In the excerpt from "The Tell-Tale Heart" by Edgar Allan Poe, the literary technique used is foreshadowing.
Explanation:
1. Foreshadowing is a literary device where the author gives hints or clues about what will happen later in the story. It builds suspense and prepares the reader for upcoming events.
2. In the excerpt provided, the narrator's statement "It is impossible to say how first the idea entered my brain; but once conceived, it haunted me day and night" foreshadows the narrator's descent into madness and the actions he will later take.
3. Additionally, the narrator's calm demeanor while describing his obsession and lack of rational explanation for his thoughts hint at the dark and unsettling events that will unfold as the story progresses.
4. By using foreshadowing in this excerpt, Edgar Allan Poe creates a sense of unease and sets the stage for the unfolding of a disturbing and suspenseful narrative.
Therefore, the correct literary technique used in the excerpt is foreshadowing.
