Question

Consider the point of view used in Edgar Allan Poe’s short story "The Tell-Tale Heart." In a 150-word paragraph, explain how the story might have been different if it were written in a different point of view. Use examples from the story to support your answer.

Answer 1

Your answer should include these points:

The story uses first-person point of view.

The use of first-person point of view puts the reader in the mind of the story’s narrator.

The first-person narrator is mentally unstable, so he is an unreliable narrator.

If the story were written in another point of view, it would change the experience for the reader. For example, if it were written in third-person omniscient point of view, the reader would know the thoughts of the other characters, not just the main character.

Step-by-step explanation:

Just answered the question, this is the PLATOS answer

Answer 2

The story uses first-person point of view which puts the reader in the mind of the story’s narrator. The first-person narrator is mentally unstable and delusional, therefore he is unreliable as a narrator, yet it is the experience the author wanted to convey. The story, if not written in first-person, would not have the same effect on the reader experiencing the unstable mind of the narrator and would simply change the overall experience.

If it was written in second person, someone else, such as a loved one or an accomplice, would have to witness the event and be close to the narrator. If it was from the old man's perspective, it wouldn't be as fulfilling or detail-filled as first-person because he was most likely unsuspecting throughout the story. It also would've been cut short due to his death. If it was from an accomplice's perspective, we wouldn't have gotten the narrator's personal thoughts and feelings unless they were shared directly.

If it was written in third-person limited, the reader would most likely read the same words but it wouldn't come from the narrator himself. If it was written in third-person omniscient, we would get the narrator's experience, as well as the old man's, the police officers', or the neighbor(s) who heard the shriek. If it was third-person objective, the reader wouldn't be able to know the personal thoughts or feelings of any of the characters. (253 words)

This is my personal answer. It includes responses for all different points of view. I slightly edited it to include the points the answer should include according to Edmentum:

• The story uses first-person point of view.
• The use of first-person point of view puts the reader in the mind of the story’s narrator.
• The first-person narrator is mentally unstable, so he is an unreliable narrator.
• If the story were written in another point of view, it would change the experience for the reader. For example, if it were written in third-person omniscient point of view, the reader would know the thoughts of the other characters, not just the main character.

I hope this helps!