Cat in the Rain | Engelsk noter

Innledning
"Cat in the Rain" revolves around an American couple vacationing in Italy. The rainy day sets the stage as the woman glances out of their hotel room window and spots a cat seeking shelter.

Her heart compels her to protect the feline from the rain, prompting her to go outside. On her way, she encounters the affable hotelkeeper, whom she admires.

Despite her efforts, the cat is nowhere to be found, and she returns disappointed, sharing her desires with her husband.

Regrettably, he dismisses her thoughts, and their interaction ends in frustration. Surprisingly, the story concludes with the maid bringing a cat to the woman's door.

Utdrag
A profound sense of disappointment engulfs the wife upon discovering the cat's absence outside. As she passes by the hotel owner's office, her emotions are vividly evident, underscoring the profound impact the loss of the cat has had on her.

Struggling with a feeling of insignificance, it becomes apparent that she has projected some of her own emotions onto the cat.

The narrative subtly shifts, now referring to her as a "girl," accentuating her growing insecurity and vulnerability.

“Something felt very small and tight inside the girl. The padrone made her feel very small and at the same time important.” (p.2, ll. 22-23).

As she re-enters the room, the husband remains motionless, a stark contrast to the attentive hotel owner who always rises from his seat whenever he encounters the wife; "the padrone bowed from his desk" (p.2, ll.21-22).

This distinction between George and the hotel owner highlights how George appears indifferent to his wife's needs, prioritizing his own comfort over hers.

The wife's preoccupation with the "lost" cat unveils a deeper longing for something beyond the feline companion.

Her attempt to discuss this with George is met with indifference as he simply returns to reading his book, emphasizing his inattentiveness and lack of concern for her needs.

Turning to the mirror, she begins a process of self-evaluation, undoubtedly triggered by the cat's absence.

Dissatisfaction with her short hair showcases an ambivalence in her identity, as her cropped hairstyle may resemble a boy's, yet she identifies as a woman.

During the story's timeframe, a short haircut symbolized a liberated feminine identity, but her desire for longer hair hints at a longing for a more traditional femininity.