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Responding to Literature: Stories, Poems, Plays, and Essays, 4/e
Judith Stanford, Rivier College


Interpreting

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1

To what extent does the cat in "The Black Cat" function as a symbol? How would the story be different if the cat were a black bird-imagine a raven, (another favorite of Poe's) for example.
2

Why do you think the narrator gives himself away? What does this suggest about his guilt? What does it suggest about his sanity?
3

Did you find yourself identifying with any of the characters in "The Black Cat"? Which ones? Did you find yourself surprised by any of the behaviors of those characters? Describe any incidents you found especially disturbing or unbelievable.