Title: Unveiling the Madness: Exploring Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Tell-Tale Heart”

Subject: English Literature

Grade Level: 9th-12th

Duration: 60 minutes

Objective: - Analyze the psychological aspects of the narrator in “The Tell-Tale Heart.” - Identify and analyze key literary devices used by Edgar Allan Poe. - Develop critical thinking and interpretation skills through close reading and discussion.

Materials: - Copies of “The Tell-Tale Heart” by Edgar Allan Poe - Whiteboard or chart paper - Markers - Handout with discussion questions (optional)

Procedure:

1. Introduction (5 minutes)
   • Begin the lesson by asking students if they are familiar with Edgar Allan Poe and his works. Briefly discuss his writing style and themes.
   • Introduce “The Tell-Tale Heart” as one of Poe’s most famous short stories, known for its psychological intensity and exploration of the human mind.
2. Pre-Reading Activity (10 minutes)
   • Divide the class into small groups and provide each group with a copy of the story.
   • Ask students to read the first paragraph silently and discuss the following questions:
     • What do you notice about the narrator’s tone and language?
     • What emotions or mental state do you think the narrator is experiencing?
3. Reading and Annotation (20 minutes)
   • Instruct students to read the rest of the story individually, paying close attention to the narrator’s thoughts, actions, and the overall atmosphere created by Poe.
   • Encourage students to annotate the text, highlighting key passages, and making notes about any literary devices they come across.
4. Group Discussion (15 minutes)
   • Bring the class back together and facilitate a discussion using the following questions:
     • How would you describe the narrator’s mental state? What evidence from the text supports your interpretation?
     • What literary devices does Poe use to create suspense and tension in the story?
     • How does the narrator’s obsession with the old man’s eye contribute to the overall theme of madness?
     • What impact does the unreliable narrator have on the reader’s understanding of the story?
5. Closure (10 minutes)
   • Summarize the main points discussed during the group discussion.
   • Ask students to reflect on the significance of the title “The Tell-Tale Heart” and its connection to the story’s themes.
   • Assign a short writing task where students analyze the impact of the unreliable narrator on the story’s meaning.

Extension Activity (optional): - Ask students to research other works by Edgar Allan Poe and choose one to read independently. Have them write a comparative analysis between “The Tell-Tale Heart” and their chosen work, focusing on themes, literary devices, and the portrayal of the human mind.

Note: It is important to be sensitive to students who may find the content of the story disturbing. Provide a safe and supportive environment for discussion, and be prepared to address any concerns or emotions that may arise.