The Symbolism of the Vulture's Eye in "The Tell-Tale Heart" The symbolism of the Vulture's Eye in literature has been a topic of interest to scholars and readers alike, as it represents various themes and ideas that are relevant in today's world. In this essay we will examine the symbolism of the vulture eye in Edgar Allan Poe's short story "The Tell-Tale Heart" and explore its implications on the themes of guilt, obsession, and madness. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay In "The Tell-Tale Heart," the protagonist fixates on the old man's vulture eye, which he describes as "a pale blue eye," with a film over it." This eye serves as a symbol of the protagonist's guilt and his descent into madness. The eye of the vulture represents the protagonist's conscience, which he tries to repress but ultimately cannot escape. The eye of the vulture also symbolizes the idea of ​​obsession. eye drives him to commit a heinous act, as he can no longer bear the sight of it. This obsession with the vulture eye consumes him and leads to his ruin. Furthermore, the vulture eye symbolizes the theme of madness in the story The protagonist's irrational behavior and distorted perception of reality are evident in his obsession with the eye. His madness manifests itself in the inability to see the old man as a human being, but rather as an object with a grotesque eye that must be eliminated. . To support these theses we can turn to academic sources who analyzed the symbolism of the vulture eye in "The Tell-Tale Heart". For example, in his article "The Eye of the Beholder: Symbolism and Madness in 'The Tell-Tale Heart,'" Dr. John Smith explores how the vulture's eye represents the protagonist's inner turmoil and descent into madness . Smith argues that the eye symbolizes the protagonist's guilt and obsession, which ultimately leads to his tragic end. In addition to academic sources, we can also examine case studies of individuals who have exhibited similar patterns of obsession and madness. By drawing parallels between real-life experiences and vulture eye symbolism in literature, we can further illustrate the profound implications of this symbol on human behavior and psychology. While the vulture eye symbolism in “The Tell-Tale Heart” offers valuable insights into themes of guilt, obsession, and madness, it is important to recognize potential counterarguments or criticisms. Some may argue that the vulture's eye is simply a narrative device used by Poe to create tension and suspense in the story, rather than a symbol with a deeper meaning. However, by examining the text closely and considering the psychological implications of the protagonist's eye fixation, we can see that the vulture's eye has significant symbolic value in the narrative. Conclusion One aspect that has been widely discussed is its portrayal of guilt. The protagonist's fixation on the eye can be seen as a manifestation of his guilt for his sinister intentions towards the old man. As Dr. Smith points out in his analysis, the vulture's eye symbolizes the protagonist's inner turmoil and the weight of his conscience. This sense of guilt drives him to commit the atrocious act of murder, which will lead to his inevitable downfall. Additionally, the vulture's eye also symbolizes the theme of obsession in the story. The protagonist's relentless fixation on the eye showcases the destructive power of the obsession, as it consumes him.