The Black Cat (short story)

The Black Cat is a short story by Edgar Allan Poe, first published in the August 19, 1843, edition of The Saturday Evening Post. It is a psychological horror story that explores themes of guilt, madness, alcoholism, domestic violence, and the unreliable narrator.

The story is told from the perspective of an unnamed narrator, who begins by asserting his sanity. He recounts his descent into alcoholism and cruelty, describing how he initially loved animals, particularly his black cat, Pluto. As his alcoholism worsens, he becomes increasingly violent towards his wife and pets. He eventually mutilates and hangs Pluto.

Following Pluto's death, a similar cat appears, bearing a white patch on its chest. Initially, the narrator welcomes the new cat, but his irrational guilt and paranoia grow, leading him to despise it. The white patch gradually begins to resemble a gallows, further fueling his descent into madness.

In a fit of rage, the narrator attempts to kill the cat with an axe, but his wife intervenes. Enraged, he murders her instead. He then conceals her body behind a wall in the cellar.

When the police investigate the disappearance of his wife, the narrator confidently proclaims her safety. To prove his point, he taps on the wall behind which he hid her body. A horrifying shriek erupts from behind the wall, revealing the cat, which he had inadvertently walled up alive with the corpse. The police tear down the wall and discover the body of his wife, with the cat perched upon her head. The narrator is arrested, his guilt and madness fully exposed.

"The Black Cat" is considered one of Poe's most chilling and disturbing tales, renowned for its exploration of the dark side of human nature and the devastating consequences of unchecked impulses and addiction. The story is notable for its psychological depth and its use of symbolism, particularly the black cat as a representation of guilt and conscience. Its themes continue to resonate with readers today.