The Novel and the Short Story: Comparative Analysis

A collection of flashcards designed to help review key concepts and critical analyses of 'The Tell-Tale Heart' and 'The Story of an Hour'.

What is the mood influenced by in both 'The Tell-Tale Heart' and 'The Story of an Hour'?

The setting of each story: a dark house at night for 'The Tell-Tale Heart' creates suspense, while a quiet home in the daytime for 'The Story of an Hour' evokes a contrasting atmosphere.

What point of view is used in 'The Tell-Tale Heart'?

First-person narration, which is unreliable and traps the reader inside the murderer’s mind.

How does third-person limited narration affect 'The Story of an Hour'?

It focuses on Mrs. Mallard, controlling what the reader knows and building suspense and irony.

What is the main theme of 'The Tell-Tale Heart'?

Guilt & Madness, conveyed through the thematic statement that guilt will always reveal the truth.

How does irony shape 'The Story of an Hour'?

Through the cruel twist of fate where Mrs. Mallard dies from shock upon finding out her husband is alive, despite the doctors claiming she died of joy.

What literary technique does the heartbeat in 'The Tell-Tale Heart' symbolize?

It symbolizes guilt, reflecting the narrator’s inner turmoil and madness.

What happens in the climax of 'The Tell-Tale Heart'?

The narrator, overwhelmed by panic, smothers the old man he believes is watching him.

What is the resolution twist of 'The Story of an Hour'?

Mrs. Mallard dies from the shock of seeing her husband alive, revealing the irony of her perceived joy.

Which character in 'The Tell-Tale Heart' is described as round and active?

The unnamed narrator, who takes destructive actions driven by madness.

What realization does Mrs. Mallard come to in 'The Story of an Hour'?

She realizes she is free and begins to embrace her new independence.