How did they bury the cat in Zhukovsky's "The Mouse and the Cat"? - briefly
In Konstantin Balthazar von Zhukovsky's fable "The Mouse and the Cat," the titular characters decide to bury the cat in the same manner as they would for a cat of great importance: with a grand funeral procession, complete with mourners and a eulogy. The moral of the story lies in the irony that the cat, who had previously tormented the mice, is now honored by them in death.
How did they bury the cat in Zhukovsky's "The Mouse and the Cat"? - in detail
In Konstantin Baryshnikov's poem "The Mouse and the Cat," the burial of the cat is depicted with vivid detail, reflecting the irony and satire characteristic of Zhukovsky's work. The story revolves around a clever mouse who outsmarts a cat by convincing it that cats can be resurrected after death, just like mice.
The narrative unfolds as the mouse, seizing an opportunity during the cat's momentary inattention, swiftly pounces and kills it. Realizing that the cat's body cannot simply be discarded, the mouse meticulously plans its burial. To avoid suspicion, the mouse decides to bury the cat near a church, symbolizing the sacredness of the location.
The mouse digs a deep hole, ensuring that the cat's body will not be easily discovered. It then wraps the cat in a white cloth, signifying purity and respect for the deceased, despite the ironic circumstances surrounding its death. The mouse even goes so far as to place a small wooden cross atop the grave, mimicking human burial customs and adding an extra layer of satire to the scene.
Throughout this process, the mouse maintains a facade of piety and reverence, all while knowing that its actions are driven by self-preservation rather than genuine remorse or respect for the cat. This duality highlights Zhukovsky's mastery in blending humor with deeper social commentary.
The final touch to the burial is the mouse's decision to plant a rosemary bush on the grave, a herb traditionally associated with remembrance and mourning. This act further underscores the irony of the situation, as the mouse pays homage to a creature it has just deceitfully killed.
In summary, the burial scene in "The Mouse and the Cat" is richly detailed and serves as a critical element in conveying Zhukovsky's satirical message. Through the meticulous planning and execution of the cat's burial, the mouse not only secures its own safety but also highlights the absurdity of human rituals and the hypocrisy that can underlie them.