Identify the narrator, who is also the protagonist in Poe's story. When a protagonist tells a story in first person, that is, he uses "I" and "me" and no intervening narrator exists, this signals to the reader that she will receive limited information. The reader only sees inside the protagonist's head, and therefore the protagonist influences the reader's perception of events.
Describe the narrator, either in your head or on paper. Write down how you would describe him to another person, perhaps as mad, insane, nervous or obsessive. Explain how you know this. Underline or copy specific words, phrases or sentences that demonstrate the narrator's character.
Note the character's development in the story. Compare him at the beginning and end of the story and decide whether he progresses or changes in any way. Demonstrate how you know using textual support. Consider why he calls the policemen "villains" in the end, when he, in fact, is a murderer.
Examine how the author builds up tension near the end of the story when the narrator first begins to hear the beating noise. Consider the policemen's role in the rise in tension.
Decide whether the ending is ironic, which means it ends in a manner that's opposite of what you expected. Consider why the author chose this kind of ending, and what effect it has on the story.
Pick out any symbols in the story, such as the watch, hearts, eyes and the lantern. Consider why the author chose these symbols based on how they function in the story. Examine how they enhance the plot, character and theme. For example, analyze why the narrator fixates on the old man's eye and how this demonstrates the narrator's mental instability.