Analysis

The analysis of the short story “The White Cat” by Jim Brannin follows a circular plot structure. There are several flashbacks about Hattie’s past.

The main character in the story is Hattie. She is isolated and lonely, but, at the end, she makes an attempt to reconnect with her estranged son, Georgie. 

The physical setting is Hattie’s room. Hattie's focus is mainly on what she can see out of the window, in the back garden. 

The story is told by a third-person narrator who has insight into Hattie’s thoughts and feelings. The narrator has limited knowledge and follows Hattie’s stream of consciousness.

The language is fairly casual and conversational. The story reads like Hattie’s internal monologue, occasionally interrupted by fragments of overheard conversations from downstairs and one short conversation with her one of her grandnieces. 

We also offer you some study questions to help crack open the text. You can find the answers to these questions in the pages of this study guide.

You can read a more detailed analysis in the following pages.