Analysis of the Means of Artistic Expression In the Black Cat Written By Edgar Allan Poe

Abstract

After reading the fiction the Black Cat written by Edger Allen Poe, I am deeply attracted and affected by the plot and the atmosphere. I am so surprised that the author can easily narrate the plot clearly as well as creating such attracting and suitable horrible atmosphere within such a short story. The author must have used several means of artistic expression flexibly so that he can create such special feelings to lead readers follow his plot step by step.

This article aims to analyze the means of artistic expression of the Black Cat at great length. I focus on three means of artistic expression, which appears a lot in the Black Cat: the first-person narration, symbolism and gothic horror. This article will explain the definition of these means of artistic expression and express the important role it played in the fiction. Besides, I will discuss why the author uses these means of artistic expression in this fiction. This article will explain the reason of using these means of artistic expression from both the social background and the author’s background. At the end of this article, I will analysis the effect and influence the three means have on this fiction and even the effect they have on other writings.
This article is a necessary supplement of the research of the Black Cat and the research of Edger Allen Poe. It also helps me to learn how to analysis the reason why a fiction attracting me so much from the rational angle.

Key words: first-person narration, symbolism, gothic horror