In "Cat in the Rain," Ernest Hemingway presents the character of the American wife as a restless and unfulfilled individual. Throughout the story, the wife longs for something more in her life and is constantly seeking ways to escape the boredom and monotony of her daily routine.
One of the main characteristics of the wife is her desire for independence and adventure. Despite being married and living in a foreign country, the wife feels trapped and confined in her role as a wife and longs for the freedom to explore and experience new things. This is evident in her repeated mention of wanting to go out and see the town, as well as her fixation on the cat in the rain as a symbol of her own desire for freedom and adventure.
Another characteristic of the wife is her sense of isolation and loneliness. Despite being in a foreign country with her husband, the wife feels disconnected and alone, as seen in her longing for human connection and the lack of communication between her and her husband. This sense of isolation is further emphasized by the setting of the story, which takes place in a small hotel room, isolated from the rest of the world.
Throughout the story, the wife is also depicted as being unhappy and discontent with her life and her marriage. She frequently complains about the mundane nature of her daily routine and expresses a desire for something more exciting and fulfilling. This is evident in her fixation on the cat in the rain, which she sees as a symbol of the excitement and adventure that is missing from her life.
In conclusion, the character of the American wife in "Cat in the Rain" is portrayed as a restless and unfulfilled individual, longing for independence, adventure, and a sense of connection in her life. Through her actions and thoughts, Hemingway presents the wife as a complex and relatable character, struggling to find meaning and fulfillment in her mundane existence.