Question

Read the passage from "the tell-tale heart": how, then, am i mad? hearken! and observe how healthily--how calmly i can tell you the whole story. What is the connotative meaning of the word 'healthily'?

a) Actively
b) Sensibly
c) Warmly
d) Affectionately

Answer 1

The correct answer is option b. The connotative meaning of 'healthily' in 'The Tell-Tale Heart' suggests the narrator's claim of rationality and is best matched with the option 'sensibly'.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the passage from "The Tell-Tale Heart," the word 'healthily' has a connotative meaning that goes beyond its literal definition of being in a state of good physical or mental health. Connotatively, the word 'healthily' can suggest the narrator's claim of sanity and rationality in the face of their actions.

While 'healthily' may initially bring to mind concepts like vigor or wellness, the context here aims to convey a state of mental soundness or reasonability. Hence, the best choice would be b) Sensibly. This option fits the context in which the narrator is trying to assure the reader of their clear and logical thinking despite the grim subject of their story.