Compare "The Black Cat" and "The Imp of the Perverse" Please!!!

-- Anonymous, September 28, 2001

Answers

As an obvious starting point the theory, excessively explained with the tale itself a mere parable in "The Imp of the perverse" is embodied fictionally in The Black Cat. It is essentially the realization of St. Paul's refelction on the sinful tendency "the evil I would not do, I do." Only Poe examines the peculiar mania in detail only rivalled perhaps by Dostoievski's "Crime and Punishment." Drink for Poe is a perilous element that exacerbates all evil tendencies. The self-justification, and indeed the need to brag and confess are also part of this perverse self-defeating evil. So look at the urge, the justification, the irrationality, the even more irrational self-exposition(not guilt exactly!).

-- Anonymous, September 29, 2001