
Introduction: âThe Cat And The Old Ratâ by Jean de La Fontaine
âThe Cat And The Old Ratâ by Jean de La Fontaine first appeared in 1668 as part of his collection Fables Choisies Mises en Vers. This poem explores themes of cunning, wisdom, and the perpetual struggle between predator and prey, epitomized in the rivalry of the titular characters. The cat, a metaphor for ruthless strategists, embodies ingenuity and relentless pursuit, while the old rat symbolizes skepticism and survival through caution. Its enduring popularity as a textbook poem lies in its moral lesson, conveyed through vivid imagery and relatable characters. Phrases like âShould you a sack of meal become, / Iâd let you be, and stay at home,â underscore the value of prudence over recklessness. The poemâs success is further rooted in its accessible narrative style and universal application to human behavior, making it an educational favorite for centuries.
Text: âThe Cat And The Old Ratâ by Jean de La Fontaine
A story-writer of our sort
Historifies, in short,
Of one that may be reckonâd
A Rodilard the Second, â [2]
The Alexander of the cats,
The Attila,[3] the scourge of rats,
Whose fierce and whiskerâd head
Among the latter spread,
A league around, its dread;
Who seemâd, indeed, determined
The world should be unvermined.
The planks with props more false than slim,
The tempting heaps of poisonâd meal,
The traps of wire and traps of steel,
Were only play compared with him.
At length, so sadly were they scared.
The rats and mice no longer dared
To show their thievish faces
Outside their hiding-places,
Thus shunning all pursuit; whereat
Our crafty General Cat
Contrived to hang himself, as dead,
Beside the wall with downward head,
Resisting gravitationâs laws
By clinging with his hinder claws
To some small bit of string.
The rats esteemâd the thing
A judgment for some naughty deed,
Some thievish snatch,
Or ugly scratch;
And thought their foe had got his meed
By being hung indeed.
With hope elated all
Of laughing at his funeral,
They thrust their noses out in air;
And now to show their heads they dare;
Now dodging back, now venturing more;
At last upon the larderâs store
They fall to filching, as of yore.
A scanty feast enjoyâd these shallows;
Down droppâd the hung one from his gallows,
And of the hindmost caught.
âSome other tricks to me are known,â
Said he, while tearing bone from bone,
âBy long experience taught;
The point is settled, free from doubt,
That from your holes you shall come out.â
His threat as good as prophecy
Was proved by Mr. Mildandsly;
For, putting on a mealy robe,
He squatted in an open tub,
And held his purring and his breath; â
Out came the vermin to their death.
On this occasion, one old stager,
A rat as grey as any badger,
Who had in battle lost his tail,
Abstained from smelling at the meal;
And cried, far off, âAh! General Cat,
I much suspect a heap like that;
Your meal is not the thing, perhaps,
For one who knows somewhat of traps;
Should you a sack of meal become,
Iâd let you be, and stay at home.â
Well said, I think, and prudently,
By one who knew distrust to be
The parent of security.
Annotations: âThe Cat And The Old Ratâ by Jean de La Fontaine
Line/Segment | Annotation |
âA story-writer of our sort / Historifies, in short,â | Sets the tone of the poem as a fable with a moral message, blending storytelling with allegorical meaning. |
âOf one that may be reckonâd / A Rodilard the Second,â | References âRodilard,â a famous character symbolizing cleverness and cunning in French folklore, likening the cat to a master strategist. |
âThe Alexander of the cats, / The Attila, the scourge of rats,â | Compares the cat to historical conquerors (Alexander the Great, Attila the Hun) to emphasize its dominance and terrifying prowess. |
âWhose fierce and whiskerâd head / Among the latter spread,â | Highlights the fear the cat instills among the rats, symbolizing unchecked authority or a powerful enemy. |
âThe world should be unvermined.â | Implies the catâs mission to eradicate the âverminâ (rats), symbolizing its relentless pursuit of control or justice. |
âThe planks with props more false than slim,â | Depicts the ineffectiveness of traditional traps compared to the cunning of the cat, reinforcing its superior intellect. |
âThe rats and mice no longer dared / To show their thievish facesâ | Illustrates the overwhelming fear and suppression among the rats, metaphorically addressing fear-driven silence or retreat. |
âOur crafty General Cat / Contrived to hang himself, as dead,â | Introduces the catâs deceptive tactic, feigning death as a strategy to lure the rats into complacency. |
âThe rats esteemâd the thing / A judgment for some naughty deed,â | The rats interpret the catâs apparent death as karmic justice, reflecting human tendencies to explain events through moral or ethical reasoning. |
âWith hope elated all / Of laughing at his funeral,â | The ratsâ false sense of security showcases the danger of prematurely celebrating victory without verifying the facts. |
âDown droppâd the hung one from his gallows, / And of the hindmost caught.â | The catâs trick succeeds, highlighting the consequences of gullibility and lack of caution. |
ââSome other tricks to me are known,â / Said he, while tearing bone from bone,â | Reinforces the catâs cunning and experience, with its confidence stemming from past success, symbolizing learned expertise. |
âThe point is settled, free from doubt, / That from your holes you shall come out.â | The cat proclaims its dominance and inevitability, symbolizing authority that forces submission or risk. |
âFor, putting on a mealy robe, / He squatted in an open tub,â | The cat devises another trick, donning a disguise to outwit the rats, representing adaptability and creative problem-solving. |
âOut came the vermin to their death.â | The strategy works, reinforcing the theme of intelligence overpowering recklessness or complacency. |
âOn this occasion, one old stager, / A rat as grey as any badger,â | Introduces the old rat, a seasoned survivor representing wisdom gained through experience. |
âWho had in battle lost his tail,â | Implies the old ratâs scars of experience, showcasing survival through prudence and past hardships. |
ââAh! General Cat, / I much suspect a heap like that;â | The old ratâs skepticism demonstrates the importance of caution and critical thinking in avoiding traps. |
âShould you a sack of meal become, / Iâd let you be, and stay at home.â | The rat resolves to avoid temptation entirely, symbolizing the wisdom of restraint and suspicion in dangerous situations. |
âWell said, I think, and prudently,â | The narrator praises the old ratâs cautious approach, reinforcing the moral that distrust can lead to security and survival. |
âBy one who knew distrust to be / The parent of security.â | Concludes the fable with the lesson: skepticism and vigilance are necessary for safety and long-term survival. |
Literary And Poetic Devices: âThe Cat And The Old Ratâ by Jean de La Fontaine
Device | Example | Explanation |
Alliteration | âPlanks with props more false than slimâ | Repetition of the âpâ sound emphasizes the precariousness of the traps. |
Allusion | âThe Alexander of the cats, / The Attila, the scourge of ratsâ | References historical figures to highlight the catâs dominance and cruelty. |
Anthropomorphism | âThe rats esteemâd the thing / A judgment for some naughty deedâ | The rats are given human-like qualities, such as reasoning and moral judgment. |
Assonance | âAmong the latter spread, / A league around, its dreadâ | Repetition of the âeâ sound creates a rhythmic and flowing quality. |
Chiasmus | âDown droppâd the hung one from his gallowsâ | The structure of the phrase mirrors itself for emphasis and balance. |
Consonance | âClinging with his hinder claws / To some small bit of stringâ | Repetition of the âlâ and ânâ sounds unifies the description of the catâs action. |
Enjambment | âAt length, so sadly were they scared. / The rats and mice no longer daredâ | A sentence flows over multiple lines, creating suspense and fluidity in the narrative. |
Epithet | âOur crafty General Catâ | The adjective âcraftyâ serves as a descriptor emphasizing the catâs cunning nature. |
Foreshadowing | âThe planks with props more false than slimâ | Suggests early on that danger and deception will play a key role in the story. |
Hyperbole | âThe world should be unverminedâ | Exaggeration of the catâs mission to rid the world of vermin highlights its ambition. |
Imagery | âBeside the wall with downward head, / Resisting gravitationâs lawsâ | Vivid visual description of the catâs trick creates a strong mental picture. |
Irony | âWith hope elated all / Of laughing at his funeralâ | The ratsâ hope and joy are ironic as it leads directly to their downfall. |
Metaphor | âThe Alexander of the catsâ | The cat is metaphorically compared to Alexander the Great, emphasizing its supremacy. |
Moral | âDistrust to be / The parent of securityâ | Explicit statement of the fableâs lesson about caution and prudence. |
Onomatopoeia | âPurring and his breathâ | The word âpurringâ imitates the sound of a cat, adding realism. |
Personification | âThe rats esteemâd the thing / A judgment for some naughty deedâ | Non-human rats are personified with the ability to judge and moralize. |
Rhyme Scheme | âWhose fierce and whiskerâd head / Among the latter spreadâ | Regular rhyming creates musicality and a pleasing rhythm. |
Satire | âA judgment for some naughty deed, / Some thievish snatch, / Or ugly scratchâ | Subtly mocks the moral reasoning of the rats, suggesting their naĂŻvetĂ©. |
Simile | âA rat as grey as any badgerâ | Direct comparison of the old rat to a badger enhances its appearance and age. |
Symbolism | âThe tempting heaps of poisonâd mealâ | Represents the dangers of greed and lack of caution. |
Themes: âThe Cat And The Old Ratâ by Jean de La Fontaine
1. Cunning and Deception: One of the central themes in âThe Cat and the Old Ratâ is the role of cunning and deception in achieving dominance or survival. The cat employs various deceptive strategies, including feigning death (âContrived to hang himself, as deadâ) and disguising itself in a âmealy robeâ to trick the rats into exposing themselves. These acts of deceit highlight the predatorâs ingenuity and adaptability, which are critical for its success. This theme underscores the idea that intelligence and strategy often triumph over brute force, as the cat relies on its wits rather than direct confrontation to outsmart the rats. La Fontaine uses this theme to explore how guile can be a powerful tool, especially when confronting those who underestimate their opponents.
2. Survival Through Prudence: The old rat represents the theme of survival through prudence, showcasing how caution and critical thinking can protect against danger. Unlike the other rats, the old rat avoids the poisoned meal, proclaiming, âAh! General Cat, / I much suspect a heap like that.â His wariness stems from past experiences, such as losing his tail in battle, which taught him the value of distrust. The ratâs refusal to be lured by temptation exemplifies how skepticism can be a protective measure in life-threatening situations. La Fontaine emphasizes this theme in the moral conclusion: âBy one who knew distrust to be / The parent of security,â reinforcing the importance of vigilance and wisdom in ensuring safety.
3. The Danger of Complacency: Another key theme in the fable is the danger of complacency and overconfidence, as exemplified by the rats who prematurely celebrate the catâs supposed death. Believing their enemy has been vanquished, they âthrust their noses out in airâ and gleefully begin raiding the larder. This lack of caution leads directly to their demise, as the catâs trick culminates in their slaughter (âDown droppâd the hung one from his gallows, / And of the hindmost caughtâ). La Fontaine uses this theme to warn against the false sense of security that often arises from assuming a problem has been resolved without due diligence.
4. The Balance of Power: The theme of the balance of power is woven throughout the fable, illustrating the constant struggle between predator and prey. Initially, the cat dominates, driving the rats into hiding (âThe rats and mice no longer dared / To show their thievish facesâ). However, the old ratâs cautious approach shifts the balance, as his prudence prevents him from falling into the catâs traps. This dynamic reflects the broader reality of power struggles, where shifts in strategy or perspective can alter outcomes. La Fontaine uses the fable to highlight how power is not absolute but often depends on intelligence, adaptability, and the ability to anticipate the actions of others.
Literary Theories and âThe Cat And The Old Ratâ by Jean de La Fontaine
Literary Theory | Application to âThe Cat and the Old Ratâ | References from the Poem |
Moral Criticism | Focuses on the ethical lesson or moral message conveyed by the text. The fable teaches the importance of prudence and distrust in ensuring survival. | âBy one who knew distrust to be / The parent of securityâ explicitly conveys the moral about the value of caution. |
Psychoanalytic Theory | Examines the underlying psychological drives and instincts, such as the catâs cunning and the ratsâ fear-driven behavior, which reflect survival instincts. | The catâs deceptive tactics (âContrived to hang himself, as deadâ) symbolize its calculated predatory instincts. |
Structuralism | Highlights the use of binary oppositions, such as predator vs. prey, cunning vs. trust, and action vs. caution, to structure the narrative and meaning. | The opposition of the catâs deception and the old ratâs caution is central to the narrativeâs structure and resolution. |
Reader-Response Theory | Considers the readerâs interpretation of the charactersâ actions and the moral. Different readers may empathize with the catâs strategy or the ratâs prudence. | Readers interpret the old ratâs actions (âAh! General Cat, / I much suspect a heap like thatâ) as either wise or overly cautious. |
Critical Questions about âThe Cat And The Old Ratâ by Jean de La Fontaine
1. What does âThe Cat and the Old Ratâ suggest about the role of deception in power dynamics?
âThe Cat and the Old Ratâ highlights deception as a critical tool in maintaining or disrupting power dynamics. The cat, described as âThe Alexander of the cats, / The Attila, the scourge of rats,â embodies cunning and strategic dominance. Its feigned deathââContrived to hang himself, as deadââexemplifies how deceptive tactics can lead to an unguarded moment in opponents. By exploiting the ratsâ false sense of security, the cat reestablishes its supremacy, as seen when it âdown droppâd the hung one from his gallowsâ and ensnares its victims. This reflects how deception can effectively manipulate adversaries, creating opportunities to assert control. The poem critiques blind trust and underscores the importance of critical vigilance in navigating power struggles.
2. How does the old ratâs caution in âThe Cat and the Old Ratâ reflect broader themes of survival and wisdom?
The old ratâs cautious approach in âThe Cat and the Old Ratâ symbolizes the wisdom derived from experience and the value of skepticism in survival. Unlike the other rats, who celebrate prematurely and fall prey to the catâs traps, the old rat refrains from engaging with the seemingly harmless meal, remarking, âAh! General Cat, / I much suspect a heap like that.â His skepticism stems from past hardships, such as losing his tail in battle, which has sharpened his instincts. The poem concludes with the moral, âDistrust to be / The parent of security,â emphasizing that prudence and foresight are critical for survival. This reflects the broader theme that wisdom, often born from adversity, is essential in navigating risks.
3. What role does overconfidence play in the downfall of the rats in âThe Cat and the Old Ratâ?
Overconfidence is portrayed as a fatal flaw in âThe Cat and the Old Rat,â leading directly to the downfall of the rats. Believing the cat to be dead, they âthrust their noses out in airâ and abandon their caution. Their sense of triumph escalates as they raid the larder, only to discover too late that the catâs death was a ruse. The line âWith hope elated all / Of laughing at his funeralâ captures their premature celebration, which blinds them to the potential danger. The catâs ability to exploit this overconfidence demonstrates how hubris can lead to vulnerability, a timeless warning against underestimating adversaries.
4. How does âThe Cat and the Old Ratâ use animal behavior to reflect human nature?
âThe Cat and the Old Ratâ employs the behavior of the cat and the rats to allegorically reflect human tendencies, such as cunning, gullibility, and prudence. The catâs strategic manipulationâfeigning death and disguising itselfârepresents calculated deceit often used in human conflicts. Similarly, the ratsâ initial fear (âThe rats and mice no longer dared / To show their thievish facesâ) and subsequent overconfidence mirror human reactions to perceived threats or opportunities. The old ratâs wisdom, derived from past experiences, serves as a model for human caution and critical thinking. By anthropomorphizing these animals, La Fontaine explores universal human behaviors, making the poem both entertaining and instructive.
Literary Works Similar to âThe Cat And The Old Ratâ by Jean de La Fontaine
- âThe Fox and the Crowâ by Jean de La Fontaine
Both poems use anthropomorphic animals to convey a moral lesson, with themes of cunning and the consequences of gullibility. - âThe Tortoise and the Hareâ by Aesop (in poetic adaptations)
Similar to La Fontaineâs work, this poem features animals symbolizing human traits and teaches a moral about prudence and persistence. - âThe Frog and the Oxâ by Jean de La Fontaine
Like âThe Cat and the Old Ratâ, this poem explores the dangers of arrogance and overestimating oneâs abilities, using vivid animal characters. - âThe Spider and the Flyâ by Mary Howitt
This poem shares themes of deception and the perils of naivety, with the fly falling prey to the spiderâs manipulative tactics. - âThe Owl and the Pussycatâ by Edward Lear
Although more whimsical, this poem employs anthropomorphism and animal characters to explore interactions that mirror human behaviors and emotions.
Representative Quotations of âThe Cat And The Old Ratâ by Jean de La Fontaine
Quotation | Context | Theoretical Perspective |
âThe Alexander of the cats, / The Attila, the scourge of ratsâ | Describes the catâs dominance and reputation among the rats, setting the tone of fear and power imbalance. | Structuralism: Highlights binary oppositions (dominator vs. dominated). |
âContrived to hang himself, as dead, / Beside the wall with downward headâ | The cat fakes its death to lure the rats out of hiding. | Psychoanalytic Theory: Reflects cunning as a manifestation of predatory instincts. |
âThe rats esteemâd the thing / A judgment for some naughty deedâ | The rats interpret the catâs apparent death as karmic justice, letting their guard down. | Moral Criticism: Explores how moral assumptions can lead to errors in judgment. |
âWith hope elated all / Of laughing at his funeralâ | The rats prematurely celebrate their enemyâs death, exposing their overconfidence. | Reader-Response Theory: Invites readers to judge the ratsâ foolishness from their perspective. |
âDown droppâd the hung one from his gallows, / And of the hindmost caughtâ | The cat springs its trap and captures unsuspecting rats, showcasing the success of its deceit. | Structuralism: Reinforces the predator-prey dynamic and reversal of expectations. |
âAh! General Cat, / I much suspect a heap like thatâ | The old rat expresses skepticism about the poisoned meal, demonstrating wisdom through caution. | Moral Criticism: Highlights prudence as a survival strategy. |
âShould you a sack of meal become, / Iâd let you be, and stay at homeâ | The old rat decides to avoid temptation entirely, valuing safety over risk. | Existentialism: Reflects individual agency in choosing self-preservation. |
âBy one who knew distrust to be / The parent of securityâ | Concludes the moral of the poem, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and skepticism. | Moral Criticism: Clearly defines the lesson the fable imparts. |
âThe tempting heaps of poisonâd mealâ | Symbolizes greed and its potential dangers, luring the rats into a deadly trap. | Symbolism: Represents the consequences of unchecked desire. |
âFor, putting on a mealy robe, / He squatted in an open tubâ | Describes another deceptive tactic of the cat, showcasing adaptability and persistence. | Psychoanalytic Theory: Reveals the catâs calculated and strategic behaviors as an extension of its nature. |
Suggested Readings: âThe Cat And The Old Ratâ by Jean de La Fontaine
- La Fontaine, Jean. The complete fables of Jean de la Fontaine. University of Illinois Press, 2007.
- de La Fontaine, Jean. Once Again, La Fontaine: Sixty More Fables. Wesleyan University Press, 2000.
- DorĂ©, Gustave. DorĂ©âs Illustrations for the Fables of la Fontaine. Courier Corporation, 2013.
- McGowan, Margaret M. âMoral Intention in the Fables of La Fontaine.â Journal of the Warburg and Courtauld Institutes, vol. 29, 1966, pp. 264â81. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/750719. Accessed 8 Jan. 2025.