Paper
A Unique Brand of Violence:
Critical Interpretations of Poe’s “The Black Cat”
Edgar Allan Poe’s classic tale, “The Black Cat,” is a disturbing story that delves into the contrasts between reality and fantasy, insanity and logic, and life and death. To decipher one distinct meaning presented in this story undermines the brilliance of Poe’s writing. Multiple meanings can be derived from “The Black Cat,” which lends itself perfectly to many approaches of critical interpretation.
One of the staples of Poe’s writing is the dramatic effect it has on the reader. Poe is known for his masterful use of grotesque, and often morbid, story lines and for his self-destructive characters and their ill-fated intentions. “The Black Cat” is no different from any of his other stories, and thus a Pragmatic/Rhetorial interpretation is obviously very fitting. If Pragmatic/Rhetorical criticism focuses on the effect of a work on its audience, then “The Black Cat” serves as a model for all other horror stories. One of the most intriguing aspects Poe introduces into the story is the black cat itself. The main character initially confesses a partiality toward domestic pets, especially his cat. Most readers can identify with an animal lover, even if they themselves are not. It is not long though before the reader learns of the disease that plagues the main character – alcoholism. Again, the reader can identify with this ailment, but it is hard to imagine that alcoholism could be responsible for the heinous actions made by the main character. In a drunken rage the main character cuts out one of the cat’s eyes with a pen knife, and act at which he even shudders. Then, only after the cat’s slow recovery from that attack, does the man hang the cat from the limb of a tree. The reader is appalled at the disgusting display of violence and disregard for life, and is left seeking an explanation. The man replies with a reason almost as, if not more, disturbing than the act itself: it was done because he knew that it was wrong, because it was a sin that would jeopardize his immortal soul. Poe, though, has just begun to play on the emotions of the reader.
Violent acts committed against animals are a sure way to offend some people, but a cold-blooded murder of one’s spouse is an offense no one can ignore. Although the main character is vexed solely by the black cat and alcohol, his wife ultimately pays the greatest price. On a trip to the couple’s cellar, the main character trips over the black cat and is entwined in a fit of rage. He raises an axe, preparing to deliver a fatal blow to the cat, but is thwarted by his wife. Still enraged the man thrusts the axe into his wife’s brain. The brutality of this image is solely matched by the obvious absence of remorse of the man for his wife. His only concern is how to dispose of the body. The reader is thrown into the mind of a killer, who until this point has acted only in rage or insanity, but now has a moment of clarity as he weighs his options of how to dispose of his wife. Poe uses this moment of clarity to contrast for the reader the difference between an insane man and a calculating killer. The main character decides to bury his wife inside ones of the house’s walls, which is eventually discovered by the authorities thanks to the ever-vengeful black cat.
By the end of the story the reader has been presented with some very disturbing images and ideas. The actions taken by the main character force the reader to seek retribution, which is granted by the hanging of the main character. It is necessary to try to seek out Poe’s motives for writing this story, and the response he was hoping for from the reader. Poe was exploring the dark depths of the human mind, and the horrible acts that all humans are possible of committing. He illustrates the effects of alcohol on reasonable thinking and perverseness of those who commit heinous crimes because they know the acts are wrong. Poe wants the reader to realize that these dark depths of the mind are present in everyone’s mind, and that the readers themselves may not be absolved from similar actions. This motive is disturbing and unsettling. The average reader does not want to believe that they are possible of such gruesome thoughts or actions. So, if Poe set out to disturb his audience, then he has succeeded.
Ironically, the same aspects that make “The Black Cat” perfect for a Pragmatic/Rhetorical interpretation also makes it perfect for an interpretation using New Criticism. Whereas the Pragmatic/Rhetorical critics examine the effects a work has on its audience, the New critics disregard that aspect instead of concentrating on the traits that give the story its own distinctive form or character. Most critics would find it challenging to find another story that compares to “The Black Cat,” unless of course it was another Poe work. There are many aspects that make this story distinct. First, Poe uses the black cat to represent the alcoholism that the main character is struggling to defeat. Many other authors have used animal imagery, but Poe uses the cat to illustrate the recurring disease of which no cure is found. This leads directly into the second unique aspect of this story, which is the graphic violence. Very few works from this period depict violence as Poe does. The graphic nature lends itself beautifully to Poe writing style and form. The key aspect of the New Criticism when applied to “The Black Cat” is the relationship between the two aforementioned examples. Every violent act is directly related to the black cat, even the murder of the main character’s wife. Both aspects are constant, and repeated, throughout the story, and they lead directly to the story’s resolution. It is also important to mention how certain themes accompany the violence and black cat references. Those themes include life versus death, reality versus fantasy, and sanity versus insanity. When those themes are applied to each act of violence, it presents a unique view into the mind of the main character, as well as the story as a whole.
Probably the most interesting way of interpreting “The Black Cat” is using the Feminist Criticism. The main character’s wife plays a key role in the development and resolution of the story. Although the reader is only given limited information about the wife, it is in her actions that the reader learns the most about her. The Feminist critic of the Twentieth Century would view the wife as oppressed and weak, and probably question why the wife has not left the main character. It is important to remember that this story was written in the mid-nineteenth century, when divorce was a rarity. The main character does indeed treat his wife very poorly even before her murder. Much of this violent behavior inflicted on his wife stems from the main character’s alcohol problem. Though it is evident that the main character does marvel at his wife’s patience with him, the main character never expresses any sentiments of affection throughout the story. What exemplifies the wife’s role in the main character’s life is her murder. Although he kills her in a fit of rage, and not in any premeditated fashion, he shows no remorse while she lies dead in the cellar. His only concern is the removal of her body. The Feminist critic would view this as an attack on the value of the wife’s life. Of course there is no way of knowing how Poe wished the audience to see the wife, but it is very likely that she serves no other purpose than to link the black cat to the main character’s demise. This view alone would offend the feminist critic who views the wife as a much more integral part of the story.
No matter which critical interpretation is used, it is evident that Poe’s “The Black Cat” is a unique story that relies on key aspects, such as graphic violence and sensational imagery, to heighten the reader’s perception toward the limits and depths of the human mind.
Другие работы по теме:
Violence In Games Essay Research Paper A
Violence In Games Essay, Research Paper A while back a senator said that violence in computer games is completely outrageous and is amazingly influential on our youth. We’ll just randomly choose
Protecting Our Children Essay Research Paper Protecting
Protecting Our Children Essay, Research Paper Protecting Our Children The overlap between domestic violence and child abuse has been well documented; where one form of family violence exists, there is a likelihood the other
Violence Essay Research Paper Violence is a
Violence Essay, Research Paper Violence is a one of the biggest problems for many communities, but the community isn’t the real problem, almost all the problems start at homes, and at schools there are many ways of solving them, starting for ourselves and our family, and ending up helping to the other people.
Handguns Essay Research Paper All handguns must
Handguns Essay, Research Paper All handguns must be banned because they are the cause (s) of many deaths amongst the people of the world today. Gun violence result in fifty percent of today?s tragedies. Handguns causes too many deaths, the government need to make gun less accessible, and the law/law enforcement need to really enforce the laws they make.
Typology Of Violent Men Essay Research Paper
Reading ?A Typology of Men Who Are Violent Toward Their Female Partners: Making Sense of the Heterogeneity in Husband Violence? was quite an enlightening experience. This essay was the first exposure that I have encountered that had to do with research of the way psychological matters, such as batterers, should be analyzed and examined.
Conformity Essay Research Paper ConformityFeelings of disgust
Conformity Essay, Research Paper ConformityFeelings of disgust fill me when I observe the identity of an individual being crushed by the widespread need to fit in with society and be like everyone else. Differences in character, appearance, and emotion are created by unique pasts, and form the foundation for personal beliefs.
Sex Religion Discrimination Essay Research Paper The critical
Sex+Religion Discrimination Essay, Research Paper The critical issue in this case is whether Farm Fresh Food, Inc. acted lawfully by denying employment to Jennifer Brand. Farm Fresh Foods further claim that Ms. Brand failed to establish a prima facie case of discrimination based on sex or religion. Furthermore, they claim that even had such case been established, Farm Fresh decision to deny employment to Ms.
Violence In Sports Essay Research Paper Research
Violence In Sports Essay, Research Paper Research Project Our group has collectively decided to discuss the topic of violence in sports, especially riots in relation to sports. Riots occur for many reasons, but for our topic we will focus on riots that are caused by or occur at sporting events. We hope to explain why many violent acts happen at sporting events in stands, outside arena’s, and after games.
Domestic Violence Essay Research Paper Theoretical Underpinnings
Domestic Violence Essay, Research Paper Theoretical Underpinnings of Domestic Violence In class as well as in the Levin and Weinberg readings we have covered seven theoretical perspectives on social problems. The first perspective that we covered is Social Pathology. With this perspective the individual is viewed as someone who cannot stop the domestic violence and continues these actions time and time again.
Violence Essay Research Paper Apr 8 1996Vol
Violence Essay, Research Paper Apr. 8, 1996 Vol. 4 – No. 68 Poll blames many ills on, what else, TV A new poll blames television for many of society’s troubles. It found that more than two-thirds of Americans believe TV contributes to violence, erodes family values and fosters a distrust of government.
Which Paper Towel Is The Strongest Essay
, Research Paper Which Paper Towel is the Strongest? Initial Observation: I noticed that when my parents buy paper towels, some brands rip faster than other brands.
Poem Belong Essay Research Paper Where I
Poem: Belong Essay, Research Paper Where I belong I am weak, I am strong I will fit where I belong don’t know where it is for now but it will come, if I allow tomorrow, I start a brand new day
Gun Control 2 Essay Research Paper We
Gun Control 2 Essay, Research Paper We the students of class 7-508 do not agree with the statement that people should carry weapons. We do not agree with this statement
The Godfather Essay Research Paper Violence and
The Godfather Essay, Research Paper Violence and The Godfather Throughout time there have always been people who held more power than others. There are many different methods used to both demonstrate and maintain the power which they possess. Often times violence is the method chosen to achieve these goals.
Violence In Films Essay Research Paper What
Violence In Films Essay, Research Paper What place does violence have in the movies? Well, I believe that violence has a place in movies depending on the particular film and what the director of the film is trying to portray. If the director uses violence in his/her film and there isn’t any reason behind it, then I would disagree and say that violence shouldn’t be in THAT particular film.
School Violence Essay Research Paper Every day
School Violence Essay, Research Paper Every day a child is hurt purposely, or accidentally by another classmate. There are many things that cause people to take violence out on other people. It could possibly be parenting, bullies, television, and even video games.
Violence On Television Essay Research Paper Many
Violence On Television Essay, Research Paper Many shows include violence as a key factor to interest public viewers. However, people may think television violence is one of the many causes for everyday violence. Dr. Littner has slightly disagreed with this theory and explained his reasoning. Dr. Littner believes that television does not create the desire for violence but supports the existing desire that cannot be taken away.
Domestic Violence Essay Research Paper Children and
Domestic Violence Essay, Research Paper Children and Domestic Violence Child abuse and Domestic Violence are issues that isn t new in society. Both are considered problems that are accepted in the American culture. Domestic Violence is now politically recognized as one of the most pervasive forms of violence in society today, child abuse issues have yet to receive the same degree of attention.
Children And Violence Essay Research Paper JuvenilesChildren
Children And Violence Essay, Research Paper Juveniles Children and violence, were does it start? Some experts say that children from violent environments at home are more likely to commit crimes then others. Some very young children will witness crime at the home and think that it is ok, not knowing what is right and wrong.
Violence In Sport Essay Research Paper Violence
Violence In Sport Essay, Research Paper Violence in Sport In most of our popular spectator sports, winning depends on the use of violence. To score and win, athletes’ bodies are routinely turned into weapons to be used against other bodies, causing pain, serious injury, and even death. How do we interpret the social meaning of this violence? Commentators – both apologists and critics – have made sweeping statements about sports and violence, but their analyses rarely take into account the meanings of violence in sports to the athletes themselves.
Windmere Corp Essay Research Paper WINDMERE CORPORATIONWhat
Windmere Corp Essay, Research Paper WINDMERE CORPORATION What do you recommend that Windmere do over the next two or three years? In my opinion, Windmere must continue to expand its U.S. sales to continue using its factories in China effectively in 2-3 years time. It has focused on a developing a family of brand names in addition to private branding and OEM business , as well as developing additional product lines to push through its distribution channels.
TV Violence Essay Research Paper Television ViolenceIn
TV Violence Essay, Research Paper Television Violence In today?s society, television violence harmfully affects the minds of children. However, it doesn?t mean that the violence on television is the only source for bad behavior, but it does largely contribute to the situation (Szaflik). For instance, the variety of television programming, which permeates violence, is sitcoms, commercials, and cartoons.
Violence Essay Research Paper Violence Violence is
Violence Essay, Research Paper Violence Violence is the biggest problem kids, teenagers, and adults have in our society today. Everyday there is usually a headline story or article about a shooting, or killing.
Youth Violence Essay Research Paper Youth violence
Youth Violence Essay, Research Paper Youth violence affects a lot of people. Hearing about it on the news is one way that youth violence has affected my life. In Washington, D.C. there is a lot of youth violence.
Teen Fashion Essay Research Paper Teen FashionTeen
Teen Fashion Essay, Research Paper Teen Fashion Teen fashion is a big part of the fashion world today. Every week stores come out with many new clothes and accessories knowing that teens or the younger generation will
Computer Violence Essay Research Paper Violent Computer
Computer Violence Essay, Research Paper Violent Computer Games A lot of adults say violent computer games make you violent. I disagree. When you are mad you can take out your anger while playing that game. Lots of kids I know have violent computer games and none of them are violent. Pretty much everything in this world has violence in it.
VIOLENCE IN SPORTS Essay Research Paper Violence
VIOLENCE IN SPORTS Essay, Research Paper Violence in sports To: Mrs. Woods From: Jean-Philippe Do you think there?s a connection between sports and violence? If you do, do you think it should be banned? I too think that it?s connected but, unlike most people, don?t think it should be banned. I have many reasons to believe so and I will state them in my essay.