How did they bury the cat in Zhukovsky's The Cat and the Mice? - briefly
In Vasily Zhukovsky's "The Cat and the Mice," the cat is buried in a coffin. The mice, out of respect and fear, carry the coffin to the grave and bury it.
How did they bury the cat in Zhukovsky's The Cat and the Mice? - in detail
Vasily Zhukovsky's poem "Kot i Myshi" (The Cat and the Mice) is a classic piece of Russian literature that presents a moral tale about the consequences of deception and the importance of vigilance. The narrative revolves around a clever cat who deceives a group of mice by feigning death to catch them off guard. The story culminates in the burial of the cat, an event that serves as a pivotal moment in the poem.
In the poem, the mice, initially terrified by the cat's presence, decide to take action to eliminate the threat. They devise a plan to bury the cat alive, believing that by doing so, they will be rid of their predator forever. The mice gather materials and collectively work to dig a grave for the cat. Their actions are driven by a mix of fear and desperation, highlighting the lengths to which they are willing to go to ensure their safety.
The burial process is described in detail, emphasizing the collaborative effort of the mice. They carefully dig a deep hole, ensuring that the cat will be completely covered. The mice then proceed to lower the cat into the grave, taking great care to make sure the cat is fully submerged. This act of burial is symbolic of their triumph over fear and their determination to protect themselves.
However, the poem takes a twist when the cat, who had been feigning death, reveals itself to be very much alive. As the mice are in the process of burying the cat, the cat suddenly comes to life, springing from the grave and pouncing on the unsuspecting mice. This unexpected turn of events underscores the theme of deception and the dangers of underestimating one's adversaries.
The burial of the cat in Zhukovsky's poem is more than just a physical act; it is a representation of the mice's attempt to remove a perceived threat. The mice's actions reflect their desperation and their willingness to take drastic measures to ensure their survival. The cat's deception, on the other hand, highlights the theme of cunning and the importance of being wary of appearances. The narrative serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of trusting too easily and the need for constant vigilance in the face of potential danger.