Final Answer:
I believe Poe chose to title his story "The Black Cat" because a) It symbolizes the narrator's inner struggles.
Step-by-step explanation:
Poe's choice of titling the story "The Black Cat" is likely rooted in the symbolic significance of the black cat within the narrative. The black cat, named Pluto, serves as a symbolic manifestation of the narrator's inner struggles and moral descent. As the narrative unfolds, the black cat becomes a conduit for exploring the narrator's deteriorating mental state and the consequences of his actions. The choice of this title underscores the centrality of the black cat in conveying the psychological and moral themes that drive the narrative.
The title may not be primarily influenced by external factors such as superstition, personal connections, or the color black representing mystery. Instead, it aligns with Poe's penchant for using symbols to delve into the darker recesses of the human psyche. In this case, the black cat becomes a powerful symbol, representing the narrator's internal conflicts, guilt, and the unraveling of his sanity. Poe's mastery lies in his ability to use titles that encapsulate the essence of his stories, and in "The Black Cat," the title becomes a thematic gateway into the psychological complexities explored within the narrative.
In summary, Poe's choice of the title "The Black Cat" is deliberate and significant, reflecting the narrative's focus on the symbolic role of the black cat in unraveling the narrator's internal struggles. The title encapsulates the thematic core of the story, aligning with Poe's mastery in using symbolism to explore the depths of human psychology in his works.
So correct option is a) It symbolizes the narrator's inner struggles.