When the narrator in the Black Cat begins his story, he insists upon his sanity, and clarifies to the reader that the sole purpose of the narration is to unburden his soul. As he continues, it becomes evident that his aim is instead focused upon reliving and understanding the murders he committed. Throughout the narrative, the man contextualizes his guilt by denying the agency of his thoughts while claiming ownership of his actions.
To begin his story, the man insists, “…mad I am not – and very surely do I not dream” (Poe, 1). In saying this, he acknowledges the insanity of which his story embodies, but holds that they are mere events governed by fact while insisting upon his own standard state of mind. To truly believe this as truth, the
To begin his story, the man insists, “…mad I am not – and very surely do I not dream” (Poe, 1). In saying this, he acknowledges the insanity of which his story embodies, but holds that they are mere events governed by fact while insisting upon his own standard state of mind. To truly believe this as truth, the