The Black Cat

Question 1

The Black Cat

Conflict & Characterization

Answer 1

Conflict

• Narrator against his wife: The narrator physically and verbally abuses his wife due to his drinking addiction, ultimately leading to her death when she prevents him from killing their second cat.
• Narrator against himself: The narrator’s alcoholism causes him to use violence on his wife and pets, and he feels guilt and remorse after committing these acts.
• Narrator against his surroundings: Due to his addiction, the narrator is often confused and sees his pets as his foes.

Characterization

• The narrator is a round and dynamic character whose behavior and personality change throughout the story, becoming increasingly unpredictable and affected by the spirit of perverseness.

Question 2

The Black Cat

Imagery & Symbolism

Answer 2

Imagery

• Prison (Beginning): Warm and peaceful imagery contrasts with the later animal abuse.
• Alcohol addiction: Dark and ramshackle imagery suggests the narrator’s disturbed mind.
• Killing of Pluto: Shocking and disturbing imagery describes the hanging of a cat.
• Fire at his house (climax): Smoky and shadowy imagery highlights the climax of the story.
• The second cat appears (suspense): Uncertainty surrounds the appearance of the second cat.
• Murder of his wife (outcome): Descriptions of the dark, foul-smelling cellar suggest impending doom.
• The second cat returns (end): Frightening and rotten imagery accompanies the discovery of the wife’s corpse.

Symbolism

• Alcohol: The narrator’s addiction causes him to interpret things differently and blame his problems on his pets and wife.
• Prison: The narrator is trapped physically and mentally by his addiction and suffers from paranoia.