What does the eye symbolize in tell-tale heart?

The eye in Edgar Allan Poe's "The Tell-Tale Heart" signifies the conscience, guilt, and paranoia of the narrator. Here are a few reasons why:

1. The Eye as Moral Conscience: The narrator's repetitive descriptions of the old man's "Evil Eye" suggest a moral dimension. The eye represents the narrator's subconscious recognition of his own evil intentions and actions. It serves as a constant reminder of his guilt, making him feel watched and judged.

2. Haunting Presence: The narrator claims that the old man's eye haunts him, implying that the eye has taken on a life of its own. This haunting presence suggests that the narrator is unable to escape the consequences of his crime. The eye becomes a symbol of the narrator's inner turmoil and psychological distress.

3. Paranoia and Fear: The narrator's obsession with the eye reveals his paranoia and extreme fear. He perceives the eye as a living entity that possesses a threatening gaze. This paranoia reflects his guilty conscience and the fear of being discovered or punished for his actions.

4. Loss of Sanity: As the story progresses, the narrator's fixation on the eye intensifies, indicating his deteriorating mental state. His description of the eye becomes more vivid and hallucinatory, suggesting that his grasp on reality is slipping away.

5. Symbol of Death and Judgment: The eye can be interpreted as a symbol of death and judgment. It represents the narrator's fear of being exposed and subjected to societal or divine judgment for his crime. The eye functions as a constant reminder of the narrator's inevitable downfall and comeuppance.

In essence, the eye in "The Tell-Tale Heart" serves as a powerful symbol that encapsulates the narrator's guilt, paranoia, and moral descent, ultimately leading to his psychological breakdown and confession.