1. From the outset, the narrator vehemently denies being insane. What traits does he claim demonstrate his sanity? Conversely, what traits might suggest he is actually mad?

2. Examine the narrator's explanation of his motive for the crime. Why does he assure the reader that he loves the old man and lacks any logical reason to kill him?

3. Observe how meticulously the narrator plans the old man's murder. How does he go about this? Why does he delay the act for so long?

4. Pay attention to the instances where the narrator identifies with the old man. What is the nature of this identification?

5. Discuss the various references to time in the story—watches, clocks, the passage of time, etc. Why is the narrator so preoccupied with time?

6. Note the narrator's claim that what is perceived as madness is actually an exceptional sharpness of the senses. Which sense is particularly heightened? How is this significant to the story?

7. When the police arrive to investigate, why does the narrator invite them in and encourage them to stay? What does this reveal about his character?

8. If this is not a supernatural story featuring the beating of a dead man's heart, then what ultimately compels the narrator to confess? Explain.