Activity Overview
Suspense is a common technique for authors to use in order to make their narratives compelling and exciting, even right up to the very end. There are four common elements of suspense: setting, foreshadowing, pacing, and mystery or danger.
Have students create a storyboard that highlights each of these elements and explains how they are used to enhance the suspense in “The Black Cat” by Edgar Allan Poe.
Suspense in the “The Black Cat”
Setting
The setting of the story begins with the narrator, the day before he has been condemned to die. His home before the fire is nondescript, but it has a pretty garden. The narrator routinely hangs out in “haunts” or taverns, adding to the feeling of creepiness and violence he routinely brings home to his wife and pets. His home after the fire has a dark, dank cellar, perfect for concealing a body.
Foreshadowing
The strongest example of foreshadowing comes in the form of the black and white cat, who not only is missing an eye like Pluto, reminding the narrator of his violent act, but the white mark on his chest changes shape to look like a gallows. This foreshadows the judgment that will ultimately find the narrator.
Pacing
The narrator is almost reluctant at first to tell his tale, because he doesn’t think that anyone will believe him. He then begins in his childhood, where he knew he was different than other children, and then he moves into the early years of his marriage. His pacing is slow and deliberate, ultimately leading to the reveal of how he wound up murdering his wife and being sentenced to death.
Mystery or Danger
The mystery of the apparition burned into the narrator’s wall of Pluto with the rope around his neck leads the reader to believe that the narrator has not seen the end of Pluto. In addition, the narrator’s violence in his drunkenness creates an atmosphere of volatility and unpredictability, which ultimately leads to his wife’s murder.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard illustrating different elements of suspense used in "The Black Cat".
- Use the template provided by your teacher.
- In each cell, identify an element of suspense used in the story.
- Describe how each element is used.
- Illustrate each example with appropriate characters, scenes, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
Suspense is a common technique for authors to use in order to make their narratives compelling and exciting, even right up to the very end. There are four common elements of suspense: setting, foreshadowing, pacing, and mystery or danger.
Have students create a storyboard that highlights each of these elements and explains how they are used to enhance the suspense in “The Black Cat” by Edgar Allan Poe.
Suspense in the “The Black Cat”
Setting
The setting of the story begins with the narrator, the day before he has been condemned to die. His home before the fire is nondescript, but it has a pretty garden. The narrator routinely hangs out in “haunts” or taverns, adding to the feeling of creepiness and violence he routinely brings home to his wife and pets. His home after the fire has a dark, dank cellar, perfect for concealing a body.
Foreshadowing
The strongest example of foreshadowing comes in the form of the black and white cat, who not only is missing an eye like Pluto, reminding the narrator of his violent act, but the white mark on his chest changes shape to look like a gallows. This foreshadows the judgment that will ultimately find the narrator.
Pacing
The narrator is almost reluctant at first to tell his tale, because he doesn’t think that anyone will believe him. He then begins in his childhood, where he knew he was different than other children, and then he moves into the early years of his marriage. His pacing is slow and deliberate, ultimately leading to the reveal of how he wound up murdering his wife and being sentenced to death.
Mystery or Danger
The mystery of the apparition burned into the narrator’s wall of Pluto with the rope around his neck leads the reader to believe that the narrator has not seen the end of Pluto. In addition, the narrator’s violence in his drunkenness creates an atmosphere of volatility and unpredictability, which ultimately leads to his wife’s murder.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard illustrating different elements of suspense used in "The Black Cat".
- Use the template provided by your teacher.
- In each cell, identify an element of suspense used in the story.
- Describe how each element is used.
- Illustrate each example with appropriate characters, scenes, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about Elements of Suspense in “The Black Cat”
How to spark student discussion about suspense elements
Encourage active participation by starting with open-ended questions like, “Which scene made you feel most tense?” and “How did the author build suspense?” Invite students to share their thoughts, and prompt them to cite specific details from the text to back up their answers. This helps deepen understanding and keeps everyone engaged.
Guide students to find examples in the text
Direct students to skim the story for lines or scenes that create suspense. Suggest they use sticky notes or highlight passages that reference setting, foreshadowing, pacing, or mystery. This makes it easier for them to reference the text while discussing or creating their storyboard.
Model how to analyze suspenseful passages
Choose a brief passage from “The Black Cat” and think aloud as you identify suspense elements. Say things like, “Notice how the author describes the cellar—it feels dark and dangerous, which sets a suspenseful mood.” This demonstrates the process for students and builds confidence.
Assign pairs or small groups for peer collaboration
Pair students up or organize small groups to discuss and compare their findings. Encourage them to explain their choices and listen to different perspectives. Collaborative analysis fosters deeper learning and helps students discover new insights.
Wrap up with a quick class share-out
Invite each group or a few volunteers to share their favorite example of suspense with the class. Highlight effective observations, reinforce key concepts, and celebrate creative thinking. This step helps consolidate learning and builds classroom community.
Frequently Asked Questions about Elements of Suspense in “The Black Cat”
What are the main elements of suspense in 'The Black Cat' by Edgar Allan Poe?
The four main elements of suspense in 'The Black Cat' are setting, foreshadowing, pacing, and mystery or danger. Each is used by Poe to build tension and keep readers engaged until the story's shocking conclusion.
How can I teach students to identify suspense in 'The Black Cat'?
Have students create a storyboard highlighting each element of suspense—setting, foreshadowing, pacing, and mystery or danger. Encourage them to describe how each element appears in the story and illustrate their examples with scenes and characters.
What is an example of foreshadowing in 'The Black Cat'?
A key example of foreshadowing is the second black and white cat’s chest mark, which changes to resemble a gallows. This hints at the narrator’s impending doom and eventual judgment.
Why is the setting important for building suspense in 'The Black Cat'?
The setting shifts from a nondescript home to a dark, dank cellar after a fire. This creates an eerie, ominous atmosphere that heightens suspense and sets the stage for the narrator’s violent actions.
What is a simple lesson plan for teaching suspense using 'The Black Cat'?
Use the Frayer Model activity: Students work individually or in pairs to identify and illustrate examples of setting, foreshadowing, pacing, and mystery or danger from the story, explaining how each builds suspense.
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