Final Answer:
The narrator of “The Tell-Tale Heart” is undoubtedly insane.
Explanation:
In Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Tell-Tale Heart,” the narrator’s irrational behavior and distorted perceptions clearly indicate his insanity. The narrator’s obsession with the old man’s vulture-like eye, which he claims is the sole reason for wanting to murder him, demonstrates his irrationality.
Additionally, the meticulous planning and execution of the murder, followed by the delusional belief that he can hear the old man’s heart beating even after his death, further solidify the narrator’s insanity. These elements collectively emphasize the narrator’s disturbed mental state and reinforce the central theme of madness in the story.
Furthermore, the unreliable nature of the narrator’s account raises questions about his sanity. His erratic behavior, including his attempts to justify his actions while simultaneously acknowledging their irrationality, adds to the portrayal of his unstable mental condition.
The intense guilt and paranoia that eventually drive him to confess to the crime further highlight his deteriorating mental state. Overall, through a careful analysis of the narrator’s thoughts and actions, it becomes evident that his insanity is a central and compelling aspect of “The Tell-Tale Heart.