The Black Cat

“The Black Cat” is one of Edgar Allan Poe’s most famous short stories, combining psychological horror and deep symbolism. The story is told from the perspective of an anonymous narrator awaiting the execution of the death sentence, recounting his transformation from an animal lover into a violent character driven by addiction and anger. The black cat plays a pivotal role in revealing the narrator’s internal conflict, where it turns from a symbol of innocence into a source of hallucinations and guilt. The story highlights Poe’s brilliance in portraying mental collapse and the struggle between good and evil within the human psyche, using elements of the supernatural and symbolism to enhance the tense atmosphere. The unexpected ending leaves the reader in a state of contemplation about the consequences of moral deviance and the harshness of cosmic justice.

The book belongs to a timeless literary heritage, as Poe succeeded in integrating psychological horror with religious and social symbolism, making it a source of inspiration for many modern artistic and literary works. The Arabic language in this translation preserves the essence of the text while adding smoothness that suits the Arab reader.