ANÁLISE COMPARATIVA DOS CONTOS “O GATO PRETO”, DE EDGAR ALLAN POE E “O SOLITÁRIO”, DE HORACIO QUIROGA.

Abstract

In this comparative analysis of the short stories "The Black Cat" by Edgar Allan Poe and "The Solitaire" by Horacio Quiroga, we can observe several similarities and differences in the authors' approaches to themes such as guilt, violence, insanity, and interpersonal relationships.

In "The Black Cat," Edgar Allan Poe introduces a first-person narrator whose reliability is questionable from the beginning of the narrative. The story revolves around a man whose alcohol dependency leads him to commit violent acts, including the cruel murder of his beloved pet cat and, subsequently, his wife. The tale explores the moral deterioration of the protagonist and his growing madness, symbolized by the appearance of a second black cat and his hallucinations. The narrative incorporates supernatural elements that keep the reader in suspense, while highlighting the intriguing duality of the narrator.

On the other hand, Horacio Quiroga's "The Solitaire" features an observing narrator who describes the dysfunctional relationship between the couple Kassim and Maria. Kassim is a lonely and sickly jeweler, while Maria is a beautiful and passionate woman who is dissatisfied in her marriage. The story culminates in a violent act when Kassim, overwhelmed by Maria's obsession with his jewelry, kills her by driving a solitaire into her heart. The story explores the lack of love and obsession in a relationship, as well as the emotional deterioration of the characters.

Both stories share a dark atmosphere and delve into complex psychological aspects. They delve into the depths of the human mind, addressing themes such as loneliness, gender-based violence, mental deterioration, and obsession. While Poe uses supernatural elements to create tension and mystery, Quiroga takes a more objective approach, focusing on dialogue to reveal the dynamics of the relationship.

Symbolism plays a crucial role in both stories. In "The Black Cat," the black cat takes on a symbolic role, representing evil and the protagonist's guilt. In "The Solitaire," the solitary jewel becomes a tragic symbol of the distorted love between the characters, driven into Maria's heart.

In terms of female representation in literature, both stories portray women who suffer due to the violence and obsession of their partners. Maria in "The Solitaire" is a character oppressed by the lack of love and dissatisfaction in her marriage, while the wife in Poe's story is a victim of her husband's moral and mental deterioration.

In summary, "The Black Cat" and "The Solitaire" are short stories that explore the darker aspects of human nature, addressing themes such as guilt, violence, insanity, and dysfunctional relationships. Each author takes a unique approach to create disturbing narratives that invite readers to reflect on the complexity of human emotions and the vulnerability of the human condition in the face of violence and madness. Both stories highlight the presence of death as a tragic consequence of violent and obsessive acts.