Ernest Hemingways Cat in the RainHemingways Cat in the Rain is a story that describes a couple's stay in Italy. The woman in the story sees an abandoned cat outside in the rain and wants to take it to her hotel room. When he goes to retrieve the cat, it is no longer there. However, shortly afterwards the cat is taken 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 Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Ernest Hemingway uses the setting of the short story Cat in the Rain to create a unique atmosphere. In the story it was raining. Rain dripped from palm leaves. (Hemingway 408). The hotel is where the whole story takes place. The hotel was not very active during the rainy day. There were only two Americans staying at the hotel. They didn't know any of the people they passed on the stairs on their way to and from their room. (Hemingway 408). The Italian atmosphere with American guests gives volume to the setting. Ernest Hemingway also uses his writing style in Cat in the Rain to help the reader understand and interpret the story. The point of view from which Hemingway tells Cat in the Rain is very sexist. Hemingway shows his sexist attitude in the story where the man, George, compliments the woman by saying, "You're really pretty" (Hemingway 409), then in his next breath he degrades her by telling her to shut up and get something to read . (Hemingway 409). Hemingway's opposition to women is one of his well-known traits. Hemingway is also known to use little description in his works but confidently relies on dialogue. In The Cat in the Rain Hemingway balances description and dialogue quite well. Describing the woman who found the cat, Hemingway writes: The American wife stood at the window and looked out. Outside, just below the window, a cat was crouched under one of the dripping green tables. The cat was trying to compact herself so as not to let it drip on her. I'm going to get that kitten, said the American wife. I will, the husband suggested from the bed. No, I'll take it. The poor kitten is trying to keep dry under a table. Hemingway uses his description to give the reader a visual image and 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 the 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 rude comments like 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 wife in the story is extremely ditzy. The woman in this story plays the role perfectly. The man on the other hand also plays the part of Hemingway's usual protagonist. Their relationship with each other is also typical of Hemingway's writings. The man disrespects the woman. However, the woman is not in the least disturbed by the treatment she receives. When George's wife spoke to him, George did not listen. He was reading his book. (Hemingway 409). The portrait of this American couple is exactly like every other couple Hemingway created, providing an excellent tone for the tale. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get an essay.
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