What literary device is used heavily in "The Tell-Tale Heart" by Edgar Allan Poe?

In "The Tell-Tale Heart," Edgar Allan Poe employs unreliable narration as a pivotal literary device. This technique is significant because the story is told from the perspective of an unnamed narrator who insists on their sanity while detailing their obsession with an old man's eye and their subsequent actions. The narrative's psychological complexity leads readers to question the truthfulness and stability of the narrator's account, as their distorted perceptions blur the line between reality and madness. This creates tension and deepens the impact of the story, as readers must grapple with the ambiguity of the narrator's reliability and the implications of their disturbed psyche.

The impact of unreliable narration is enhanced by the story's intense focus on the narrator's thoughts and feelings, drawing readers into their disturbed mind while also provoking skepticism about their version of events. This element heightens the suspense and engages readers in an exploration of themes such as guilt, paranoia, and the nature of madness. Ultimately, the use of unreliable narration is central to the story's psychological horror, as it forces readers to confront not just the fear of the dark deeds that occur, but also the fear of what might lurk in the minds of individuals who seem outwardly composed.