Black Cat, Edgar Allan Poe short story + non-fiction, PDF & Google Drive, CCSS

Use “The Black Cat” by American Gothic/Dark Romantic writer Edgar Allan Poe to teach your students the elements of literary analysis, get them thinking deeply about the short story's text, and provide opportunities for real-world connections to this grisly story via a 2009 newspaper article (link included) and critical reading activity. This two-day lesson plan includes a full-text copy of the story, a 10-question deep-thinking exercise (with detailed answer key, of course), and a real-world informational text activity to engage and challenge your students. As a bonus, there’s also a 17-minute video (link included) version of the tale.

This download includes a PDF of all materials, plus Google Drive versions of the student handouts.

Due to the graphic nature of Poe’s story, these lesson materials were built with high school students in mind. Middle school students are likely too young to handle the thick language and disturbing content of Poe’s story.

Want students to learn more about Edgar Allan Poe's sad, short life?

Click HERE for a student-directed author biography research activity.

Interested in more short story materials?

Click HERE for interactive, multimedia lessons on a variety of classic short stories.

Click HERE for a budget-priced FOUR WEEK short story unit.

Please note: Poe's "The Black Cat” materials are NOT included in my short story bundle.

Thanks for stopping by!

Cover image credit: Pixabay, Public domain