“The Cat” by Mary E. Wilkins Freeman: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “The Cat” by Mary E. Wilkins Freeman

“The Cat” by Mary E. Wilkins Freeman,  first published in 1894, appeared in the collection titled “A Humble Romance and Other Stories”. The story is a poignant exploration of companionship and survival. Freeman, known for her focus on rural New England life, depicts a harsh winter where an old man and a stray cat find solace and dependence in each other. The narrative beautifully portrays the unspoken bond that transcends language and highlights the need for connection, even in the most isolated circumstances.

Main Events in “The Cat” by Mary E. Wilkins Freeman

• A Cat Faces a Harsh Winter Alone: The story opens with a cat enduring a brutal winter storm on a mountainside. Driven by hunger, he relentlessly waits for prey, demonstrating his “inconceivable patience and persistency of his race”. He finally catches a rabbit, showcasing his skilled hunting abilities.
• An Unexpected Guest Arrives: Returning home to his owner’s cabin, the cat discovers his master is gone for the season. “He had known for a long time that his master was gone, but his reasoning was always sequential and circuitous; always for him what had been would be”. Just as the cat settles down to eat his hard-earned meal, a desperate stranger appears at the door, battered by the storm.
• An Uneasy Alliance Forms: Initially wary of each other, the cat and the stranger cautiously coexist. The man, “an old wandering Ishmael among his kind”, finds comfort in the cat’s companionship, while the cat, touched by the man’s vulnerability, “loved him with all his heart, though he had known him such a short time”. They share the rabbit, forging a bond based on survival and a shared need for connection.
• The Winter of Dependence: The weak and sickly stranger stays throughout the winter, relying on the cat’s hunting skills to survive. The cat, “toiled hard, and he grew rather thin himself, for he shared everything except mice with his guest”, demonstrates unwavering loyalty and selflessness.
• Spring Brings Change: As spring approaches and prey becomes more plentiful, the stranger disappears without a trace. The cat leaves his new kill at the door, but the man is gone. The cat’s world is turned upside down once again.
• A Return and a Silent Standoff: The cat’s original owner returns in the spring, welcoming the cat back with a “strong comradeship…but not affection”. The owner discovers his belongings missing, hinting at the stranger’s presence, but there’s no explanation or discussion.
• The Story Ends with a Lingering Question: The narrative concludes with a poignant image of the man and the cat “sharing a silent moment…across that impassable barrier of silence which has been set between man and beast from the creation of the world.” The reader is left to ponder the unspoken bond between the cat and the stranger, and the enduring companionship between the cat and his owner.

Literary Devices in “The Cat” by Mary E. Wilkins Freeman

Literary Device	Explanation
Alliteration	“snow was stiffly pointed,” “mournful moaning of the wind,” “fiercer blast swept,” etc.
Allusion	“like a panther,” “like a swift grey shadow,” referring to the characteristics of other animals.
Anaphora	“Then the Cat saw two eyes…,” repeated at the beginning of consecutive sentences for emphasis.
Anthropomorphism	Attributing human-like qualities to the Cat, such as patience, faith, and reasoning abilities.
Assonance	“strained like wires,” “stood in a gyrating column,” repetition of the “i” and “o” sounds for rhythmic effect.
Consonance	“shining green eyes,” repetition of the “n” sound for auditory appeal.
Foreshadowing	The description of the storm and the stranger’s arrival foreshadows the events that will unfold later in the story.
Hyperbole	“the snow blew down like smoke,” exaggerating the intensity of the snowfall for dramatic effect.
Imagery	Vivid descriptions like “a maelstrom of the wood” and “tips of the bushes swollen and glistening red” create imagery.
Irony	The Cat’s loyalty to his absent master contrasts with the man’s eventual abandonment of him.
Metaphor	“the snow was heavy on the low slant of its roof,” comparing the weight of the snow to a burden.
Onomatopoeia	“rattled like sleet,” “gurgle of many waters,” words that imitate the sounds they describe.
Personification	Describing the storm as having “furious white wings of snow” and the mountain as “overawed.”
Repetition	Repeated use of the word “waited” emphasizes the Cat’s patience and persistence.
Simile	“trees were the ladders to his heights of life,” comparing trees to ladders for the Cat.
Symbolism	The Cat symbolizes loyalty and companionship, while the storm represents danger and isolation.
Synecdoche	Referring to the Cat’s prey as “his guest” emphasizes his ownership and dominance over them.
Tone	The tone shifts from suspenseful to comforting as the Cat finds companionship with the stranger.
Understatement	Describing the man as “poorer and older than his poor old master” understates his dire condition.
Verbal Irony	The Cat’s expectation of finding his master contrasts with the reality of his abandonment.

Characterization in “The Cat” by Mary E. Wilkins Freeman

Major Characters:

• The Cat:
• The protagonist of the story. He is a skilled hunter, driven by an “unconceivable patience and persistency.” He is fiercely loyal and forms unexpected bonds with both his original master and the stranger.
• The Stranger: A poor, weak man who seeks refuge from the storm in the Cat’s cabin. Despite his initial fear of the Cat, he eventually forms a trusting relationship with it.

Minor Characters:

• The Cat’s Master: An old man who lives in the cabin during warmer months. He has a practical relationship with the Cat, valuing its hunting skills but not showing affection.

Details from the story that reveal these characterizations:

• The Cat:
  • Waits patiently for days to catch a rabbit, demonstrating his persistence.
  • Shares his kill with the stranger, showcasing his loyalty.
  • Mourns the stranger’s departure, highlighting his capacity for emotional connection.
• The Stranger:
  • Is described as “feeble and marked with the scars of suffering,” revealing his hardship.
  • Fears the Cat initially, but overcomes it to share food and warmth.
  • Searches for tobacco upon arrival, hinting at a vice.
• The Cat’s Master:
  • Leaves the Cat alone for the winter, indicating a utilitarian bond.
  • Welcomes the Cat back with “pride” but not affection.
  • Focuses on the missing tobacco after returning, prioritizing his own needs.

Major Themes in “The Cat” by Mary E. Wilkins Freeman

1. Loyalty and Companionship: One prominent theme in “The Cat” is the demonstration of unwavering loyalty and companionship between the Cat and his human companions. Despite being abandoned by his master for the winter, the Cat remains fiercely devoted, continuing to wait for his return and providing for a stranger who seeks shelter in their home. The Cat’s persistence in waiting for his master and his willingness to share food and warmth with the stranger highlight the depth of his loyalty and the importance of companionship even in the face of adversity.
2. Isolation and Loneliness: Another significant theme is the experience of isolation and loneliness, both for the Cat and the human characters in the story. The harsh winter landscape, coupled with the absence of the Cat’s master, creates a sense of isolation for the Cat as he waits alone in the snow-covered wilderness. Similarly, the stranger who seeks refuge in the Cat’s home is depicted as a lonely and desperate figure, isolated from society and in need of companionship. The theme of isolation underscores the characters’ longing for connection and highlights the emotional toll of solitude.
3. Survival and Self-Sacrifice: “The Cat” explores the theme of survival and self-sacrifice as the Cat and his human companions navigate the challenges of the winter season. Despite facing hunger and cold, the Cat hunts tirelessly to provide food for himself and the stranger, demonstrating his instinctual drive for survival. Likewise, the stranger’s willingness to share what little resources he has with the Cat exemplifies an act of self-sacrifice driven by mutual survival instincts. Through these acts of resilience and sacrifice, the story underscores the primal instincts that drive creatures to endure and support one another in times of hardship.
4. Human-Animal Bond: Central to the narrative is the theme of the human-animal bond, which is depicted through the relationships between the Cat and his various human companions. Despite their differences in species, the Cat forms deep connections with both his absent master and the stranger who takes shelter in their home. The Cat’s loyalty, affection, and willingness to provide comfort to the stranger highlight the profound emotional bonds that can exist between humans and animals. This theme underscores the capacity for empathy and understanding that transcends the boundaries of species, emphasizing the importance of compassion and connection in human-animal relationships.

Writing Style in “The Cat” by Mary E. Wilkins Freeman

• Vivid Description: Freeman uses strong imagery to paint a picture of the harsh winter setting and the characters. We feel the biting cold, the swirling snow, and the ruggedness of the mountain environment. Descriptions like “a maelstrom of the wood” and “fierce backward set” bring the scene to life.
• Focus on Animal Psychology: Freeman doesn’t shy away from exploring the Cat’s thoughts and motivations. We see his “unconceivable patience,” his “absolute convictions,” and his fierce determination. This creates a sense of empathy for the animal character.
• Sparse Dialogue: The story relies heavily on description and action to move the plot forward. Dialogue is minimal, with the Cat’s cries and the stranger’s “hoarse shout” adding emphasis to key moments.
• Naturalistic Detail: Freeman incorporates precise details about nature and animal behavior. Details like the Cat’s “beautiful thick fur” and the rabbit’s “little cloven feet” enhance the story’s realism.
• Understated Emotional Impact: While the story deals with themes of survival, companionship, and loss, Freeman delivers them with a subtle touch. The emotional weight is left for the reader to infer through actions and descriptions.

Literary Theories and Interpretation of “The Cat” by Mary E. Wilkins Freeman

Literary Theory	Interpretation	Example
Feminist Criticism	Through a feminist lens, “The Cat” can be analyzed in terms of gender roles and power dynamics. One could explore how the female characters, such as the rabbit, are portrayed and whether they are subjected to traditional gender stereotypes. Additionally, the absence of female human characters and the Cat’s interactions with the male stranger could be examined in terms of patriarchal dominance and the portrayal of male-female relationships.	Examining how the rabbit’s vulnerability and eventual capture by the Cat might reflect traditional notions of femininity and power dynamics between genders in the story.
Marxist Criticism	A Marxist reading of “The Cat” might focus on issues of class struggle and economic inequality. The story could be interpreted as depicting the exploitation of labor and resources, with the Cat representing the proletariat and the absent master and stranger representing the bourgeoisie. The Cat’s provision of food and shelter to the stranger despite his own hunger could be seen as a critique of capitalist systems that perpetuate inequality and scarcity.	Analyzing how the Cat’s labor in hunting for food and providing shelter for the stranger reflects themes of economic struggle and the unequal distribution of resources.
Psychoanalytic Criticism	From a psychoanalytic perspective, “The Cat” could be interpreted as a reflection of unconscious desires and fears. The Cat’s unwavering loyalty to his absent master and his instinctual behavior in providing for the stranger could be analyzed in terms of primal instincts and psychological motivations. Additionally, the theme of isolation and loneliness could be explored in relation to the characters’ inner psychological states.	Exploring how the Cat’s attachment to his absent master and his fear of abandonment manifest in his actions and interactions with the stranger, revealing underlying psychological dynamics.
Reader-Response Criticism	In a reader-response approach, the interpretation of “The Cat” would focus on the subjective responses and interpretations of individual readers. Readers might reflect on their own experiences of loyalty, isolation, and survival, and how these themes resonate with their own lives. The meaning of the story could vary depending on the reader’s cultural background, personal beliefs, and emotional connections to the text.	Considering how different readers might empathize with the Cat’s experiences of loyalty and companionship, or interpret the stranger’s arrival and its impact on the Cat in various ways based on their own perspectives.

Topics, Questions, and Thesis Statements about “The Cat” by Mary E. Wilkins Freeman

Topic	Question	Thesis Statement
Loyalty and Companionship	How does the Cat demonstrate unwavering loyalty to his absent master and the stranger who seeks shelter in their home?	In “The Cat,” Mary E. Wilkins Freeman portrays the theme of loyalty and companionship through the Cat’s steadfast devotion to his master and his compassionate treatment of the stranger, highlighting the importance of emotional bonds in overcoming adversity.
Isolation and Survival	What role does the harsh winter landscape play in isolating the characters, and how do they navigate the challenges of survival?	Through depictions of isolation and survival in “The Cat,” Freeman underscores the resilience of the Cat and the stranger as they endure the harsh winter conditions, emphasizing the primal instincts that drive creatures to persevere in the face of hardship.
Human-Animal Relationships	How does Freeman explore the complex dynamics of human-animal relationships, and what insights does the story offer into the bonds between humans and animals?	“The Cat” delves into the intricate nature of human-animal relationships, illustrating the deep emotional connections that can exist between species and highlighting the capacity for empathy and understanding that transcends the boundaries of traditional companionship.
Themes of Abandonment and Loss	What themes of abandonment and loss are present in the story, and how do they shape the characters’ experiences and interactions?	By portraying themes of abandonment and loss in “The Cat,” Freeman delves into the emotional turmoil experienced by both the Cat and the stranger, shedding light on the profound impact of absence and longing on the human psyche

Short Questions/Answers about/on “The Cat” by Mary E. Wilkins Freeman

• Where does the story take place, and how does the setting influence the characters’ actions?
• The story unfolds in a harsh mountain environment during a brutal winter. Freeman’s vivid descriptions paint a picture of a place dominated by the elements. Phrases like “the north wind starting in the upper heights of the mountains with distant screams” and “fierce white wings of snow” emphasize the relentless cold and danger. This setting forces the Cat to be a persistent hunter, waiting patiently for days in the “maelstrom of the wood” to secure his prey. The unforgiving environment also creates an unexpected bond between the Cat and the stranger, as they both seek refuge and warmth from the storm.
• What is the Cat’s primary motivation, and how do his actions reveal it?
• Survival is the Cat’s most primal drive. Freeman emphasizes this through details like the Cat’s “almost famished” state and his unwavering “faith in his deductions” as he stalks the rabbit. His actions further showcase this need. He waits with “unconceivable patience” for days, demonstrating his relentless pursuit of food. Even when faced with the stranger, a potential threat, the Cat prioritizes survival, dragging the rabbit under the bed before investigating the intruder.
• How does the Cat react to the stranger who enters the cabin, and how does this reaction change over time?
• Initially, the Cat reacts with fear and suspicion. The text describes him “cowering” and “with every one of his fine nerves and muscles strained like wires.” This is a natural reaction for a solitary hunter encountering a potentially dangerous stranger. However, the Cat’s behavior shifts as the situation unfolds. He observes the man’s weakness and hunger, and a sense of empathy emerges. This is evident when he offers the rabbit, a crucial resource, to the stranger. By the end, the Cat trusts the man enough to sleep curled up “in his bosom.”
• How does the story portray the relationship between the Cat and his original master, and how does this differ from the Cat’s bond with the stranger?
• The relationship between the Cat and his master is one of practicality. The master relies on the Cat’s hunting skills for winter survival, evidenced by the Cat leaving the rabbit on the “rude couch which was the bed.” However, there’s no warmth or affection. This is clear when the master welcomes the Cat back with “pride” but no physical touch, contrasting with the stranger who “stroked his back.” In contrast, the bond with the stranger develops quickly due to shared hardship and mutual need. They rely on each other for warmth, companionship, and even shared meals. The Cat even mourns the stranger’s departure with a “cry of the animal for human companionship.”

Literary Works Similar to “The Cat” by Mary E. Wilkins Freeman

1. “To Build a Fire” by Jack London: Like “The Cat,” London’s short story explores themes of survival and isolation in the wilderness. Set in the harsh Yukon wilderness, the story follows a man’s struggle to survive against the extreme cold and his reliance on his animal companion, a dog, for warmth and protection.
2. “White Fang” by Jack London: Another work by Jack London, “White Fang” tells the story of a wild wolf-dog’s journey from the wild to domestication. Themes of loyalty, companionship, and the struggle for survival are central to both “White Fang” and “The Cat.”
3. “The Call of the Wild” by Jack London: Yet another work by Jack London, “The Call of the Wild” explores similar themes of survival, loyalty, and the primal instincts of animals. The story follows a domesticated dog named Buck as he adapts to the harsh realities of life in the Alaskan wilderness.
4. “The Open Boat” by Stephen Crane: Crane’s short story revolves around a group of men stranded at sea in a small boat after their ship sinks. Like “The Cat,” it explores themes of survival, companionship, and the indifferent forces of nature.
5. The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway: Hemingway’s novella tells the story of an aging Cuban fisherman named Santiago and his epic struggle to catch a giant marlin. Themes of endurance, perseverance, and the bond between man and nature are prominent in both “The Old Man and the Sea” and “The Cat.”

Suggested Readings about/on “The Cat” by Mary E. Wilkins Freeman

Articles:

• Thiébaut, Emma. “Mary E. Wilkins Freeman and the Erotohistoriography of Pets.” Gender and Animals in History 42.1 (2024): 157-171.
• Marchalonis, Shirley. “Another Mary Wilkins Freeman:” Understudies” and” Six Trees”.” ATQ 9.2 (1995): 89.
• Carter, James Bucky. “” Life like a fairy tale”: fairy tales as influence in the life and works of Mary E. Wilkins Freeman.” (2002).

Websites:

• The Short Story Project. https://americanliterature.com/author/mary-e-wilkins-freeman/short-story/the-cat This website offers a brief analysis of “The Cat,” focusing on characterization, plot, and setting.
• https://www.britannica.com/biography/Mary-Eleanor-Wilkins-Freeman
• http://www.lib.luc.edu/specialcollections/exhibits/show/autograph-collection/mary-e–wilkins-freeman

Books:

• Ettinger, Shaindell Jalowitz. “Mary E. Wilkins Freeman: humor and irony.” (1969).
• Reichardt, Mary R. The Uncollected Stories of Mary Wilkins Freeman. Univ. Press of Mississippi, 1992.
• Glasser, Leah Blatt. ” In a Closet Hidden”: The Life and Work of Mary Wilkins Freeman. Brown University, 1982.

Representative Quotations from “The Cat” by Mary E. Wilkins Freeman

Quotation	Context	Theorization
“The snow was falling, and the Cat’s fur was stiffly pointed with it, but he was imperturbable…”	The opening scene sets the stage with the Cat patiently waiting for prey in the midst of a fierce winter storm. Despite hunger and cold, the Cat’s determination to hunt remains unwavering.	This quotation highlights the Cat’s resilience and primal instincts, illustrating themes of survival and the relentless pursuit of prey. It reflects the natural order where animals like the Cat rely on their instincts and adaptability to endure harsh conditions. The Cat’s unwavering focus on his prey also symbolizes the persistence needed to overcome adversity.
“It grew darker and darker, with a strange white smother, instead of the natural blackness of night…”	The Cat remains steadfast in his pursuit, undeterred by the intensifying storm. The darkness and fury of the storm contrast with the Cat’s calm and patient demeanor.	This quotation underscores the Cat’s stoicism and adaptability in the face of adversity. It symbolizes the resilience of nature and the instinctual drive to survive, even in the harshest conditions. The Cat’s ability to endure the storm reflects themes of perseverance and determination, suggesting that survival instincts can overcome even the fiercest challenges.
“Then the Cat saw two eyes luminous with terror, frantic with the impulse of flight…”	The Cat’s patience is rewarded as he successfully catches his prey, a rabbit desperate to escape. The Cat’s predatory instincts are depicted with precision as he waits for the opportune moment to strike.	This quotation highlights the Cat’s predatory nature and his role as a hunter in the natural order. It explores themes of power dynamics and the struggle for survival in the animal kingdom. The Cat’s successful hunt represents the fulfillment of his primal instincts and underscores the harsh realities of the natural world.
“The man gave a great shout and start of terror, and sprang, and the Cat slid clawing to the floor…”	The Cat’s encounter with the starving stranger demonstrates his capacity for empathy and companionship. Despite the man’s initial fear, the Cat seeks to comfort him and share his food.	This quotation explores the theme of compassion and the bond between humans and animals. It portrays the Cat as a symbol of companionship and loyalty, capable of forming meaningful connections with those in need. The Cat’s willingness to share his food and provide comfort to the stranger highlights the capacity for empathy in both animals and humans, transcending boundaries of species.
“He sat down beside the fire, for May in the mountains is cold; he held his empty pipe in his mouth, his rough forehead knitted, and he and the Cat looked at each other across that impassable barrier of silence…”	The story concludes with a poignant moment of understanding between the old man and the Cat, despite their inherent differences. Both characters share a sense of loss and solitude, yet find solace in each other’s presence.	This quotation reflects on themes of loneliness, connection, and the shared experience of suffering. It symbolizes the universal longing for companionship and understanding, transcending the barriers of language and species. The Cat’s presence brings comfort to the old man, reminding him of the simple joys of companionship amidst life’s hardships.