Read the excerpt from "The Tell-Tale Heart.”TRUE!—nervous—very, very dreadfully nervous I had been and am; but why will you say that I am mad? The disease had sharpened my senses—not destroyed—not dulled them. Above all was the sense of hearing acute. I heard all things in the heaven and in the earth. I heard many things in hell. How, then, am I mad? Hearken! and observe how healthily—how calmly I can tell you the whole story.Read the excerpt from "The Black Cat.”I not only neglected, but ill-used them. For Pluto, however, I still retained sufficient regard to restrain me from maltreating him, as I made no scruple of maltreating the rabbits, the monkey, or even the dog, when by accident, or through affection, they came in my way. But my disease grew upon me—for what disease is like Alcohol!—and at length even Pluto, who was now becoming old, and consequently somewhat peevish—even Pluto began to experience the effects of my ill temper.
Answer
A
The narrator of the “The Tell-Tale Heart” is horrified by the effects of his disease, but the narrator of “The Black Cat” celebrates the effects of his disease.
B
The narrator of the “The Tell-Tale Heart” denies that he is suffering from a disease, but the narrator of “The Black Cat” is happy with his disease and all of his actions.
C
The narrator of “The Tell-Tale Heart” views his disease as a positive thing, but the narrator of “The Black Cat” admits that the disease made him do terrible things.
D
The narrator of the “The Tell-Tale Heart” is fairly emotionless, but the narrator of “The Black Cat” is suffering from the effects of madness.
Explanation
In “The Tell-Tale Heart,” the narrator says his disease sharpened his senses and insists he can tell the story calmly, showing that he views it as a positive thing rather than admitting to madness. In “The Black Cat,” the narrator says his disease grew upon him and links it to his worsening ill temper and mistreatment of animals. Therefore, choice C best describes the contrast.
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