These writing prompts are followed by text boxes for your input. If you are working online and your instructor has given you the go-ahead, you can send your work to him or her by clicking the "Submit Answers" button. If you are working offline, you will have to copy your answers (CTRL-C on most systems) and paste them (CTRL-V) into a text document to retain a record of your work.

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.