Themes and Symbols in 'The Black Cat'

The video discusses Edgar Allan Poe's 'The Black Cat', a gothic short story exploring themes of guilt, sanity, and superstition. The narrator, an unreliable character, descends into madness due to alcoholism, leading to the murder of his wife. The story highlights the consequences of guilt and perversion, with the supernatural element of a black cat symbolizing the narrator's inner turmoil. The video also compares 'The Black Cat' to Poe's 'The Tell-Tale Heart', emphasizing the theme of concealed guilt leading to self-destruction.

When was 'The Black Cat' by Edgar Allan Poe first published?

• July 4, 1845

• January 1, 1840

• October 31, 1842

• August 19, 1843

Which literary movement is 'The Black Cat' associated with?

• Transcendentalism

• Dark Romanticism

• Realism

• Modernism

How does dark Romanticism differ from transcendentalism?

• It emphasizes human goodness

• It focuses on human fallibility

• It values logic over intuition

• It promotes optimism

What is a central theme in 'The Black Cat'?

• Adventure

• Love

• Guilt

• Freedom

What does the black cat symbolize in the story?

• Luck

• Wisdom

• Guilt

• Wealth

What is the narrator's relationship with animals?

• He fears them

• He loves them

• He is indifferent to them

• He dislikes them

What is the name of the narrator's favorite pet?

• Pluto

• Bella

• Max

• Luna

What leads to the narrator's deteriorating relationships?

• His hobbies

• His travels

• His alcoholism

• His job

What happens to the narrator's house?

• It catches fire

• It is renovated

• It is sold

• It is abandoned

What is unique about the second black cat?

• It has two tails

• It is completely white

• It has a missing eye

• It can speak