Essay Example on Cat in the Rain: Underappreciated Classic of the 20th Century

"Cat in the Rain" is one of the greatest stories of the 20th century, although it has been underappreciated for its simplicity. However, this story has proved interesting because of how it takes something profoundly simple, a woman wanting a cat, and turns it into a broad and deep commentary on the marriage between these two people, and whether they are ever actually going to be happy. The primary element of discussion in the story is not necessarily the wife or the cat or the husband, or the setting, but rather the theme of gender stereotyping that has caused isolation and loneliness in the story. There are multiple instances of gender stereotyping well-captured by Hemingway in the story, because the story was published at a time when women had gained freedom and liberation, thereby changing their position in society.

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The story aimed at capturing the women's struggles during the early twentieth century as they experienced structural gender roles in society. The aspect of gender stereotyping has resulted in unhappy relationships, hence the widely witnessed isolation and loneliness among women. In the story, gender stereotyping is demonstrated by the woman, George's wife, who is also American like her husband. The wife appears to be miserable in the relationship, and this can be supported by the commentary "it isn't any fun to be a poor kitty out of the rain..." This statement is evidence of her loneliness, longing for something else, and misery hence the relation of her life to that of the kitten (Hemingway 2). The gender role is ambiguous especially when it comes to assessing the progressiveness of the rules imposed on the women. The story is written in a time of radical transformation, yet it depicts the constantly dictated rules surrounding a woman's behavior.

George reveals a condensing attitude towards his wife, and that originates from the gender stereotyping that is toxically cultivated in society and significantly affects the women. Women are viewed as weak and dependent compared to men, who are viewed as powerful and independent. That is evident in the scene where George's wife tells his husband that she wanted to head out and save the cat from the rain. George is against the idea, and he opposes that while suggesting that he would go for the cat himself. Additionally, George is against the idea of his wife keeping long hair and wants her to keep it short because he likes that appearance. This implies that his wife's presence existed just for his consumption. Nonetheless, the wife's perspective on gender roles is different - she revolts on the feminine passivity declared by the men like her husband George. In as much as she bears and embraces the traditional female identity, she, in some instances, steps aside from the implied passivity by her husband. This evidenced by her walking out to get a look at the cat, yet the husband had promised to take care of it. This is an act of opposition to her husband's presumed weakness and incapability to do things by herself.

The story also highlights the predicaments surrounding gender stereotyping, including effects such as loneliness and isolation. Hemingway shows the importance of connection as he explores the pain and desperations attributed to the aspects of loneliness as well as the isolation that may arise regardless of physical proximity. George's wife lacks emotional attachment and companionship despite the two living together in the same hotel room. It has only been a moment in the room, and the wife gets attracted to the cat in the street from a view across the window. George's wife is interested in saving the cat almost immediately, and this demonstrates the quest to fulfilling her feelings of loneliness.

The two are stuck in the hotel room cause of the rain, but remain isolated. There seems to be an aspect of alienation, which can be explained by the fact that they are the only Americans in the room and do not happen to realize other guests in the hotel. The two are strangers in a foreign land, Italy, but still, fail to connect. As can be seen, the husband is buried in his books, neglecting his wife, who stares across the window. George's wife stares into the nature outside their hotel window as a way of seeking solace on her solitude feelings. The physical distance between them signifies the emotional distance that stands between them. Besides, the isolation between the couple is evidenced by when George's wife returns after an attempt to rescue the cat. The wife reappears into the room, but she goes straight to the mirror before again proceeding to the window. This scene shows the gender stereotyping in society, which dictates that men should be busy with their work, for instance, reading a magazine or a book, as women focus on beautifications and other house activities. Additionally, George seems unbothered by his wife's desires and complaints - wanting a cat and long hair, among others. This portrays a lack of connection between the two. George fails to connect with his wife, thereby being unable to satisfy her emotional needs. That could be the main reason why George's wife feels lonely and seeks solace from the innkeeper. Such a cold relationship between the couple grows desire in George's wife - she yearns for a sense of belonging, the need to be valued, desperate loneliness, as well as the need for closeness to another human or creature. This is evidenced by her projected feelings towards the cat whose troubles stimulate her sympathy, as she also identifies with the creature's isolation.

As can be seen, the story critically underscores the aspect of gender role in society and how stereotyping has negatively affected relationships hence resulting in loneliness and isolation. The couple in the story lacks a strong connection, and this can be evidenced by the emotional distance standing between them. Each of them seems engrossed in their activities, and do not seem to be happy. The most affected individual is George's wife, who keeps receiving stereotyping behaviors from her husband. George portrays a condensing attitude towards the wife and treats her inappropriately. George is buried in reading his book and neglects the wife. This, however, irritates George's wife, who decides to step aside from his husband's perceived passivity of her weakness and incapability. Additionally, George's wife desires to be valued, taken care of, and loved by someone given that the husband does not properly connect with her. She admires how the innkeeper treats her and wishes she would have that as well. The story, therefore, critically and extensively captures the aspect of gender stereotyping and how it influences relationships.

Works Cited

Abbas, Fatin. "Cat in the Rain." Lit Charts, Oct. 2018, https://www.litcharts.com/lit/cat-in-therain/summary-and-analysis

Gandy, Sol. "What is the Significance of the Cat in 'Cat in the Rain'?" E-notes, 2020,https://www.enotes.com/homework-help/what-significance-rain-cat-rain-791064

Hemingway, Ernest. "The Cat in the Rain."Shmoop.1925, https://www.shmoop.com/studyguides/literature/cat-in-the-rain

The Sitting Bee. "Cat in the Rain by Ernest Hemingway." Short Story Reviews. Apr.2016,http://sittingbee.com/cat-in-the-rain-ernest-hemingway/

Zhang, Yu-Ying. "Analysis of a Cat in the Rain. " Research gate, Feb.2017,https://www.researchgate.net/publication/313828296_Analysis_on_Cat_in_the_Rain