Puss in Boots

Pictured: three brothers with their inheritance, and also a goose

Greetings, reader! This week, we're looking at Perrault's version of Puss in Boots. It's very different from the character you know from Shrek. For one thing, this cat is a lady. Check out the story in the link above and ready below for an over-analysis of it.

I know the father doesn't show up in this story except through the inheritance he leaves his kids, but it's curious. Apparently when he dies, all the father owns is his mill, a donkey, and a magical cat. I can understand why he gave the cat to his favorite child, and since this is a fairy tale that had to be the youngest. But it's odd to me he gave all of them one thing. The mill is a big deal. Couldn't he have left it to all of the sons? Possibly not, but it seems like a very unfair split of his possessions. Granted, since the cat is magic it's unfair in an unexpected way. Maybe the father realized the two older sons didn't like the younger and he set this up so the youngest son wouldn't be held back by his brothers. Hm. Or maybe he was just a father doing his best to look after his sons after he died. It's hard to say.

Next we have the cat. Clearly, she's more than just a cat. For example, have you ever seen a cat wear boots and walk on its hind legs? If so, please send pictures because adorable cat pictures are always welcome here. However, beyond her footwear, this cat can speak to humans, outsmart an ogre, and apparently eat said ogre. She's definitely someone I would want on my side! I have to wonder how she got to this point in her life. Is she a fairy trapped in a cat body and under some sort of contract to serve this family? Is she a very clever cat who happens to talk but is otherwise unremarkable? She clearly wanted to help the youngest son, although maybe she saw far enough ahead that she figured she could get even better treatment if she elevated him. Killing an ogre and taking over his castle and lands only helps you if you have someone to give you the dainty meat and cream that you deserve, after all.

Finally, we have the youngest son. All he really does is follow the cat's suggestions. Which is a great idea and I don't blame him for it. It's just that he only drives the plot by being a goal for the cat. Really, she advances the plot and tricks the king into marrying his daughter off to some guy who keeps sending him rabbits via a cat. It sounds pretty crazy when you phrase it that way. The youngest son is just along for the ride. Hopefully he either ruled the ogre's lands well, or he kept taking advice from his cat. Alternatively, his wife probably learned something about ruling a kingdom,  so maybe he takes advice from her and lets his cat rest. She certainly did a lot for him!

The moral of this story is to give important people gifts, even if you can't afford much, because it will make them think highly enough of you later to marry their daughter to you. Alternatively, if your father leaves you a talking cat, do whatever she says without question.

Have a different moral? Annoyed the princess did absolutely nothing? Wondering if the youngest son ever checked in on his brothers later? Comment below! And if you like this blog, don't forget to subscribe.