The Black Cat by Holmick

The Black Cat by Holmick - October 2025 Scholarship Essay

The Black Cat by Edgar Allan Poe teaches an important lesson about how guilt, anger, and alcohol can completely destroy a person’s life. At the beginning of the story, the narrator is a kind and gentle man who deeply loves his wife and their many pets, especially his black Cat. However, as he becomes addicted to drinking, his behavior changes drastically. Alcohol takes control of his mind, turning him into a cruel and violent person. His anger grows stronger, and he begins to hurt the animals he once cared for, showing how his addiction has poisoned his heart. After killing his first cat, Pluto, the narrator is overwhelmed with guilt and fear. That guilt slowly drives him into madness and leads him to commit an even worse crime, killing his wife. In the end, his pride and carelessness cause him to expose his own dark secret to the police. The black cat serves as a symbol of guilt and justice, reminding the reader that no one can hide from the truth forever. The story shows that when people allow anger, pride, or addiction to control them, it will destroy their lives and leave them with nothing but regret and punishment.