Question

What evidence do you see that supernatural forces might be at work in ""The Black Cat""? List at least two specific examples. Also explain whether you think the fate of its narrator had more to do with supernatural forces or with his own behavioral and mental state? In your opinion what could he have done to avoid all the horror and pain that he suffered and caused others to suffer?

Answer 1

Answer:

The supernatural elements that can be found in the short story of "The Black Cat" are:

1. The name of the cat 'Pluto' which in Greek mythology is concerned with the god of the underworld and in Latin, the god of the dead.
2. The 'Black' color of the cat which is usually connected with witchcraft.

Explanation:

The Black Cat is a short story written by Edgar Allan Poe. Poe has added some element of supernatural in the story related to the 'Black Cat'.

1. The first element of supernatural force that can be found in the story is the 'Black' color of the cat, which the narrator's wife connected with witchcraft. Superstitiously people connect 'Black' color with evil and witchcraft. Poe has used this element in his story.
2. The second element that Poe has used in this story is the name given to the cat, 'Pluto'. In Greek mythology, Pluto is the god of the underworld and in Latin mythology, the god of the dead is named Pluto.

The fate of the narrator was the result of his behavior and alcoholism. The foreshadowing of his fate can be found in the incident when he cut the eyes of the Pluto in his drunken state and then he hanged Pluto.

This horror could have been avoided if only the narrator would have realized the evil which has entered his heart through alcohol. Because the crimes which he has committed were in his drunken state. This evil overpowered him.