Read the excerpt from Poe’s "The Fall of the House of Usher."Shaking this off with a gasp and a struggle, I uplifted myself upon the pillows, and, peering earnestly within the intense darkness of the chamber, hearkened -- I know not why, except that an instinctive spirit prompted me -- to certain low and indefinite sounds which came, through the pauses of the storm, at long intervals, I knew not whence. Overpowered by an intense sentiment of horror, unaccountable yet unendurable, I threw on my clothes with haste.Which word from this excerpt best suggests that the narrator is unreliable?
Answer
A
“Uplifted” suggests the narrator's act of propping against a pillow.
B
“Peering” suggests the narrator's act of looking into the darkness.
C
“Earnestly” shows the narrator's focus and attentiveness.
D
“Overpowered” suggests the narrator’s lack of control.
Explanation
“Overpowered” indicates that the narrator is overwhelmed by an intense, unexplained horror and is not fully in control of his reactions. This makes his perceptions and account seem less dependable. The other words mainly describe physical actions or focused attention, rather than suggesting that his judgment may be affected.
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