Reliable and Unreliable Narrator “Tell-Tale Heart”

Narrator The “person” telling the story Could be an animal, like in A Dog’s Life by Ann M. Martin Sometimes a character in the story (first person point of view) Sometimes not a character in the story, but a third party (third person point of view) NOTE: When reading fiction, the narrator is NOT the author of the book!

Reliable and Unreliable Narrators First Person Narration

Reliable Narrator Objective narration: accurately observes and records reality of the story Shares values of the reader; creates trust with the reader Has a lot of knowledge about the events and characters of the story Examples: Capricorn Anderson of Schooled, Katniss Everdeen of The Hunger Games, John Grogan of Marley and Me, Katherine of Rules, Rose in Rain Reign

Unreliable Narrator Subjective Narration Not trustworthy or credible; might lie on purpose out of self-interest. Denies his/her role in events of the story.  Expresses ideas or values reader may find not agree with; lacks a “moral compass.” May be mentally unstable or have a mental disability. Tells events accurately but interprets them in a way that is at odds with the reader. Examples: the group in We Were Liars, Nick in Gone Girl, Rachel in Girl on a Train, Tom Sawyer and Huck in Huckleberry Finn, Christopher in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

“The Tell-Tale Heart” Narrator Step 1: Recall What do we know about this narrator? Brainstorm ideas from the story Step 2: Pass judgment Is the narrator trustworthy? Find evidence Step 3: Determine reliability Reliable or unreliable narrator?

“The Tell- Tale Heart” "It is impossible to say how first the idea entered my brain; but once conceived, it haunted me day and night. Object there was none. Passion there was none. I loved the old man. He had never wronged me. He had never given me insult. For his gold I had no desire. I think it was his eye! yes, it was this! One of his eyes resembled that 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 for ever."

Try with your PCR book… Is your narrator reliable or unreliable? How do you know? Give three pieces of evidence.

More of Poe’s short stories with unreliable narrators… “Cask of Amontillado” “The Black Cat” “Ligeia”