Name: _________________________
Block: ________________________________
“The Tell-Tale Heart” by Edgar Allan Poe WEEK #1
Denotation
What is denotation?
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Directions: Write the denotation of each vocabulary word listed below.
1. dissimulation:
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2. distinctness:
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3. foresight:
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4. sagacity:
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5. wary:
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6. concealment:
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7. suavity:
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8. audacity:
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9. derision:
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10. acute:
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Connotation
What is connotation?
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Directions: Write the connotation of each vocabulary word listed below in relationship to “The
Tell-Tale Heart.”
1. dissimulation:
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2. distinctness:
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3. foresight:
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4. sagacity:
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5. wary:
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6. concealment:
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7. suavity:
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8. audacity:
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9. derision:
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10. acute:
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Synonyms and Antonyms
What are synonyms?
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What are antonyms?
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Directions: Write a synonym and an antonym for each vocabulary word.
Vocabulary Word
dissimulation
distinctness
foresight
sagacity
wary
concealment
suavity
audacity
derision
acute
Synonym
Antonym
Multiple Choice Practice
Directions: Circle the answer that best describes the vocabulary word.
1. When did the narrator fail to show sagacity in Tell-Tale Heart?
a. When he treated the old man very well each morning.
b. When he gave the police a tour of his home.
c. When he showed the police the old man’s treasures.
d. When he confessed the murder to the police.
2. Which of the following is an example of concealment from The Tell-Tale Heart?
a. When the narrator told the police about the murder.
b. When the narrator hid the old man’s body under the floorboards.
c. When the narrator opened his lantern and a stream of light fell on the vulture eye.
d. When the narrator opened the door for the police.
3. Which of the following is an example of audacity?
a. The girl quietly steps into the room and takes a seat in the back.
b. Listening to music using headphones.
c. Showing up late to class every day, even when hall sweeps have been announced.
d. Doing your best on your homework by completing all the required problems.
4. When did the narrator in the Tell-Tale Heart show foresight?
a. When he used a tub to capture the blood from dismembering the old man.
b. When he carried a lantern into the old man’s room every night.
c. When he explained his hatred for the vulture eye.
d. When he heard the beating heart.
5. Derision is described in which of the following?
a. The class applauded Sam’s prize-winning essay on human rights.
b. A difficult choice between two equally beneficial choices.
c. The students surprised their teacher with a bouquet of flowers.
d. John hung his head with shame as the students laughed at his art project.
6. Which of the following is an example of suavity?
a. The gentlemen spilled spaghetti sauce on the front of his tuxedo when he
stumbled.
b. The students ran down the hall, jostling each other and laughing loudly.
c. The hostess circulated around the room, welcoming her guests with grace and
ease.
d. An awkward silence filled the room when the principal entered.
7. Which of the following is the best example of dissimulation?
a. Anita smiled sweetly at Beth, even though she hated her with a passion.
b. The bride and groom read their vows to each other with sincerity.
c. The astronauts practiced landing maneuvers in an underwater simulation.
d. Although it was made from tofu, the veggie burger tasted exactly like an authentic
hamburger.
8. In which of the following situations should a person be wary?
a. When completing a marathon in extreme heat.
b. When using a knife to slice vegetables for the first time.
c. When greeting mutual friends in the hall before lunch.
d. When attending an awards ceremony.
9. Which of the following is the best example of distinctness?
a. The speaker mumbled his way through the twenty-minute speech.
b. The fox used its instincts to search for prey.
c. The students all wore the same color shirt, so it was hard to tell them apart.
d. Each person’s DNA is unique and different.
10. Which of the narrator’s senses was especially acute in The Tell-Tale Heart?
a. Hearing
b. Touch
c. Sight
d. Taste