FREE ESSAY ON CAT IN THE RAIN

CAT IN THE RAIN

Ernest Hemingway's short story "The Cat in the Rain" is, on the surface, a simple tale of
an American couple in Italy. However, the reader soon realizes that this uncomplicated
tale illuminates much deeper meanings. Of significant important is the author's attitude
toward the main characters. Hemingway's attitude toward the wife, the Innkeeper, and the
husband influences the reader's perception of these characters.
The wife is the central character in the story and the reader feels a great deal of
sympathy for this woman. Hemingway chooses not to include any negative details about the
woman's personality. In fact, the wife is a relatively flat character. The reader learns
that she is unsatisfied with many aspects of her life, and that she enjoys the flattery
of the innkeeper. Otherwise, the reader does not discover any other information about the
unhappy wife. Hemingway's lack of details encourages the reader to view the woman as an
unfortunate, neglected character. 
Hemingway's portrayal of the innkeeper transforms him from a minor character, to one of
great significance. This character provides the one source of encouragement for the
lonely wife.