I can't but say that during the story we observe the degradation of the protagonist.  Being a kind and careful husband, he turned into a cruel and merciless beast. At the beginning, I really liked a man who seemed to be a positive character e.g.: “my tenderness of heart was even so conspicuous”; “I was especially fond of animals”; “With them I spend most of my time, and never was so happy as when feeding and caressing them”; “my partiality for domestic pets”. But day by day he changed into rude and horrible person of damnable atrocity e.g.: “I grew, day by day, more moody, more irritable, more regardless of the feelings of others.”; “At length, I even offered her personal violence.”.  That's why my attitude toward the main character, totally changed in the end of his narrative. 

The story under the analysis starts with the introduction which prepares us to the intrigue. The unknown author informs us that he is going to tell the common, but at the same time, the monstrous story of his life. Then goes exposition, due to which we get to know that the main character is at the prison and he will be executed next morning. The plot of the story is rich in different events which are mainly connected with a black cat. The protagonist, his features and character changes greatly during the pages of the story. This leads us to the most intensive part of the story - the climax which occurs when the a wailing shriek from the tomb seems to arise out of the hell. In the denouement there is a release of the tension. The ruthless executioner "dug the grave" by his hands.

Although, the title of the story "Black Cat" is in some way enigmatic, I have no doubt that the setting of the events is rather realistic. I can't say that it's represented in quite a detailed way. But it's quite clear that the "darkness" and "sadness" of a background symbolize the emotional state of the main character. The thoughts of the imprisoned man who'll be executed  next morning reflects the real feelings of a person who has committed such abominable crimes but who is so eager to unburthen his soul.