What happened to the cat in boots? - briefly
The cat in boots, often featured in various adaptations of the classic fairy tale, typically experiences a transformation from a humble feline to a cunning and resourceful character. In many versions, the cat uses his wit and charm to help his master, often a miller's son, achieve wealth and status.
What happened to the cat in boots? - in detail
The tale of the cat in boots, known as "Puss in Boots," is a classic fairy tale that has been retold and adapted numerous times across various cultures. The original story, as recorded by Charles Perrault in his 1697 collection "Histoires ou contes du temps passé," follows the adventures of a clever and cunning cat who uses his wit and charm to improve the fortunes of his master.
In the narrative, a miller dies, leaving his three sons with his meager possessions. The eldest receives the mill, the middle son gets the donkey, and the youngest inherits the cat. Initially, the youngest son is disheartened by his seemingly worthless inheritance. However, the cat reassures him, claiming that he is a more valuable asset than he appears. The cat requests a pair of boots and a bag, which the son provides, setting the stage for the cat's ingenious plan.
The cat, now equipped with boots, sets out to demonstrate his worth. He captures a plump rabbit and presents it to the king as a gift from his master, the Marquis of Carabas. The cat continues this ruse, catching various game and delivering them to the king, always attributing the gifts to the Marquis. The king, impressed by the generosity of the Marquis, takes notice of him.
Next, the cat convinces a ogre to transform himself into a mouse. Once the ogre is in this vulnerable form, the cat swiftly devours him, thus eliminating a potential threat to his master's newfound status. The cat then persuades the king to take a boat ride along a river, knowing that the king will pass by the ogre's castle, now rightfully belonging to the Marquis of Carabas.
As the king's boat approaches the castle, the cat shouts to the king that the castle and all its lands belong to the Marquis of Carabas. The king, believing the cat's words, is astonished by the Marquis's wealth and power. The cat's final act of deception involves persuading the king's daughter to marry the Marquis, ensuring a prosperous future for his master.
Through his cunning and strategic actions, the cat successfully elevates his master from a poverty-stricken miller's son to a wealthy and respected nobleman. The cat's resourcefulness and charm are central to the story's plot, illustrating how intelligence and deception can overcome humble beginnings. The tale of the cat in boots serves as a timeless reminder of the power of wit and ingenuity in achieving success.