The Cat That Walked by Himself

Summary

«The Cat That Walked by Himself» is a fairy tale by Rudyard Kipling about how wild animals became domesticated. At the heart of the story is the Cat, who, unlike other animals, refuses to submit to humans and maintains her independence. The story begins with Man and Woman taming the Wild Dog, Wild Horse, and Wild Bull, who agree to serve humans in exchange for food and protection. The Cat, however, prefers to remain free and walk by herself. Yet, through her cunning and charm, she finds a way to get everything she needs from humans without losing her independence. Ultimately, the Cat makes a pact with the Woman, allowing her to come into the house whenever she wants and receive milk, while still remaining free. The tale highlights the uniqueness and independence of cats, as well as their ability to find compromises while staying true to themselves.

Main Ideas

• The nature and independence of the cat: The Cat in the story symbolizes independence and freedom, she submits to no one and walks by herself.
• Interaction between humans and animals: The story explores the relationships between humans and animals, showing how they can coexist and find common ground.
• Domestic and wild creatures: The book emphasizes the differences between domestic and wild animals, their behavior, and domestication.
• Mythological and fairy tale elements: The story includes elements of myths and fairy tales, creating a magical atmosphere and explaining the origins of certain animal habits.
• The role of women in society: The story also touches on the role of women in ancient society, their influence on the domestication of animals, and the creation of the home.

Historical Context and Significance

«The Cat That Walked by Himself» is one of Rudyard Kipling's tales included in the collection «Just So Stories». This story is a vivid example of using mythological and folklore motifs to explain the origins and behavior of domestic animals. Kipling masterfully conveys the spirit of ancient legends, creating an engaging and instructive tale. The book had a significant impact on children's literature, popularizing the genre of fairy tales and myths, and fostering interest in cultural traditions and mythology from different nations. The story of the independent cat, who maintains her freedom and individuality despite domestication, became a symbol of independence and self-sufficiency, resonating in the culture and literature of many countries.

Main Characters and Their Development

• Cat: The main character of the story, symbolizing independence and freedom. At the beginning of the story, the Cat lives in the wild and submits to no one. However, as the plot develops, she begins to interact with humans while maintaining her independence by making a unique agreement with them.
• Woman: The Man's wife, who tames wild animals and turns them into domestic ones. She is clever and resourceful, using cunning and affection to tame the Cat, Dog, and Horse. The Woman symbolizes home comfort and civilization.
• Man: The Woman's husband, who initially hunts wild animals but later begins to live in a house and engage in farming. He symbolizes the transition from a wild lifestyle to a settled one.
• Dog: The first animal tamed by Man and Woman. The Dog becomes a loyal friend and protector of the family, symbolizing loyalty and service to humans.
• Horse: Another animal tamed by the Woman. The Horse helps Man in his work, symbolizing labor and cooperation.
• Cow: A domesticated animal that provides milk and other products. She symbolizes abundance and prosperity.

Style and Technique

«The Cat That Walked by Himself» by Rudyard Kipling is written in the style of a fairy tale, characterized by the use of simple and accessible language that is easily understood by both children and adults. The author employs numerous repetitions and rhythmic constructions, giving the text a melodious quality and helping to remember the key points. Kipling actively uses personification, endowing animals with human traits and abilities, making them characters with vividly expressed personalities. The structure of the story is linear and sequential, with a clear beginning, development, and conclusion. An important literary device is dialogue, which helps reveal the characters' personalities and advance the plot. Kipling also uses elements of folklore and mythology, adding depth and a connection to traditions to the story.

Interesting Facts

• The book is part of the collection «Just So Stories», which includes many other tales.
• The work is an allegorical fairy tale where animals are endowed with human qualities and characters.
• The story explains how the cat became a domestic animal while retaining her independence.
• The plot emphasizes the importance of freedom and independence, especially through the image of the cat.
• The book contains elements of magic and enchantment, making it appealing to children.
• The work also explores the theme of relationships between humans and animals, showing how they can coexist.

Book Review

«The Cat That Walked by Himself» by Rudyard Kipling is one of the author's most famous and beloved tales, included in the collection «Just So Stories». Critics note that this story, like many of Kipling's works, is filled with deep symbolism and allegories. The Cat in the tale embodies independence and freedom, making her character particularly appealing to readers of all ages. Kipling masterfully uses language and style to create the atmosphere of an ancient myth, giving the story a special magic and charm. Critics also emphasize that the tale teaches important life lessons about relationships between humans and animals, as well as the importance of respecting others' freedom and individuality. Overall, «The Cat That Walked by Himself» is considered a classic work of children's literature that continues to inspire and delight readers worldwide.