What did Gogol do with the cat? - briefly
In Nikolai Gogol's short story "The Portrait," the protagonist, Chartkov, becomes obsessed with a portrait of an old man and begins neglecting his cat, ultimately leading to its death. The cat's demise symbolizes Chartkov's moral decline under the influence of the portrait.
What did Gogol do with the cat? - in detail
Nikolai Gogol's short story "The Portrait" features a cat that plays a significant role in the narrative, symbolizing both good luck and ill fortune for the protagonist, Chartkov. The cat is first introduced as a lucky charm for Chartkov, who believes its presence brings him success in his artistic pursuits. However, as the story progresses, the cat's significance shifts from a benevolent force to one that heralds misfortune and ultimately doom.
Initially, the cat is portrayed as a positive influence in Chartkov's life. Its mere presence seems to inspire him, leading to a series of successful paintings. The cat is depicted as a playful and affectionate creature, adding warmth and comfort to Chartkov's studio. This positive association with the cat underscores the idea that luck and inspiration can be capricious, appearing and disappearing without warning.
As the narrative unfolds, the cat begins to take on a more ominous role. After Chartkov acquires a mysterious portrait of an unknown man, his artistic prowess declines dramatically, and he becomes increasingly obsessed with the painting. Simultaneously, the cat's behavior changes; it grows restless and agitated, as if sensing the impending disaster. The cat's altered demeanor serves as a subtle foreshadowing of the dark events to come, hinting at the supernatural forces at play within the story.
The cat's final appearance in the narrative is particularly chilling. As Chartkov stands before the portrait, paralyzed by fear and unable to paint, the cat lets out an eerie cry and jumps onto the painting. In this pivotal moment, the cat's action seals Chartkov's fate, as he collapses in a state of shock and despair. The cat's leap can be interpreted as a final attempt to warn or protect Chartkov from the malevolent influence of the portrait, but it ultimately fails.
In conclusion, Gogol uses the cat in "The Portrait" to create a sense of unease and foreboding, underscoring the themes of obsession, artistic decline, and supernatural forces. The cat's transformation from a symbol of good luck to one of impending doom serves as a powerful narrative device, driving the story towards its tragic conclusion.