Gothic literature has several distinguishing features. It often focuses on the dark, evil side of human nature. It asserts that everyone has a dark side, and in these stories, we find the characters giving in to that dark side, and doing awful things. Also, gothic literature has elements of the supernatural or unexplainable to it; ghosts, paranormal activities, and malevolent hauntings. Gothic literature also focuses on the confusing complexities of the human mind; characters often get lost in their thoughts, and suffer breakdowns from mental anguish and instability.
If we look at the story, the narrator grew up a kind, loving and amiable man. He has a "docility and humanity" in his "disposition," and is kind to all people, and animals. However, the story takes a gothic twist when, because of "intemperence," or alcholism, his personality suffers a "radical alteration for the worse." He becomes violent, ill-tempered, and abuses both his wife and all of their pets. The narrator has given into his darker side, and it leads to the death of his wife, and his trying to cover it up. So, we see a narrator who embodies the gothic concept of "mankind's dark side."
Also in the story are elements of the supernatural. The narrator has disturbing visions of hanged cats, and his own cat inspired "terror and horror" within him. The black cat, supposedly disappeared, appears again, to torment the narrator and remind him of his evil deed, all while the cops are right there with him. So, the supernatural spiritual manifestation of the cat was occuring throughout the end of the story; this focus on ghosts and supernatural events is another gothic trait.
We see the narrator becoming lost in the maze of his own mind as the story continues, which is another gothic trait. He is tormented unusually and illogically by the black cat, and dwells on it so much that it drives him crazy.
Those are just a couple gothic elements to the story "The Black Cat" by Edgar Allan Poe. I hope that they help; good luck!
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