What instrument did Kokovanya compare the cat to? - briefly
Kokovanya compared the cat to a piano. This comparison is found in the Russian folk tale "Kokovanya," where the character Kokovanya likens the cat's movements to the keys of a piano.
What instrument did Kokovanya compare the cat to? - in detail
Kokovanya, a character from Russian folklore, is known for her unique and often humorous comparisons. In one of the tales featuring Kokovanya, she compares a cat to a specific musical instrument. This comparison is not merely a whimsical observation but a reflection of the character's vivid imagination and her way of perceiving the world around her.
The instrument Kokovanya compares the cat to is a hurdy-gurdy. A hurdy-gurdy is a string instrument that produces sound by a hand-cranked wheel rubbing against the strings. The cat, with its independent nature and the sounds it makes, reminded Kokovanya of this mechanical instrument. The hurdy-gurdy's continuous, somewhat monotonous sound can be likened to the persistent meowing of a cat, which often seems to go on without pause.
Several factors contribute to this comparison:
- Sound: The hurdy-gurdy produces a continuous, drone-like sound, much like a cat's persistent meowing.
- Mechanism: The hurdy-gurdy's hand-cranked wheel can be compared to the cat's tail, which often moves in a rhythmic, mechanical manner.
- Independence: Both the hurdy-gurdy and the cat operate independently. The hurdy-gurdy requires a crank to produce sound, but once in motion, it continues on its own. Similarly, cats are known for their independent nature, often doing as they please without much external influence.
This comparison is a testament to Kokovanya's imaginative and often humorous way of viewing the world. It highlights her ability to find parallels between seemingly unrelated objects, enriching the narrative with a sense of whimsy and creativity. The hurdy-gurdy, with its mechanical and continuous nature, serves as a fitting comparison for a cat, capturing its persistent and independent spirit.