1. Black Cat by Edgar Alan Poe
Who are the main characters? These characters are introduced in the EXPOSITION of the story.
2. What is the setting of the story (both time and place)? The setting is also introduced in the EXPOSITION of the story.
3. What is the COMPLICATING INCIDENT/CONFLICT that gets the story moving? What is the main problem?
4. Describe what happens during the RISING ACTION of the story. What events make the conflict worse?
5. Describe what happens during the FALLING ACTION of the story. How do these events start to fix the conflict?
6. Describe the RESOLUTION of the story. How is the main conflict resolved?
7. What is the point of view in this story (1st person, 3rd person limited, or 3rd person omniscient)? Is the narrator reliable? Explain.
8. Describe the tone of the story.
9. What are the main themes?
10. Do you notice any literary devices used in this story (characterization, surprise, humor, etc.)? If so, explain how they affect the story.
Step 3: Write an accurate summary of “The Black Cat”.
Include all the elements of a good summary:
• Title of the story and author’s name
• Names and roles of main characters
• General description of setting
• Brief plot summary
• Brief explanation of conflict and resolution
• Brief statement of theme, or main idea