Question

Lines 80-93: In what four places does Poe repeat a word or phrase? What idea does the repetition of “to feel” emphasize? What impact does the repetition of the word “stealthily” have?

Answer 1

In this excerpt from “The Tell-Tale Heart,” Poe repeats the words "feel" in lines 85 and 86, and "stealthily" in line 91.

The repetition of the word "feel" is intended to create a pace of suspense and horror, as well as to make the reader feel the emotions the narrator and the old man feel. Thus, repetition represents the beating of the two men's hearts.

The recurrence of the word "stealthily" also suggesst how vile and deceitful the narrator is. In fact, he is entering the old man's house to kill him.