How does the author use flashbacks to create tension in the black cat?

In "The Black Cat," Edgar Allan Poe employs flashbacks to heighten tension by revealing the narrator's descent into madness and guilt, juxtaposing his past affection for animals with his subsequent cruelty. These glimpses into his earlier life create a sense of foreboding, as readers anticipate the consequences of his actions. The fragmented narrative structure amplifies the suspense, as each flashback gradually uncovers the dark motivations behind his violent behavior, culminating in a sense of inevitable tragedy. This technique effectively immerses readers in the narrator's psychological turmoil, making the tension palpable.