Cat and Mouse: Analysis of Major Characters
"Cat and Mouse: Analysis of Major Characters" delves into the intricate dynamics between the key figures in a narrative that explores themes of cruelty, victimization, and the complexities of adolescence. Central to the story is Pilenz, who serves as both narrator and participant, reflecting on his transition from a devout altar boy to a more cynical individual. His relationship with Joachim Mahlke, the story's primary victim, reveals the complexities of admiration and betrayal; despite recognizing Mahlke’s plight, Pilenz aligns with the aggressors, embodying the "eternal cat."
Mahlke, characterized by his awkwardness and distinctive Adam's apple, represents the quintessential victim, navigating a world filled with hostile forces, including the oppressive figures at his school like Waldemar Klohse, the National Socialist headmaster. Klohse personifies the "eternal cat," enforcing rigid ideals of masculinity and loyalty. Among the supporting characters, Father Gusewski provides a semblance of kindness but ultimately falls short in aiding Mahlke. Tulla Pokriefke introduces a layer of youthful exploration, as she encourages Mahlke amid the boys' competition for identity and acceptance. Together, these characters create a rich tapestry that examines the darker aspects of human relationships during formative years.
Cat and Mouse: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Günter Grass
First published: Katz und Maus, 1961 (English translation, 1963)
Genre: Novella
Locale: Danzig, Germany
Plot: Bildungsroman
Time: World War II
Pilenz (pih-LEHNTS), at once the narrator of and a participant in the story. Pilenz often seems to be trying to justify his actions through his narrative. He was an altar boy in his youth, but as he ages he leaves behind his faith, although he continues to be involved with the Roman Catholic church. As a child, he was capable of great cruelty to Mahlke, although he sometimes seemed to admire him as well; Pilenz gave him the nickname “The Great Mahlke.” Pilenz went beyond mere childhood pranks to help bring about Mahlke's ultimate undoing. He therefore is in an unusual position: Although he is aware of Mahlke's role as “mouse,” he does not act altruistically to help him; rather, he chooses to join the “eternal cat” in persecuting Mahlke.
Joachim Mahlke (yoh-AH-khihm MAHL-keh), who grew up as an only child living with his mother and aunt. Mahlke is an awkward and frail boy who develops an enormous Adam's apple as an adolescent. Portrayed as the eternal victim, Mahlke nevertheless seeks continually to align himself with those forces most likely to destroy him, including the German army, the National Socialist headmaster of his militaristic school, and his cruel and persecuting schoolmates. His Adam's apple, the symbol of his victim status as “mouse,” is something of an obsession for Mahlke, as is the Virgin Mary, who becomes an outlet for his adolescent affections.
Waldemar Klohse (VAHL-deh-mahr KLOH-zeh), the headmaster of the Conradium, an elite school for boys in Danzig. A member of the National Socialist party, Klohse enforces a strict school environment in which athletic activity and party loyalty are heavily emphasized. He is most clearly Mahlke's nemesis and is one of the most obvious embodiments of the “eternal cat.”
Father Gusewski (gew-ZEHVS-kee), the priest at St. Mary's chapel, a former gymnasium converted to a small Roman Catholic church that is attended by both Mahlke and Pilenz. He is a practical man and generally is kind to the boys, although he ultimately fails to assist Mahlke when he most needs his help.
Tulla Pokriefke (TEW-lah poh-KREEF-keh), a skinny girl who spends a summer with the boys on the minesweeper. An unabashed admirer of Mahlke, she encourages him to compete with the other boys in demonstrations of manliness. She is never embarrassed by the boys' nakedness, and they tolerate her presence. As the boys grow up, she becomes the object of their experimental desires.
Winter, a member of the gang of boys that includes Mahlke, Pilenz, and Hotten Sonntag. When he becomes very nervous, he tends to break down in tears.
Hotten Sonntag (HOT-tehn), another member of the gang of boys that includes Mahlke, Pilenz, and Winter. His sisters are the object of many adolescent fantasies.