E X T E N S I O N THE BELIEFS IN THE EVIL EYE The Tell-Tale Heart is narrated from the point of view of the main character, who is obsessed by an old man s eye. He describes it as a light blue eye with a film over it, similar to the eye of a vulture1, that makes his blood run cold. It is not the old man that vexes2 him, but his Evil Eye. In this tale Poe probably referred to the belief in the evil eye, which dates back to ancient civilizations and can be found in Greek and Roman myths. It is a very common element of folklore and is present even nowadays in South Asia, the Middle East, the Mediterranean and the Celtic areas of Europe. It is also part of both Muslim and Jewish folklore. The common characteristic of all these beliefs is based upon the power of those who possess the evil eye. There are differences, though, regarding why and how this power is used, as well as its effects. In most forms the why seems to be attributed to the envy3 people feel towards those who have possessions, health, beauty or children. Other people s negative feelings may turn good luck into misfortune. In others, their misfortune is due to the curse4 pronounced by those possessing the evil eye. As to the how, some think that those who possess the evil eye can hurt other people with their gaze5. Some think that they can do so by simply looking at them, even if they have no evil intention. The old English and Scottish word for casting6 the evil eye, overlook , helps us understand better: it means that the eye has simply remained upon the person, animal or thing for too long. The power of the evil eye is so strong that it may produce very negative effects. These can vary from material damage to illness or 1. vulture: large bird that eats the bodies of dead animals. 2. vexes: causes feelings of anger and displeasure. 3. envy: feeling of jealousy for those who have more. 4. curse: words spoken to cause someone s bad luck. 5. gaze: intense, long look. 6. casting: throving. 65