Cat in the Rain (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.