What is the theme of the tell tale heart?

The theme of "The Tell-Tale Heart" by Edgar Allan Poe revolves around the idea of madness and guilt. The narrator of the story is consumed by his own guilt after murdering an old man because of his "vulture-eye." The narrator's obsession with the old man's eye drives him to commit the murder, but ultimately, it is his guilt over the crime that consumes him.

The theme of guilt in "The Tell-Tale Heart" is evident in the narrator's increasing anxiety and paranoia following the murder. He becomes convinced that he can hear the old man's heart beating even after he is dead, leading to his confession to the police. The story explores the destructive power of guilt and the descent into madness that can result from committing a crime.

The theme of madness is also prevalent throughout the story, as the narrator's actions become increasingly irrational and erratic. His inability to control his impulses and his obsession with the old man's eye reveal the depths of his insanity.

Overall, the theme of "The Tell-Tale Heart" highlights the destructive nature of guilt and madness, and the ways in which these emotions can drive a person to commit horrifying acts.