Pretend that you are Edgar Allan Poe and you have received the following letter from
a fan:
Dear Mr. Poe,
I just finished reading your most recent story, "The Black Cat." Needless to say, I
was impressed. Because I am an aspiring writer myself, I am eager to learn how
you create suspense so masterfully.
In particular, what role do techniques like pacing, plot, or setting play in creating
suspense? How is character development related to suspense, especially in this
story?
Your advice would be much appreciated.
Your eternal fan,
Sam Doe
Write a letter in response that answers the fan's questions thoroughly, using
evidence from "The Black Cat" to back up your explanation.
Your assignment should include the following elements:
. An explanation of the narrative choices you (as Poe) made to create suspense in
The Black Cat"
• Clear and logical organization, including introduction, body, and conclusion
paragraphs
• Multiple pieces of evidence that support your thesis, such as details, quotations,
and examples