Edgar Allan Poe's short story "The Tell-Tale Heart" has been the subject of much debate and analysis since its publication in 1843. The story follows an anonymous narrator who insists about his mental health while describing their obsession with an old man's "vulture eye" and their subsequent murder. The narrator's erratic behavior and the unreliability of his narration have led to questions about the true nature of his sanity. In this essay, we will explore the theme of reason in "The Tell-Tale Heart" and analyze the mental state of the narrator through the prism of various literary and psychological theories. By examining the historical context of mental illness, the unreliable narrator, and the use of symbolism in the story, we will uncover the complexities of the narrator's mental health and the underlying psychological motivations for his actions. Through this analysis, we will ultimately argue that the narrator's apparent madness is more complex than it initially appears and that his actions are motivated by a deeper psychological disturbance. As we delve into the depths of the narrator's mind, we will discover the intricacies of his true mental state and the implications of his actions. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay The first aspect of the narrator's mental health that we will explore is the historical context of mental illness. In the 19th century when “The Tell-Tale Heart” was written, there was a lack of understanding and awareness of mental health issues. This is evident in the narrator's insistence on his own sanity, despite his erratic behavior and violent actions. The lack of understanding of mental illness at the time may have contributed to the narrator's inability to recognize his own mental instability. For example, the narrator's obsession with the old man's "vulture eye" and his meticulous planning of the murder can be seen as symptoms of a deeper psychological disorder, rather than simply the actions of a healthy individual of spirit. This historical context of mental illness provides important insight into the narrator's mental state and challenges the reader to consider the complexities of his apparent insanity. By examining the historical context of mental illness, we are able to see the narrator's actions in a new light and question the true nature of his mental health. Moving forward, we will examine the unreliable nature of the narrator as a key factor in understanding his mental disorders. State. Throughout the story, the narrator constantly emphasizes his own sanity, despite his increasingly erratic behavior. This unreliable narration forces the reader to question the credibility of the narrator and the veracity of his account. The narrator's constant need to reaffirm his own sanity can be seen as a symptom of his deeper psychological troubles, as he is unable to recognize the true nature of his own mental state. Additionally, the unreliable nature of the narrator's account adds layers of complexity to the theme of reason in the story, as it challenges the reader to consider the reliability of the narrator's account. By examining the unreliable nature of the narrator, we can gain a deeper understanding of his mental state and the complexities of his apparent madness. Finally, we will analyze the use of symbolism in "The Tell-Tale Heart" as a means of discovering the true mental state of the narrator. The old man's "vulture eye", which becomes the object of the narrator's obsession, can be seen as a symbol of.