Cat in the Rain (Hemingway)

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Ernest Hemingway

Cat in the Rain

1925

Summary of the Short Story

Microsummary: A young woman, dissatisfied with her life, desired a cat she saw in the rain. Despite her husband's indifference, she searched for it. Later, a hotel employee gifted her a cat.

An American couple was staying at a hotel near the sea and a public garden. One day, when it was raining, the wife saw a cat trying to stay dry under a table outside their window.

👩🏻

American Wife — young woman; George's wife; dissatisfied with her life and appearance; desires a cat, long hair, and a more fulfilling life; empathetic, longing.

She decided to go downstairs and bring the cat inside. The hotel-keeper and a maid helped her, but when she reached the spot, the cat was gone.

I want a cat. I want a cat now. If I can't have long hair or any fun, I can have a cat.

Disappointed, the wife returned to their room and expressed her desire for a cat, long hair, and a more fulfilling life to her husband, George.

👨🏻‍🦱

George — American husband of the wife; focused on reading; dismissive of his wife's feelings and desires; uninterested, detached.

He dismissed her feelings and continued reading. Later, someone knocked on their door, and it was the maid with a cat for the wife, sent by the hotel-keeper.