“The Tell Tale Heart”
Essay Outline
Prompt: Prove that “The Tell Tale Heart” is a work of Gothic Literature by identifying
characteristics of the movement in the story.
Sample Outline
I.
Intro
A. Thesis: “The Tell Tale Heart” is a classic work of Gothic Literature.
B. Three Elements of Gothic Literature that the story contains.
II.
Body Paragraph 1
A. Topic Sentence indicating the First element you will be discussing
1. Example: Sleepless, Haunted, etc. (Use your notes on classic
elements of Gothic Literature.)
B. Quote showing that element
C. Explanation of how the quote shows the element.
III.
Body Paragraph 2
A. Topic Sentence indicating the Second element you will be discussing
1. Example: Sleepless, Haunted, etc. (Use your notes on classic
elements of Gothic Literature.)
B. Quote showing that element
C. Explanation of how the quote shows the element.
IV.
Body Paragraph 3
A. Topic Sentence indicating the Third element you will be discussing
1. Example: Sleepless, Haunted, etc. (Use your notes on classic
elements of Gothic Literature.)
B. Quote showing that element
C. Explanation of how the quote shows the element.
V.
Conclusion
A. Discuss how these three elements came together to create a single effect in
the story (Insanity). Think about how the set the tone, mood, setting, etc of
the story.