Question

Read the excerpt from "The Tell-Tale Heart" below. Using complete sentences, describe how Edgar Allan Poe begins to establish a mood of terror that will continue throughout the story. In your response, use phrases and words from the excerpt to support your opinion. I could scarcely contain my feelings of triumph. To think that there I was, opening the door, little by little, and he not even to dream of my secret deeds or thoughts. I fairly chuckled at the idea; and perhaps he heard me; for he moved on the bed suddenly, as if startled. Now you may think that I drew back—but no. His room was as black as pitch with the thick darkness, (for the shutters were close fastened, through fear of robbers,) and so I knew that he could not see the opening of the door, and I kept pushing it on steadily, steadily.

Answer 1

Edgar Allan Poe establishes the mood of terror through out the story by using imagery. For example, when he says "His room was as black as pitch with the thick darkness" he creates an image of terror by explaining how dark the room is.