bolton, Celine Dion, Marc Anthony, Bruno Mars, Elton John, Drake, Rod Stewart, Enrique Iglesias, Alicia Keys and many others, all depends on my mood. I would like to go see them all. Music makes me happy and live concerts are fun and brings excitement.  I have never seen non of my favorite singers except for Enrique Iglesias, the concert was very short but i still enjoy it.

 

 

8.- Visit the Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China is one of the greatest sights in the world — the longest wall in the world, an awe-inspiring feat of ancient defensive architecture.

The Great Wall of China is a series of fortifications made of stone, brick, tamped earth, wood, and other materials, generally built along an east-to-west line across the historical northern borders of China  to protect the Chinese States and empires against the raids and invasions of the various nomadic groups of the Eurasian Steppe with an eye to expansion.

 

 

 

 

I believe in angels and they are represent by the number four. Number four have a special meaning for me, I do not see it often but when i do, I know my parents from haven are are watching over me and my brothers. They are my angels and I know they protect us. My mom was already gone when this pictures was taken.

 

Many people like the number seven, I think is very popular, more than any other number. In religion and even inside the bible, the number seven refers as the infinity number. The most I know about this number is that Jesus said “You should forgive your brother seventy times seven”. Also there is seven wonders in the world, seven continents, seven days a week, seven chakras, there are seven colors on the rainbow.

 

Long time ago I started reading about numbers and their meaning. There are days when I have doubts or feel confused about something and all of the sudden I see 11:11, feels like someone is trying to say “everything is gonna be alright”.

 

06291972.- These numbers are my birthday, if you add it up, you will see as a result the number nine which is another of my favorite number. Nine also has a meaning, it means the end. Most of the times I pay special attention to all numbers that appears on any receipt, any price tag, anything that comes to my hands with numbers, I added up to see which numbers follows me. I believe number are messages.

 

Every where I go and every place I visit, the number two is always present, I don’t have much of memorable days with number two but I do have to say that the number two follows me. When I go to the store and is time to pay, sometimes I add numbers and is when number two appears. I have special love for number two and when is time to pick a number, for any reason, I pick number two. A lot of times when I look at the clock, when I play lottery, when i have appointments, when I look at my bills, when adding numbers, is always the number two present.

The number two has a great significance in the Bible. Number one stands for unity and stands for no differences but the number two is affirmative of the differences that exist. Thus number two says there is another while number one is for no other. The difference that number two represents may be good or may be bad.

Two boys, two loves, two trouble, two characters, two personalities, two opposite sides, two lives. When I had my first kid, I immediately thought about having the second one so it can be two.

Every where I go and every place I visit, the number two is always present, I don’t have much of memorable days with number two but I do have to say that the number two follows me, for example, when I go to the store and is time to pay, sometimes I put numbers together and is when number two appears. I have special love for number two and when is time to pick a number, for any reason, I pick number two. A lot of times when I look at the clock, when I play lottery, when i have appointments, when adding numbers, is always the number two present.

 

 

I would like to share some information about my favorite number.

As the most feminine among all numbers, the 2 is also the most underestimated — at least, when it comes to power and strength. After all, she is almost always gentle, tactful, diplomatic, forgiving and understanding. Certainly, she likes to keep the peace and will avoid confrontations as much as possible.

If you look at the shape of the 2, however, you will recognize a symbolic representation of the ultimate survivor and an extremely resilient force. Her shape, as if bent on a knee with her head and back bowed in humility and servitude, makes it easy to dismiss her as weak and powerless. This is in stark contrast to the power and pride of the mighty and masculine 1, who will not bow for anyone at any price. However, when enough pressure is applied to the powerful warrior we see in the number 1, he will break and shatter and be done with.

On the other hand, when the humble and feminine 2 finds herself under attack and burdened with a crushing weight, she will bend, she will bend as much as needed. And when the weight is removed, her elastic, flexible nature allows her to come right back up, seemingly with little harm done, and she will continue to play her role.

 

I believe that we all should pay more attention to numbers. Numbers can represent something important in our lives. My Favorite number is two, I’m fan of even numbers and my favorite odd number is nine. I know number seven is popular and have a special meaning.

Photo by Black ice on Pexels.com

Thanks for joining me!

Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton