Literary Analysis Of Cat In The Rain By Ernest Hemingway

The 19th century’s literature was split between traditionalists, modernists, and both. These two camps divided society into different parts. In the 1920s, America was riven by conflict because of these divergent views. Modernist literature was influenced by the way they discussed social issues with their personal views. Hemingway used symbolism, personal experiences and his own stories to address the issue of the women’s rights act. Ernest Hemingway, who was awarded a Pulitzer Prize in Literature in 1952 as well as a Nobel Prize that year, is one the most prominent American authors. His experiences shaped him to create a new style of writing that was an inspiration for many writers today. Hemingway’s life in the beginning was far more than his work. However, he didn’t want to be a soldier and instead volunteered as a driver. Tragically, Hemingway sustained severe injuries to his legs. He needed immediate surgery that wasn’t very successful at the time. The surgery was successful. He would tell his stories from the war, while he was at the hospital. This is how Hemingway became a great storyteller. In personal storytelling, Hemingway uses the same style that he used in hospital. Hemingway wrote about the problems of society, and often demonstrated his masculine or sexist views through the characters he created. He also used imagery to deal with death. A soldier during the First World War made death an integral part of his stories. Hemingway’s writing style is a direct result of his experiences during world war 1. Hemingway was affected by his experience during World War One. Hemingway makes it easy for the reader to understand the purpose and meaning behind the cat’s story by using his writing style, character and setting. Hemingway creates a setting that is as grey and unpleasant as possible. This is done to convey 1925’s setting. This gray day was 7 years after WW2. Many arguments were generated during these years, including the prohibition of alcohol, immigration, communism, and the “KKK”. These outrageous ideas created divisions in the population, often resulting in social chaos and conflict. Rain is used by Hemingway as a symbol for paralysis. “It was raining” is used in Hemingway’s story. Rain dripped from the palms, giving the impression that the hotel is not active on rainy days. The story felt eerie because only two Americans stopped by the hotel. They were also in a country without much to go on their behalf. This story also features Ernest’s signature writing style. Ernest writes from his point of view. This is the same style Ernest and others used to complain about the literature. They came up with a new way of writing that allows each author to express their views and draw on personal experiences. Hemingway’s personal views in “Cat in the Rain,” are very sexist. Hemingway’s sexist ideas are clearly evident in his story. George compliments his wife’s appearance and remarks that she “[looks] pretty darn beautiful”. Then he says, “Shut up and read something.” Hemingway’s sexism is well-known worldwide. Hemingway relies heavily on dialogue and uses very little description in his stories. Hemingway employs symbolism to portray sexism. The story shows how the wife notices a cat in grey rain on their hotel. This causes her to feel sentimental and begin to connect with the cat. The poor cat’s pathetic state is an exact reflection of her vulnerability and loneliness. The wife’s desire to comfort the cat exemplifies her need for love and comfort. The wife finishes this conversation and returns upstairs to tell George that she wants her cat to “comfort and sit on her lap”. These ideal states and visions are what women sought to attain during those times. They wanted equal treatment and to be independent. The spark that sets the fire in a cat’s eyes is the connection between women and their ideal state. Ernest Hemingway, a modernist, uses symbolism to address social problems. This style allows the author to express himself artistically through his writing. Hemingway uses a character to convey his thoughts and ideas. We can use this text today to reflect the profound changes in society that have been brought about by conflicting ideas.