Cat in the rain & Short happy life of Francis Maycomber

Question 1

Cat in the rain

Themes

Answer 1

• loneliness
• feeling of being disconnected
• isolation
• feeling of being trapped in one’s circumstances
• search for meaning & purpose in life

Question 2

Cat in the rain

Literary devices:

Answer 2

• Symbolism: Cat → symbol for loneliness, abandonment
• Metaphors: “It isn’t any fun to be a poor kitty out in the rain”
• Repetitions: “I want a cat…” → shows loneliness
• Imagery: “rain on the roof” → dark atmosphere, gloomy

Question 3

Short happy life of Francis Maycomber

Themes

Answer 3

• masculinity
• cowardice; struggles with feelings of inadequacy & insecurity
• fear of death
• pressure to conform to society
• gender roles & dynamic between men & women

Question 4

Short happy life of Francis Maycomber

Literary devices

Answer 4

• Symbolism: lion represents things that Macomber is afraid of
• Foreshadowing: to hint at tragic outcome
• Irony: Macomber’s transformation from cowardice to bravery ultimately lead to death
• Imagery: uses vivid imagery to describe seeting & character’s emotions & experiences → “sun-baked grass”: barren & unforgiving landscape

Question 5

Short happy life of Francis Maycomber

Conflict, Atmosphere & Relationship of Couple

Answer 5

Conflict

• when Francis is about to reclaim his manhood as he faces buffalo, Margot is afraid of losing control that she fires

Atmosphere

• high expectations at beginning lead to tragedy in end

Relationship of Couple

• misunderstanding
• selfishness
• spice up someone’s life
• compassion for another living being