Diction Analysis of The Black Cat
Name ____________________________________________
1. Read the second and third paragraph of the story closely. In these paragraphs, the narrator is introducing us to him.
After reading, how would you describe the narrator?
2. From the assigned passage list 5 words that helped you reach the conclusion you made regarding the narrator in
question one. Fill in the chart below. As you select words that help establish this perception of the narrator, think about
how they also help create the tone of the passage. Do not select words whose meaning you are unsure of.
Word
Monosyllabic or
Polysyllabic?
Formal
or
Informal,
archaic
or
colloquial?
(may be more
than one)
Concrete
abstract
or
Denotative,
connotative (are
there underlying
meanings to a
word?)
Euphonious,
cacophonous?
1
2
3
4
5
3. Explain the impact that these words have on the reader’s reaction to the narrator?
4. Look closely at paragraphs six and seven (Six begins with “Our friendship lasted, in this manner…). What change has
occurred in the narrator?
5. Has the mood of the piece shifted with the change in narrator? Why or why not?
6. Identify the mood of paragraphs six and seven. Select at least four examples of diction that help reinforce this mood.
After Reading
Select TWO passages that you believe help show the narrator’s insanity. Indicate where your chosen passage begins and
ends, and then analyze the passages for the mood and the diction that helps create it.