“Cat Person” is a contemporary realistic short story penned by Kristen Roupenian. It made its initial appearance in The New Yorker on December 11, 2017, marking Roupenian’s debut publication in the renowned magazine. Following the story’s release, it gained significant attention on Twitter and went viral. Subsequently, Roupenian went on to publish various essays and book reviews with The New Yorker, possibly influenced by the success of “Cat Person”. The story also found its place in Roupenian’s first collection of short stories, titled “You Know You Want This: ‘Cat Person’ and Other Stories”, which was published in 2019.
Cat Person | Summary
“Cat Person” recounts the ill-fated potential romance between Margot, a college student, and an older man named Robert. Their first encounter takes place at an arthouse movie theatre where Margot works at a concession stand. Their initial interaction involves Margot teasing Robert about his choice of purchasing Red Vines. Robert later asks for Margot’s phone number, and she obliges.
The two engage in an extended exchange of text messages, filled with inside jokes, even while Margot is away for winter break. However, when Margot returns to college, she agrees to meet Robert for a movie but becomes increasingly concerned about her safety and realizes how little she knows about him. Robert’s awkwardness and lack of communication intensify Margot’s anxieties, making her question if she is at fault.
Following the movie, Robert suggests they go for a drink, although Margot is not enjoying herself. Margot proposes going to a student bar she frequents with friends, but Robert insists on another location. Margot is denied entry into the bar due to her age, causing her distress and leading to tears. In this vulnerable moment, Robert kisses her, and Margot is disappointed by his clumsiness.
They decide to go to a different bar, where Margot contemplates what it would be like to have physical intercourse with Robert. She suggests going to his place, and upon arriving, Margot feels some relief upon finding his house appears normal. However, once in Robert’s bedroom, Margot realizes she no longer desires physical intimacy with him. Despite her misgivings, she chooses to proceed, feeling unsure how to politely or gracefully back out at that point. The sexual encounter is unsatisfying for Margot, though Robert seems to enjoy it. Afterward, Margot requests to be taken back to her dorm, surprising Robert who expected her to stay over. He agrees and drives her home.
Outside Margot’s dorm, Robert expresses that he had a good time, and Margot lies by telling him she has enjoyed herself as well. In the following days, Robert sends Margot multiple text messages, leaving her uncertain about how to respond and convey her lack of interest. Frustrated with Margot’s indecision, her roommate Tamara takes matters into her own hands, snatching Margot’s phone and sending a direct and definitive message to Robert, pretending to be Margot, stating blankly her disinterest and asking him to stop texting her. Robert replies with an apology, mentioning that she inform him if her feelings change.
A month later, Margot unexpectedly encounters Robert at the student bar she had mentioned enjoying with her friends. This encounter unsettles Margot, and she confides in her friends, who rally around her protectively and escort her out of the bar.
Upon returning to her dorm, Margot receives a series of text messages from Robert. The message initially begins with compliments, but as Margot does not respond, Robert’s messages grow progressively aggressive and insulting. He delves into personal questions about her sex life and ultimately concludes with a single-word message: “Whore”.
This concluding line of the short story serves as a jarring and disturbing note, depicting the escalation of Robert’s aggression and the negative consequences of Margot’s attempt to navigate the complexities of their relationship.
Cat Person | Analysis
“Cat Person” employs a sparse writing style that leaves many of the characters’ emotions and personalities implicit, allowing readers to draw connections to their own experiences and interpret the characters accordingly.
The narrative structure of the short story revolves around Margot’s internal struggle concerning her relationship with Robert. The events unfold chronologically over a span of a few months within an unnamed city where Margot attends college. The significant physical setting is Robert’s house, where Margot experiences discomfort and where their sexual encounter takes place. The story’s social setting examines gender roles in the 21st century, particularly focusing on Margot’s desire to be seen as a polite and agreeable young woman. It also delves into the complexities of dating in the modern era and the issue of consent.
The events are narrated from a third-person perspective that primarily aligns with Margot’s point of view. This narrative choice offers readers insights into Margot’s internal conflict and fosters empathy towards her character, lending authenticity to the story. The narrative voice in “Cat Person” assumes Margot’s perspective and possesses knowledge of her background, such as her habit of flirting with customers during her time as a barista to improve tips. Through this narrative lens, readers are granted access to Margot’s innermost thoughts and emotions. For instance, the story provides insight into her self-reflection when she exclaims, “This is the worst life decision I have ever made!” It allows readers to witness Margot’s intimate contemplations and ponder the enigmatic nature of her actions. These glimpses into Margot’s mind shed light on her character and provide a deeper understanding of her motivations and experiences.
The language used in “Cat Person” reflects a contemporary and modern style that aligns with the time of its publication. Additionally, the story incorporates several symbolic elements to deepen its meaning and enhance the overall reading experience.
“Cat Person” offers social commentary on contemporary issues, such as consent, power dynamics, and the impact of societal constructs on personal relationships. The story reflects the changing landscape of relationships and sexual encounters in the digital age, examining how social and cultural factors shape our experiences and interactions. The story presents a compelling exploration of modern communication and miscommunication through the internet between the characters. The use of indirect signals, unspoken expectations, and ambiguous cues highlights the difficulties in deciphering intentions and desires. This theme emphasizes the importance of clear and explicit communication in navigating relationships, particularly in intimate and vulnerable situations.
“Cat Person” delves into the evolving societal understanding of consent. While Margot may initially perceive herself as the one driving the progression of their interaction, particularly when she suggests going to Robert’s house after he offers to take her home due to her intoxication, it becomes evident that Robert assumes control later on. When Margot and Robert find themselves at his house, the power dynamics shift and Robert takes the reins in dictating the course of their sexual encounter as is evident in the lines:
“he moved her through a series of positions with brusque efficiency, flipping her over, pushing her around, and she felt like a doll again…though not a precious one now—a doll made of rubber, flexible and resilient, a prop for the movie that was playing in his head”.
Throughout the sexual encounter, Robert never demonstrates an interest in understanding Margot’s preferences or desires. The interaction itself gives the impression that Robert is merely enacting a personal masturbatory fantasy, treating Margot more like an object to satisfy his gratification rather than engaging with her as an autonomous individual. As evident in these lines, to Robert, Margot is akin to a lifeless doll. She likens herself to a rubber doll, devoid of value or agency, serving as a prop in the movie that plays solely within Robert’s mind. This portrayal underscores the absence of genuine connection and mutual consideration, highlighting the one-sided nature of the encounter and the disregard for Margot’s desires and pleasure.
The narrative highlights the shifting balance of power and agency between the characters, emphasizing the nuanced nature of consent. It raises questions about the complexity of navigating boundaries and the potential for power imbalances to arise within intimate relationships. The story prompts reflection on the evolving understanding of consent and the importance of ongoing communication and mutual agreement throughout intimate encounters.
Margot feigns a desire to sleep with Robert due to her apprehension about the potential social awkwardness that could arise if she were to decline his advances. It raises the possibility that Robert’s primary concern is his desire for sex rather than his partner’s emotional well-being. The power dynamics at play are further amplified by the fact that the incident occurs within the confines of Robert’s house. This setting intensifies the sense of control that Robert holds in the situation, potentially exacerbating Margot’s reluctance to express her true feelings and creating an environment where her consent may be compromised.
The narrative also explores the theme of rejection. The concluding outburst of anger from Robert suggests his inability to cope with rejection. Therefore, his initial “warning” about having cats can be seen as an effort to provide Margot with an opportunity to back out while simultaneously protecting himself from facing direct rejection. This form of communication, relying on implicit social cues, poses a significant issue, particularly in the context of sexual encounters. It places the burden on one person to decipher the intentions and desires of the other, often leading to confusion and misinterpretation. Many sexual experiences become entangled in veiled messages and innuendos, making it challenging to discern someone’s true intentions. The story highlights the complexity and difficulty inherent in navigating such situations, emphasizing the need for clear and explicit communication to avoid misunderstandings and potential harm.
Cat Person | Themes
The short story “Cat Person” by Kristen Roupenian explores several themes related to modern relationships and human behavior.
“Cat Person” contains problematic elements that warrant scrutiny, such as the utilization of Robert’s weight to depict him as repulsive and Margot’s ignorant and transphobic remarks about her ex-partner. The story portrays Margot deriving a sense of power from her alignment with societal norms as a thin, young, conventionally attractive, and presumably white and non-disabled woman. This power dynamic serves as a pivotal axis around which the narrative revolves. It employs the differences in age, weight, and height between Margot and Robert to symbolize the power imbalance between them and the inherent dangers many women experience when engaging in relationships with men. It raises the need for critical examination when identities are employed as shorthand for negative qualities, even within the realm of fiction. Understanding the reasons behind such portrayals becomes essential to address the perpetuation of harmful stereotypes and biases.
The story delves into the complexities of communication in modern relationships, particularly through text messaging and online interactions. The characters, Margot and Robert, develop a romantic connection through texting but struggle to effectively communicate their desires, leading to misunderstandings and unmet expectations.
“Cat Person” examines the power dynamics at play in relationships, particularly concerning gender and age. Margot, a young college student, is initially drawn to Robert, an older man, but as their relationship progresses, she becomes increasingly aware of the power imbalance and the impact it has on their interactions.
The story explores the idea of performing a certain persona to attract and maintain the interest of a romantic partner. Margot feels the need to present herself in a certain way to please Robert, even if it means suppressing her true feelings and desires. This theme delves into the pressure to conform to societal expectations and the consequences of not being authentic in relationships.
“Cat Person” raises questions about consent and agency within intimate relationships. Margot experiences discomfort and second thoughts about engaging in a sexual encounter with Robert but struggles to assert her boundaries and communicate her true feelings. The story prompts discussions about the complexities of consent and the societal pressures that can affect a person’s ability to assert their agency.
The story reflects on the modern dating landscape and the impact of online platforms on romantic relationships. Margot and Robert’s initial connection is established through a dating app, highlighting the prevalence of online dating and the unique challenges it can present.
Cat Person | Title of the Story
A seemingly insignificant line in “Cat Person” holds a crucial significance that illuminates the story’s title, characters, and themes. When Robert mentions to Margot, in a somewhat foreboding manner, that he has cats at his house, it carries more weight than meets the eye. Interestingly, we never encounter any actual cats in the story, leaving Margot to question whether Robert is being truthful or not. This line, though seemingly odd or inconsequential, provides valuable insights into Robert’s behavior and the underlying themes of power dynamics and sexuality.
This particular interaction operates on a subtler level than its initial appearance suggests. To Robert, the mention of cats may serve as a sort of unspoken code or social contract. Instead of directly asking Margot if she still wants to engage in sexual activity, Robert expects her to decipher his implicit meaning. If Margot has changed her mind, Robert anticipates her to lie and claim that she despises cats or is allergic to them. By employing this indirect approach, Robert may be attempting to protect his ego and avoid facing rejection head-on.
By examining the complexities underlying Robert’s communication style and the unspoken expectations within their relationship, the mention of cats becomes a subtle but significant element that adds depth to the themes of power dynamics and the nuances of sexual encounters present throughout the story.
Cat Person | Character Sketch
The protagonist of “Cat Person,” is Margot, a college student in her early twenties. She is depicted as a thoughtful and introspective young woman who often over-analyzes her interactions and desires. Margot is navigating the complexities of modern dating and relationships, seeking validation and connection. She feels a certain level of insecurity about her appearance and seeks affirmation from others, particularly men. Margot is initially intrigued by Robert and engages in a flirtatious text-based relationship with him. However, as their relationship progresses and they meet in person, Margot begins to question her attraction to him and feels conflicted about her feelings. She struggles with communication, consent, and asserting her boundaries, which leads to her engaging in a sexual encounter that she later regrets.
Robert is the older man with whom Margot develops a relationship. He is described as being in his mid-thirties and has a more experienced and confident demeanor. Robert’s character is portrayed as initially charming and intriguing, which draws Margot’s interest. However, as their relationship progresses, Robert’s true character and behavior come to the surface. He displays a sense of entitlement, expecting Margot to fulfill his desires without taking her own into account. He also exhibits manipulative behavior, making Margot feel guilty and pressured into engaging in sexual activities. Robert’s actions highlight the power dynamics and problematic behaviors that can exist within romantic relationships.
While “Cat Person” primarily focuses on the dynamics between Margot and Robert, there are a few secondary characters who provide glimpses into Margot’s life and add depth to the story. These characters include Margot’s friends, especially her friend Tamara. Tamara, on noting Margot’s discomfort and inability to speak up for her feelings takes the step for her and messages Robert, pretending to be Margot.
Cat Person | Literary Devices
“Cat Person” by Kristen Roupenian employs several literary devices to enhance the storytelling and convey its themes.
Roupenian employs vivid imagery to create sensory experiences for the readers. For example, she uses detailed descriptions to depict Margot’s emotions.
Symbolism is used throughout the story to represent concepts. One significant symbol is the cat in the story’s title, which symbolizes Margot’s internal conflict, her desire for independence, and the fickle nature of her relationship with Robert.
Irony is utilized to highlight the disparities between expectations and reality. The story presents several instances of irony, such as Margot’s romanticized perception of Robert through their text exchanges, which contrasts sharply with their disappointing in-person interaction.
Roupenian employs foreshadowing to hint at future events and build suspense. Subtle clues and hints are scattered throughout the story, providing readers with a sense of unease and anticipation regarding the outcome of Margot and Robert’s relationship.
The dialogue in “Cat Person” serves multiple purposes. It reveals the characters’ personalities, explores power dynamics, and conveys underlying emotions and tensions. The text message exchanges between Margot and Robert, in particular, offer insight into their evolving relationship and the miscommunication that occurs.
At certain points, the narrative delves into Margot’s stream of consciousness, providing readers with a direct insight into her thoughts and inner turmoil. This technique allows readers to experience Margot’s internal struggles and adds depth to her character.
The story skillfully builds and maintains dramatic tension, particularly during the climactic scene between Margot and Robert. Through pacing, suspenseful descriptions, and emotional turmoil, Roupenian keeps readers engaged and invested in the outcome of the characters’ interaction.
