How well made, how successful a story is “The Black Cat” as a horror story and as a revelation of human character?

"The Black Cat," which was written by Edgar Allan Poe, is
an extremely well written story and could be considered one of the first stories of the
horror genre (as could his others).  Poe did a wonderful job of using the element of
suspense to frighten and surprise his readers.  In "The Black Cat," the narrator's
obsession with the cat, which prevents him from even recognizing the evil and
significance of having murdered his wife, is very disturbing; often, the suggestion of
mental disturbance and an inability to distinguish right from wrong or adhere (etc) is
upsetting, or frightening, to the reader.

In "The Black
Cat," some interesting insights into human nature are revealed.  The narrator describes
what he does after "this hideous murder (is) accomplished," which includes little or no
sign of emotion related to the death of his wife.  His reaction is indicative of the
fact that people easily become obsessed with their own agendas, which are often warped. 
At that point, a person is often willing and able to justify and dismiss inappropriate
behaviors. 

 In addition, the narrator's obsession with the
black cat ends up sending him to the gallows, since he becomes overly confident and the
cat howls in response to his rapping on the wall in which his wife is entombed.  Human
character often suggests that "what goes around comes around" or "pride goeth before
fall."