Lecture on Edgar Allan Poe's 'The Black Cat'

Overview

• "The Black Cat" is a story by Edgar Allan Poe, renowned for combining themes of reincarnation, perversity, and retribution.
• The story draws on Poe's own experiences with a black cat and explores themes of superstition and witchcraft.
• It first appeared in the Saturday Evening Post and was later included in the Tales of 1845.
• The story was parodied by Thomas Dunn English in "The Ghost of a Grey Tadpole."

Themes

• Reincarnation and Supernatural: The story features elements of witchcraft and the supernatural, such as the second cat's sudden appearance and the growth of a white marking.
• Perversity: The protagonist's descent into evil acts, especially highlighted in the imp of perverseness theme.
• Retribution: The protagonist's actions lead to his downfall, symbolizing a moral and legal comeuppance.

Plot Summary

• Protagonist's Background: Initially characterized by a love for animals, the protagonist's disposition changes due to intemperance, leading to cruelty.
• Pluto: A cherished black cat, symbolic of deeper themes in the story, becomes a victim of the protagonist's growing cruelty.
• Cruelty and Murder: The protagonist descends into madness, ultimately murdering his wife and attempting to conceal her body.
• Supernatural Elements: The protagonist is haunted by the apparition of a second cat, which seems to be a reincarnation or symbol of his guilt.
• Conclusion: The climax occurs when the protagonist's concealed crime is revealed through a supernatural occurrence, leading to his arrest.

Symbolism

• The Cats: Represent guilt and the protagonist's inner turmoil.
• The Gallows Mark: A physical manifestation of the protagonist's guilt and foreshadowing his eventual punishment.

Publication History

• Published in Philadelphia's Saturday Evening Post (1843), then in Tales (1845), and the Pictorial National Library (1848).
• No major changes across its publications, despite some unauthorized variants.

Notable References

• Historical Comparisons: The hanging of the cat and the subsequent events are akin to themes in other literary works, such as "The Cask of Amontillado."
• Philosophical Underpinnings: Links to Poe's other works like "The Imp of the Perverse" and connections to ideas about human depravity and perversity.

Important Notes

• The story reflects Poe's personal experiences, including his tendencies towards self-destructive behavior.
• "The Black Cat" combines realism with supernatural elements, making it a unique narrative on the consequences of guilt and the inevitability of justice.

These notes provide a structured summary of the key themes, plot, symbolism, and publication history of Edgar Allan Poe's "The Black Cat," offering insights into its underlying messages and literary significance.