The Tell-Tale Heart Vocabulary Quiz

1. What is the meaning of foresight?

Seeing and planning for the future

Four eyed

Forgetful

"Foresight" means seeing and planning for the future. It involves the ability to anticipate and prepare for future events or outcomes. In "The Tell-Tale Heart," the narrator lacks foresight, as they fail to consider the consequences of their actions before committing the murder of the old man. It's like having a clear vision of what might happen in the future and taking appropriate actions to prepare for it. So, "foresight" reflects the ability to think ahead and make decisions based on potential future outcomes.

Explanation

"Foresight" means seeing and planning for the future. It involves the ability to anticipate and prepare for future events or outcomes. In "The Tell-Tale Heart," the narrator lacks foresight, as they fail to consider the consequences of their actions before committing the murder of the old man. It's like having a clear vision of what might happen in the future and taking appropriate actions to prepare for it. So, "foresight" reflects the ability to think ahead and make decisions based on potential future outcomes.

2. What is the meaning of vexed?

Annoyed, disturbed

Amused, entertained

Careful, cautiour

"Vexed" means feeling annoyed or disturbed. When something vexes you, it bothers or irritates you, making you feel uneasy or upset. In "The Tell-Tale Heart," the narrator is vexed by the old man's eye, which troubles him greatly. This word captures the narrator's intense feelings of discomfort and agitation towards the eye. It's like when a small problem keeps bothering you and won't go away, causing you to feel increasingly uneasy. So, in the context of the story, "vexed" reflects the narrator's growing sense of unease and agitation, adding to the eerie atmosphere of the narrative.

Explanation

"Vexed" means feeling annoyed or disturbed. When something vexes you, it bothers or irritates you, making you feel uneasy or upset. In "The Tell-Tale Heart," the narrator is vexed by the old man's eye, which troubles him greatly. This word captures the narrator's intense feelings of discomfort and agitation towards the eye. It's like when a small problem keeps bothering you and won't go away, causing you to feel increasingly uneasy. So, in the context of the story, "vexed" reflects the narrator's growing sense of unease and agitation, adding to the eerie atmosphere of the narrative.

3. What is the meaning of word crevice?

A plank of wood

A lantern, a light

A crack, an opening

"Crevice" refers to a crack or an opening, usually on a surface or between two objects. In "The Tell-Tale Heart," the narrator describes how they carefully observed the old man through a small crevice in the door before carrying out their plan. It's like a narrow opening or gap that allows for observation or passage. So, "crevice" reflects the physical space or opening through which the narrator spies on the old man, adding to the suspense and tension of the story.

Explanation

"Crevice" refers to a crack or an opening, usually on a surface or between two objects. In "The Tell-Tale Heart," the narrator describes how they carefully observed the old man through a small crevice in the door before carrying out their plan. It's like a narrow opening or gap that allows for observation or passage. So, "crevice" reflects the physical space or opening through which the narrator spies on the old man, adding to the suspense and tension of the story.

4. What is the meaning of word precautions?

Noises

Safeguards

Tickings

"Precautions" means safeguards. It refers to measures taken in advance to prevent something undesirable from happening. In "The Tell-Tale Heart," the narrator takes precautions to ensure they won't be caught while carrying out their plan to murder the old man. It's like when you take steps to protect yourself or others from harm. So, "precautions" reflect the actions the narrator takes to safeguard their secrecy and avoid detection, highlighting their careful planning and cunning nature.

Explanation

"Precautions" means safeguards. It refers to measures taken in advance to prevent something undesirable from happening. In "The Tell-Tale Heart," the narrator takes precautions to ensure they won't be caught while carrying out their plan to murder the old man. It's like when you take steps to protect yourself or others from harm. So, "precautions" reflect the actions the narrator takes to safeguard their secrecy and avoid detection, highlighting their careful planning and cunning nature.

5. What is the meaning of word mortal?

Related to the eye

Related to the heart

Related to death, fatal

"Mortal" is related to death or being fatal. It describes something that can cause death or has to do with the end of life. In "The Tell-Tale Heart," the narrator considers the old man's eye as mortal, meaning it's connected to the idea of death or fatal consequences. It's like when something has the power to cause harm or bring about the end of life. So, "mortal" reflects the narrator's perception of the eye as something linked to death or fatal outcomes, adding to the ominous atmosphere of the story.

Explanation

"Mortal" is related to death or being fatal. It describes something that can cause death or has to do with the end of life. In "The Tell-Tale Heart," the narrator considers the old man's eye as mortal, meaning it's connected to the idea of death or fatal consequences. It's like when something has the power to cause harm or bring about the end of life. So, "mortal" reflects the narrator's perception of the eye as something linked to death or fatal outcomes, adding to the ominous atmosphere of the story.

6. What is the meaning of acute?

Pretty, lovely

Dull, poor

Sharp, excellent

The word "acute" means sharp or excellent. It describes something that is very intense, keen, or perceptive. In "The Tell-Tale Heart," the narrator experiences acute senses, particularly when they hear the beating of the old man's heart. This heightened sensitivity contributes to the suspense and tension of the story. It's like when you have a very sharp or keen sense of hearing, allowing you to notice even the slightest sound. So, "acute" reflects the narrator's heightened perception and awareness, emphasizing their intense focus on the heartbeat.

Explanation

The word "acute" means sharp or excellent. It describes something that is very intense, keen, or perceptive. In "The Tell-Tale Heart," the narrator experiences acute senses, particularly when they hear the beating of the old man's heart. This heightened sensitivity contributes to the suspense and tension of the story. It's like when you have a very sharp or keen sense of hearing, allowing you to notice even the slightest sound. So, "acute" reflects the narrator's heightened perception and awareness, emphasizing their intense focus on the heartbeat.

7. What is the meaning of word concealment?

Hidden, hiding

Dragging, pulling

Opening, cracking

Concealment refers to the act of hiding or keeping something secret. It involves intentionally keeping something out of sight or preventing others from discovering it. The word "hidden" accurately captures this meaning, as it signifies something that is not easily seen or known. Similarly, "hiding" is a synonym for concealment, emphasizing the action of intentionally covering or disguising something to keep it from being found or noticed.

Explanation

Concealment refers to the act of hiding or keeping something secret. It involves intentionally keeping something out of sight or preventing others from discovering it. The word "hidden" accurately captures this meaning, as it signifies something that is not easily seen or known. Similarly, "hiding" is a synonym for concealment, emphasizing the action of intentionally covering or disguising something to keep it from being found or noticed.

8. What is the meaning of word resolved?

Made a firm decision

Dissolved

Smothered

"Resolved" means making a firm decision. It describes the act of deciding firmly or firmly committing to a course of action. In "The Tell-Tale Heart," the narrator becomes resolved to carry out their plan to murder the old man. It's like when you firmly decide to do something and are determined to see it through. So, "resolved" reflects the narrator's determination and firm commitment to their sinister intentions, driving the narrative towards its chilling climax.

Explanation

"Resolved" means making a firm decision. It describes the act of deciding firmly or firmly committing to a course of action. In "The Tell-Tale Heart," the narrator becomes resolved to carry out their plan to murder the old man. It's like when you firmly decide to do something and are determined to see it through. So, "resolved" reflects the narrator's determination and firm commitment to their sinister intentions, driving the narrative towards its chilling climax.

9. What is the meaning of word unperceived?

Not noticed, unseen

Not alive, dead

Not seeing, blind

"Unperceived" means not noticed or unseen. It describes something that goes unnoticed or is not perceived by others. In "The Tell-Tale Heart," the narrator's actions to murder the old man are done in such a way that they remain unperceived by others, at least initially. It's like when something happens without anyone realizing or paying attention to it. So, "unperceived" reflects the idea of something being hidden or unnoticed, which plays a crucial role in the unfolding of the story's events.

Explanation

"Unperceived" means not noticed or unseen. It describes something that goes unnoticed or is not perceived by others. In "The Tell-Tale Heart," the narrator's actions to murder the old man are done in such a way that they remain unperceived by others, at least initially. It's like when something happens without anyone realizing or paying attention to it. So, "unperceived" reflects the idea of something being hidden or unnoticed, which plays a crucial role in the unfolding of the story's events.

10. What is the meaning of word gasped?

Grasped, grabbed

Panted, greathed noisily

Blinked

"Gasped" means panted or breathed noisily, often due to surprise, shock, or exertion. In "The Tell-Tale Heart," the narrator gasps as they hear the old man's heartbeat, indicating their shock and fear. It's like when someone breathes in sharply and audibly, often in response to something unexpected or intense. So, "gasped" reflects the narrator's sudden intake of breath, highlighting their heightened emotional state and the impact of the sound on their psyche.

Explanation

"Gasped" means panted or breathed noisily, often due to surprise, shock, or exertion. In "The Tell-Tale Heart," the narrator gasps as they hear the old man's heartbeat, indicating their shock and fear. It's like when someone breathes in sharply and audibly, often in response to something unexpected or intense. So, "gasped" reflects the narrator's sudden intake of breath, highlighting their heightened emotional state and the impact of the sound on their psyche.

11. What is the meaning of word derision?

Scorn, ridicule, mocking

Praise, compliment

Rising, waking

"Derision" means scorn, ridicule, or mocking. It describes the act of treating someone or something with contempt or disdain. In "The Tell-Tale Heart," the narrator hears the old man's heart beating louder and louder, which fills them with derision as they believe it's a product of the old man's fear. It's like when someone mocks or ridicules something they perceive as weak or foolish. So, "derision" reflects the narrator's scornful attitude towards the old man's supposed fear, adding to the tension and unease of the story.

Explanation

"Derision" means scorn, ridicule, or mocking. It describes the act of treating someone or something with contempt or disdain. In "The Tell-Tale Heart," the narrator hears the old man's heart beating louder and louder, which fills them with derision as they believe it's a product of the old man's fear. It's like when someone mocks or ridicules something they perceive as weak or foolish. So, "derision" reflects the narrator's scornful attitude towards the old man's supposed fear, adding to the tension and unease of the story.

12. What is the meaning of word suppositions?

Guesses, assumptions

Answers, replies

Poundings, beatings

"Suppositions" means guesses or assumptions. It refers to ideas or beliefs that are based on limited evidence or without definite proof. In "The Tell-Tale Heart," the narrator makes suppositions about the old man's feelings and intentions, forming conclusions based on their own perceptions. It's like when you speculate or make educated guesses about something without having all the facts. So, "suppositions" reflect the narrator's tendency to form assumptions or guesses about the old man's thoughts and actions, which ultimately leads to their distorted perception of reality.

Explanation

"Suppositions" means guesses or assumptions. It refers to ideas or beliefs that are based on limited evidence or without definite proof. In "The Tell-Tale Heart," the narrator makes suppositions about the old man's feelings and intentions, forming conclusions based on their own perceptions. It's like when you speculate or make educated guesses about something without having all the facts. So, "suppositions" reflect the narrator's tendency to form assumptions or guesses about the old man's thoughts and actions, which ultimately leads to their distorted perception of reality.

13. What is the meaning of cunningly?

Honestly, openly

Sadly

Slyly, sneakily

The word "cunningly" means slyly or sneakily. It describes someone doing something in a clever and deceitful way, often to achieve their own goals without others noticing. In "The Tell-Tale Heart," the narrator describes how they carefully planned and executed the murder of the old man, showing cunning behavior. It's like when someone is being tricky or deceptive, doing things in a sneaky manner. So, "cunningly" reflects the narrator's craftiness and deceitfulness in carrying out their sinister intentions.

Explanation

The word "cunningly" means slyly or sneakily. It describes someone doing something in a clever and deceitful way, often to achieve their own goals without others noticing. In "The Tell-Tale Heart," the narrator describes how they carefully planned and executed the murder of the old man, showing cunning behavior. It's like when someone is being tricky or deceptive, doing things in a sneaky manner. So, "cunningly" reflects the narrator's craftiness and deceitfulness in carrying out their sinister intentions.

14. What is the meaning of word refrained?

Screamed loudly, shrieked

Let loose, let go

Curbed, restrained, held oneself back

"Refrained" means curbed, restrained, or held oneself back from doing something. In "The Tell-Tale Heart," the narrator refrains from acting impulsively when they visit the old man's room each night. It's like when you stop yourself from doing something, often to avoid a negative consequence or out of a sense of self-control. So, "refrained" reflects the narrator's deliberate decision to restrain themselves from immediately carrying out their plan, adding to the buildup of suspense in the story.

Explanation

"Refrained" means curbed, restrained, or held oneself back from doing something. In "The Tell-Tale Heart," the narrator refrains from acting impulsively when they visit the old man's room each night. It's like when you stop yourself from doing something, often to avoid a negative consequence or out of a sense of self-control. So, "refrained" reflects the narrator's deliberate decision to restrain themselves from immediately carrying out their plan, adding to the buildup of suspense in the story.

15. What is the meaning of word fluently?

Sickly, close to death

With great effort

Effortlessly, without effort

"Fluently" means effortlessly or without effort. It describes the ability to do something smoothly and with ease. In "The Tell-Tale Heart," the narrator recounts how they carefully opened the door to the old man's room, moving fluently to avoid making noise. It's like when someone performs a task smoothly and without any difficulty. So, "fluently" reflects the ease and smoothness with which the narrator carries out their actions, emphasizing their calculated and deliberate approach to executing their plan.

Explanation

"Fluently" means effortlessly or without effort. It describes the ability to do something smoothly and with ease. In "The Tell-Tale Heart," the narrator recounts how they carefully opened the door to the old man's room, moving fluently to avoid making noise. It's like when someone performs a task smoothly and without any difficulty. So, "fluently" reflects the ease and smoothness with which the narrator carries out their actions, emphasizing their calculated and deliberate approach to executing their plan.

16. What is the meaning of word hypocritically?

Carefully, cautiously

Hypnotically

Insincerely, dishonestly

"Hypocritically" means insincerely or dishonestly. It describes behavior that contradicts one's stated beliefs or principles. In "The Tell-Tale Heart," the narrator hypocritically pretends to care for the old man while harboring murderous intentions. It's like when someone says one thing but does the opposite, showing insincerity or dishonesty. So, "hypocritically" reflects the narrator's deceptive behavior and false facade, highlighting the contrast between their outward actions and inner thoughts.

Explanation

"Hypocritically" means insincerely or dishonestly. It describes behavior that contradicts one's stated beliefs or principles. In "The Tell-Tale Heart," the narrator hypocritically pretends to care for the old man while harboring murderous intentions. It's like when someone says one thing but does the opposite, showing insincerity or dishonesty. So, "hypocritically" reflects the narrator's deceptive behavior and false facade, highlighting the contrast between their outward actions and inner thoughts.

17. What is the meaning of word sagacity?

Slumping, sagging

Wisdom, knowledge

Deadliness

"Sagacity" refers to wisdom or knowledge. It describes the quality of being wise, discerning or having good judgment. In "The Tell-Tale Heart," the narrator lacks sagacity as they fail to understand the consequences of their actions and the implications of their guilt. It's like when someone shows great insight or understanding, making wise decisions based on their knowledge and experience. So, "sagacity" reflects the ability to think wisely and make sound judgments, which the narrator lacks, leading to their downfall in the story.

Explanation

"Sagacity" refers to wisdom or knowledge. It describes the quality of being wise, discerning or having good judgment. In "The Tell-Tale Heart," the narrator lacks sagacity as they fail to understand the consequences of their actions and the implications of their guilt. It's like when someone shows great insight or understanding, making wise decisions based on their knowledge and experience. So, "sagacity" reflects the ability to think wisely and make sound judgments, which the narrator lacks, leading to their downfall in the story.

18. What is the meaning of word reposed?

Rested

Arrested

Deposed

"Reposed" signifies being at rest or in a state of relaxation, indicating a sense of calmness and tranquility. In "The Tell-Tale Heart," the narrator describes how the old man reposed in bed before they carried out their sinister deed. This word suggests a peaceful state, contrasting sharply with the tension and turmoil that the narrator experiences. It's like when someone is peacefully resting, unaware of impending danger or disturbance. Thus, "reposed" highlights the contrast between the old man's peaceful state and the narrator's disturbed mind, adding to the chilling atmosphere of the story's unfolding events.

Explanation

"Reposed" signifies being at rest or in a state of relaxation, indicating a sense of calmness and tranquility. In "The Tell-Tale Heart," the narrator describes how the old man reposed in bed before they carried out their sinister deed. This word suggests a peaceful state, contrasting sharply with the tension and turmoil that the narrator experiences. It's like when someone is peacefully resting, unaware of impending danger or disturbance. Thus, "reposed" highlights the contrast between the old man's peaceful state and the narrator's disturbed mind, adding to the chilling atmosphere of the story's unfolding events.

19. What is the meaning of word stimulates?

Opens, enters

Smothers, stifles

Spurs to action or activity, goads

"Stimulates" means spurs to action or activity, goads. It describes something that prompts or encourages a response or activity. In "The Tell-Tale Heart," the narrator's guilt stimulates their senses, causing them to hear the old man's heartbeat even after his death. It's like when something triggers a reaction or motivates someone to do something. So, "stimulates" reflects the idea of something provoking a response or action, in this case, the narrator's guilt driving them to perceive the sound of the heartbeat.

Explanation

"Stimulates" means spurs to action or activity, goads. It describes something that prompts or encourages a response or activity. In "The Tell-Tale Heart," the narrator's guilt stimulates their senses, causing them to hear the old man's heartbeat even after his death. It's like when something triggers a reaction or motivates someone to do something. So, "stimulates" reflects the idea of something provoking a response or action, in this case, the narrator's guilt driving them to perceive the sound of the heartbeat.

20. What is the meaning of word awe?

A feeling of wonder or dread

A feeling happiness

A feeling of being powerful

"Awe" refers to a feeling of wonder or dread. It's an intense emotion often triggered by something grand, majestic, or terrifying. In "The Tell-Tale Heart," the narrator experiences awe when they hear the old man's heartbeat, which fills them with a sense of both wonder and dread. It's like being amazed and scared at the same time, feeling overwhelmed by something extraordinary or frightening. So, "awe" reflects the narrator's powerful emotional response to the unsettling sound of the heartbeat, adding to the tension and suspense of the story.

Explanation

"Awe" refers to a feeling of wonder or dread. It's an intense emotion often triggered by something grand, majestic, or terrifying. In "The Tell-Tale Heart," the narrator experiences awe when they hear the old man's heartbeat, which fills them with a sense of both wonder and dread. It's like being amazed and scared at the same time, feeling overwhelmed by something extraordinary or frightening. So, "awe" reflects the narrator's powerful emotional response to the unsettling sound of the heartbeat, adding to the tension and suspense of the story.

21. What is the meaning of word vehemently?

Forcefully, intensly

Quietly, silently

Carefully, cautiously

"Vehemently" means forcefully or intensely. It describes an action or expression done with great energy or passion. In "The Tell-Tale Heart," the narrator denies their madness vehemently, expressing their denial with strong emotion and conviction. It's like when someone strongly defends their position or viewpoint, often with passion or determination. So, "vehemently" reflects the narrator's intense and forceful denial, emphasizing their strong emotions and the depth of their conviction about their sanity.

Explanation

"Vehemently" means forcefully or intensely. It describes an action or expression done with great energy or passion. In "The Tell-Tale Heart," the narrator denies their madness vehemently, expressing their denial with strong emotion and conviction. It's like when someone strongly defends their position or viewpoint, often with passion or determination. So, "vehemently" reflects the narrator's intense and forceful denial, emphasizing their strong emotions and the depth of their conviction about their sanity.

22. What is the meaning of word scantlings?

Noises

Large amounts

Small amounts

"Scantlings" refer to small amounts or quantities of something. In "The Tell-Tale Heart," the narrator describes hearing the old man's groans, which they attribute to the wind rattling the scantlings of the room. This suggests that there are only small pieces or quantities of material making up the structure of the room. So, "scantlings" denotes limited or small amounts, contrasting with "large amounts" or "noises," and emphasizes the narrator's acute perception of even minor sounds in their environment.

Explanation

"Scantlings" refer to small amounts or quantities of something. In "The Tell-Tale Heart," the narrator describes hearing the old man's groans, which they attribute to the wind rattling the scantlings of the room. This suggests that there are only small pieces or quantities of material making up the structure of the room. So, "scantlings" denotes limited or small amounts, contrasting with "large amounts" or "noises," and emphasizes the narrator's acute perception of even minor sounds in their environment.

23. What is the meaning of word waned?

Decreased, declined

Increased, inclined

Confused, mixed up

"Waned" means decreased or declined. It describes a gradual decrease in intensity or size. In "The Tell-Tale Heart," the narrator's confidence waned as they heard the old man's heart beating louder and louder. It's like when something diminishes or becomes weaker over time. So, "waned" reflects the narrator's diminishing confidence or courage, contrasting with "increased" or "inclined," and adding to the suspense and tension of the story as the narrator's mental state deteriorates.

Explanation

"Waned" means decreased or declined. It describes a gradual decrease in intensity or size. In "The Tell-Tale Heart," the narrator's confidence waned as they heard the old man's heart beating louder and louder. It's like when something diminishes or becomes weaker over time. So, "waned" reflects the narrator's diminishing confidence or courage, contrasting with "increased" or "inclined," and adding to the suspense and tension of the story as the narrator's mental state deteriorates.

24. What is the meaning of dissimulation?

Smothering

Dissection, cutting apart

Deception, disguise

The word "dissimulation" refers to deception or disguise. It involves hiding one's true feelings or intentions behind a false appearance or behavior. In "The Tell-Tale Heart," the narrator practices dissimulation by pretending to be friendly and caring towards the old man while secretly planning his murder. It's like when someone hides their true feelings or intentions behind a mask, deceiving others about their true nature. So, "dissimulation" reflects the narrator's deceptive actions and the facade they maintain to conceal their sinister motives.

Explanation

The word "dissimulation" refers to deception or disguise. It involves hiding one's true feelings or intentions behind a false appearance or behavior. In "The Tell-Tale Heart," the narrator practices dissimulation by pretending to be friendly and caring towards the old man while secretly planning his murder. It's like when someone hides their true feelings or intentions behind a mask, deceiving others about their true nature. So, "dissimulation" reflects the narrator's deceptive actions and the facade they maintain to conceal their sinister motives.

25. What is the meaning of word marrow?

The covering of the eye

The innermost part, core, especially of bones

A chamber of the heart

"Marrow" refers to the innermost part or core of something, especially of bones. In "The Tell-Tale Heart," the narrator mentions hearing the old man's heartbeat with "acute" hearing as if they can hear deep into the very core of the old man's being. It's like reaching the deepest part of something, where its essence lies. So, "marrow" reflects the idea of the innermost core, emphasizing the intensity and closeness of the narrator's perception of the old man's heartbeat.

Explanation

"Marrow" refers to the innermost part or core of something, especially of bones. In "The Tell-Tale Heart," the narrator mentions hearing the old man's heartbeat with "acute" hearing as if they can hear deep into the very core of the old man's being. It's like reaching the deepest part of something, where its essence lies. So, "marrow" reflects the idea of the innermost core, emphasizing the intensity and closeness of the narrator's perception of the old man's heartbeat.

The Tell-tale Heart Vocabulary Quiz