After reading "The Black Cat" by Edgar Allen Poe, answer the following analysis questions in detail.  Refer to the background information about Gothic Literature and its characteristics to analyze the character of the old man and his relationship with the black cat.

 

1. List 3 thoughts the old man had that demonstrates his psychosis.

2. In paragraph 9, explain why the old man killed the cat based on his own "explanation" of his feelings.

3. What was his reaction to killing his wife?  What does this imply about their relationship?

4. Who does he care more about, his wife or the cat?  How do you know? Explain.

5. In paragraph 18, what "battle" does he claim to have won?  How did he "win" and who did he beat?

6. Explain the imagery in the last paragraph.  What key visual words make the scene more gruesome?

7. What "revenge" was the cat getting on the old man?  Explain how a cat can get revenge on a human.