What is the theme of tell tale heart?

The theme of "The Tell-Tale Heart" by Edgar Allan Poe revolves around guilt, paranoia, and the effects of a guilty conscience on the human mind. The story explores the psychological descent into madness of the narrator, whose obsession with a vulture-like eye drives him to commit murder.

The theme of guilt is evident throughout the story as the narrator is haunted by the sound of the old man's heartbeat, which symbolizes his guilt and conscience. The narrator's paranoia about being caught for his crime also contributes to the overall theme of the story.

Furthermore, the theme of obsession is crucial to the narrative, as the narrator's fixation on the old man's eye leads him to commit a heinous act. The story delves into the destructive nature of obsession and how it can consume a person's sanity.

Overall, "The Tell-Tale Heart" explores the themes of guilt, paranoia, obsession, and the impact of a guilty conscience on the human psyche. It is a chilling and suspenseful tale that delves into the darker aspects of the human mind.