Anticipating the Future through Texts: Visions — Cumulative exam
Question 46 • Hopkins FA American Literature (2026-2027)
Read the passage from "The Tell-Tale Heart.”I think it was his eye! yes, it was this! He had the eye of a vulture–a pale blue eye, with a film over it. Whenever it fell upon me, my blood ran cold; and so by degrees–very gradually–I made up my mind to take the life of the old man, and thus rid myself of the eye forever. Now this is the point. You fancy me mad. Madmen know nothing. But you should have seen me. You should have seen how wisely I proceeded—with what caution—with what foresight—with what dissimulation I went to work! I was never kinder to the old man than during the whole week before I killed him.
Answer
A
The reader wonders where the old man lives.
B
The reader is waiting to find out details of the murder.
C
The reader envisions a vulture with pale blue eyes.
D
The reader does not know why the old man is killed.
Explanation
The narrator has revealed that he plans to kill the old man, but he has not yet explained how he carries out the murder. His emphasis on proceeding with “caution” and “foresight” builds suspense and makes the reader want to learn what happens next. Therefore, the reader is waiting to find out details of the murder.
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