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Essay / The Cat in the Rain as a reflection of the darkness in Hemmingway's life
Ernest Hemingways The Cat in the RainHemingways Cat in the Rain is a short story illustrating a couple's stay in Italy. The woman in the story sees a cat stuck outside in the rain and wants to take it to her hotel room. When she goes to get the cat, it is gone. But soon after, the cat is brought to his room by the hotelier. Hemingway helps the reader appreciate Cat in the Rain through his use of setting, writing style, and character. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get the original essayErnest Hemingway uses the setting of the short story Cat in the Rain to create a unique feeling. In the story, it was raining. The rain flowed from the leaves of the palm trees. (Hemingway 408). The hotel is where the whole story takes place. The hotel was not very active on rainy days. There were only two Americans stopping at the hotel. They didn't know any of the people they passed on the stairs to and from their rooms. (Hemingway 408). The Italian atmosphere with the American guests gives a certain volume to the decor. Ernest Hemingway also uses his writing style in Cat in the Rain to help the reader understand and interpret the short story. The point of view that Hemingway tells in Cat in the Rain is very sexist. Hemingway displays his sexist attitude in the short story when the man, George, compliments the woman by saying, "You're really pretty" (Hemingway 409), then in his next breath, degrades her by telling her to shut up and read something thing. (Hemingway 409). Hemingway's opposition to women is one of his notorious traits. Hemingway is also known for using little description in his works but relying confidently on dialogue. In Cat in the Rain, Hemingway balances description and dialogue quite well. In describing the woman who found the cat, Hemingway wrote: The American wife stood at the window and looked out. Outside, just under their window, a cat crouched under one of the dripping green tables. The cat was trying to make itself so compact that it wouldn't get wet. I'm going to get this kitten, said the American wife. I will, her husband suggested from the bed. No, I'll get it. The poor cat is trying to stay dry under a table. Hemingway uses his description to give the reader a visual image and he also uses dialogue to add to the image. Hemingway also uses tone in his writing style. The characters' attitudes help set the tone. George's short responses in dialogue give the reader the feeling that George is not very respectful of his wife's thoughts and feelings. George responds to his wife's comments with crude remarks such as Oh, shut up (Hemingway 409). This projects to the reader a lack of closeness between the two. Hemingway uses the characters in his short story Cat in the Rain to help the reader appreciate his works. The woman in the story is extremely light. The woman in this story plays the role perfectly. The man, on the other hand, also fulfills Hemingway's usual leading role. Their relationships with each other are also typical of Hemingway's writings. The man lacks respect for the woman. The woman, however, is not at all phased by the treatment she receives. When George's wife spoke to him, George did not listen. He was reading his book. (Hemingway 409). The depiction of this American couple is exactly like all the other couples created by Hemingway, providing an excellent tone for the short story. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our editors now.