<P> The relationship between the old man and the narrator is ambiguous . Their names , occupations , and places of residence are not given , contrasting with the strict attention to detail in the plot . The narrator may be a servant of the old man 's or , as is more often assumed , his son . In that case , the `` vulture - eye '' of the old man as a father figure may symbolize parental surveillance , or the paternal principles of right and wrong . The murder of the eye , then , is a removal of conscience . The eye may also represent secrecy : only when the eye is found open on the final night , penetrating the veil of secrecy , is the murder carried out . </P>
<P> The relationship between the old man and the narrator is ambiguous . Their names , occupations , and places of residence are not given , contrasting with the strict attention to detail in the plot . The narrator may be a servant of the old man 's or , as is more often assumed , his son . In that case , the `` vulture - eye '' of the old man as a father figure may symbolize parental surveillance , or the paternal principles of right and wrong . The murder of the eye , then , is a removal of conscience . The eye may also represent secrecy : only when the eye is found open on the final night , penetrating the veil of secrecy , is the murder carried out . </P>
what does the eye stand for in the tell tale heart
what does the eye stand for in the tell tale heart
secrecy
secrecy