Question

Why does Poe use chronological events in "The Black Cat" to organize details of the crime the narrator committed?

Answer 1

The story ‘The Black Cat’ describes the incidents that happened in the author’s life. He starts off the story by mentioning that he is going to be hanged the next day. Then, he explains what happened in his life in chronological order.

This order helps the readers to understand the story in a broader sense. Instead of explaining the cause of the event, he explains about his life, family and his pet. It helps the reader to understand what went wrong in the author’s life.

Answer 2

The use of chronological order in Poe's "Black cat" allows the reader to see the chains of events that led to the crime and the progression of the narrator's insanity.