The Tell-Tale Heart

Figurative Language Graphic Organizer

Independent Assignment
Reading: Literature
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.8.4
Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text,
including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of specific
word choices on meaning and tone, including analogies or allusions to other
texts.
Time for completion: 2 days (due: _______________ )

Directions: Read through Edgar Allan Poes short story The Tell-Tale Heart.
After reading, you will be asked to identify the following figurative language
devices from the story: simile, metaphor, alliteration, personification,
onomatopoeia, and hyperbole. On the graphic organizer, you will copy down
the quote that contains the figurative language in MLA format (use
paragraph# instead of page# for the purpose of this assignment) and place
it on the left side under Quote from Text. Under Reaction/Connection, you
will identify the type of figurative language that is represented in the quote,
explain its effect and how it contributes to the overall meaning of the text,
and share your personal reactions to the quote. If one of the devices above
were not found in the story, write it on the back along with your own
example. See my sample entry below.
Hint: Read through the story at least twice to make sure you havent missed
anything and highlight figurative language as it shows up so you can easily
find it later. Use the rubric to help guide your work.
Quotes from Text
He had the eye of
a vulture-a pale
blue eye, with a
film over it (2).

Reaction/Connection
Metaphor-Because the vulture is a bird of prey, by
making the comparison between the old mans eye to
that of a vultures, the speaker is likening the old man
to a predator who always watches and waits to feast
upon a carcass. In this case, the speaker would be the
carcass and this explains his fear and serves as
justification for why he kills the old man. By using this
metaphor, readers are able to clearly envision how the
speaker feels towards this old man. As soon as I read
this, I could sympathize with how the speaker might
feel uneasy; in fact, I felt quite uneasy myself. This
uneasy feeling lent itself to creating an ominous
mood.