Abstract: This paper aims to analyze Gothic elements in The Black Cat by Edgar Allan Poe. Its Gothic elements are fully reflected in four aspects: atmosphere, characterization, symbol and aesthetic functions as well. By comparing traditional Gothic novels with Poe’s novel, The Black Cat, the paper points out that Poe has not only inherited the features of traditional Gothic elements but also made innovative developments in Gothic elements. The paper also analyzes in details the Gothic elements in The Black Cat by Edgar Allan Poe bringing readers both great horrors upon souls and the purification of their minds, which has resulted in the internalizing and moralizing process of Gothic literature.

Key words: Allan Poe; Gothic elements; Gothic literature

CONTENTS

Abstract

摘要

1. Introduction1

  1.1 Introduction to Edgar Allan Poe

  1.2 Introduction to The Black Cat

2. Analysis of Gothic Elements in Edgar Allan Poe’s The Black Cat.. 1

2.1 Development of Gothic Novels

2.2 Analysis of Atmosphere

2.3 Analysis of Characterization

2.4 Analysis of Symbol

2.5 Aesthetic Function of Gothicism

  2.5.1 Horror Brings Sublimity

  2.5.2 Gothicism Brings Purification of Human Soul

3. Conclusion

Bibliography.

Acknowledgements