Symbolism in the "Black Cat"

Symbolism in The Black Cat
“Symbolism is defined as an object or action in a literary work that means more than itself, that stands for something beyond itself” (DiYanni). In Edgar Allen Poe’s, “The Black Cat,” symbolism is used to show the narrator’s aptitude for violence, madness, and guilt. Violence, madness, and guilt are found within each and every individual, no matter how humane and conservative our nature might appear. In this story, the narrator is portrayed as a man who loves animals, has a warm heart, and is content with his marriage. Throughout the story he becomes moodier, more irritable and, and inconsiderate of those around him. The main cause for his change is primarily due to alcohol consumption, intoxication. The symbolism of the first black cat, the second black cat, and the white spot illustrate the narrator’s expanding evilness.
The first black cat is one of the most important symbols of this story. It is symbolic of the narrator’s evil heart. The first black cat was named Pluto, which is taken from Greek mythology. “The name Pluto is another name for the Roman God of the Underworld or lord of the dead” (WordSources). One night the narrator came home quite intoxicated and frightened the cat. In return the cat wounded the narrator’s hand. After doing so, the narrator removed one of the cats’ eyes. In doing so he thought he cat would not get a clear perception of his evil and violent heart.
Suddenly, one morning the narrator hung the cat. This is symbolic of the narrator not being able to accept love. As well as being named Pluto, the archetypal symbol associated with the first cat is its color, black. This color is associated with a well known superstition that black represents evil and darkness.   The first black cat was the victim of the narrator’s evil and violent heart.
The second black cat is symbolic of the narrator’s guilt. It resembled the first cat (Pluto) in most aspects. The finding of the second cat serves as a reminded of...