I knew that stories written by Edgar Allan Poe were of
gloomy atmosphere, but I didn’t expect that this one would influence me that
deeply though my considerations about the plot turned out to be quite right.
In fact, “The Black Cat” can awake the feeling of, so
to say, discomfort in an inexperienced reader, because it is not an easy story
to perceive and comprehend. For many people who are mentally healthy it may
seem to be the delirium of a madman. However, it’s not a mistaken idea, I might
say, because the narrator (who is also the main character) creates an
impression of a person whose actions sometimes lack motives, logics and,
generally, common sense. He is driven by the “logics” of an alcoholic and it’s
vividly presented throughout the story.
Now I’d like to say about the things I like in the
story. Several crucial points may be distinguished here:
1. The
atmosphere is created in the best traditions of gothic style (which I adore).
2. The
ending of the story is clear, but still many things remain between the lines or
even “behind the scenes”. The remaining mystery gives food for thoughts.
3. The
absence of judgments what is good or bad is also the thing I like. So, the
author shows but does not impose his conclusions on a reader. It makes the
narrative more objective.
As for the drawbacks of the story, they are the
following:
- The
usage of ornate vocabulary and constructions makes a reader consult the
dictionary for almost every word. Though, on the other hand, this very
peculiarity also creates a specific charm so that Poe’s style is felt in each
sentence.
- The
story contains the description of cruelty towards animals (a cat in this case)
and the scene of murder. But if they were omitted the story would lose a lot of
its singularity.
The distinguished pros and cons are totally
subjective, contradictive and do not lay claim to be an absolute truth.
On the whole, I don’t regret my choice and think that
“The Black Cat” is worth analyzing, because there are a lot of things which
suggest discussions.
BEWARE! THE BLACK CAT IS WATCHING YOU!
Good evening, Stepik. Glad to see you here. Your blog is really great. You have done a lot of work. Good luck.
ОтветитьУдалитьThanks a lot)
УдалитьSo, Stepan, I should admit that I am impressed. Only the first reading and so deep insights into the plot and style of the story!!! It's very nice that you've worked extensively on the vocabulary of the story. After today's lecture I hope you've understood how connotative meanings can influence the perception of the text. I am looking forward to new comments!
ОтветитьУдалитьHi, Stepa. I'm IMPRESSED. After reading you analysis (without even reading MY OWN story) I've read YOURS!!!!! Not fare!!!!!!! That's your fault - remember, you have NO right to write SO persuasive)))))))
ОтветитьУдалитьI'm pleased to hear that. Thank you, Ruslana.
УдалитьOOOOOh Stepan Sergeyevich))))))you have done really a good amount of work! Don't give up...it's such a wonderful choice to get a good mark in Stylistics))))
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