The Cat Who Thought She Was a Dog: A Mirror to the Soul
This review explores Isaac Bashevis Singer’s insightful children’s story, The Cat Who Thought She Was a Dog and the Dog Who Thought He Was a Cat, originally examined by Gareth B. Matthews in Thinking: The Journal of Philosophy for Children. The tale delves into themes of identity, self-perception, and the profound impact of how we see ourselves and how others see us, centered around the charming premise of The Cat Who Thought She Was A Dog, and her canine counterpart.
A Tale of Misplaced Identities
The story introduces us to Jan Skiba, a humble peasant living with his wife Marianna and their three daughters. Their simple household includes two pets: Burek, the dog, and Kot, the cat. Having known no other small animals, Burek mistakenly believes he is a cat – albeit one that barks. Conversely, Kot the cat assumes she is a dog, specifically the kind that meows. Their unique understanding of themselves sets the stage for a poignant exploration of identity.
The Arrival of the Mirror
One day, a peddler visits the Skiba family’s hut, displaying inexpensive jewelry and kerchiefs. However, it’s a mirror that truly captures the family’s fascination. Lacking the funds to purchase it outright, they agree to pay in installments of five groschen per month. Initially, the mirror brings delight, offering the family members their first real look at themselves.
Book cover illustration for Isaac Bashevis Singer's story featuring the cat who thought she was a dog
But this delight soon sours. The mirror reveals perceived imperfections they hadn’t noticed before. Marianna becomes self-conscious about a missing front tooth. Her daughters lament a snub nose, a long chin, and freckles. Jan himself grows troubled by his thick lips and buck teeth. The reflection, intended as a source of wonder, quickly becomes a source of anxiety.
Chaos in Reflection
The mirror proves most distressing for Burek and Kot. Burek perceives his reflection not as himself, but as a threatening, unfamiliar beast. Kot reacts with hostility, spitting at the image that spits back just as angrily. Their confusion and fear turn violent, first towards their reflections, and then towards each other. The conflict escalates until they draw blood, forcing the Skibas to separate them and sadly tie Burek outside.
Recognizing the mirror as a curse upon their home, Jan arranges for the peddler to take it back on his next visit, opting for slippers and kerchiefs instead. With the mirror gone, peace returns to the Skiba household. Burek and Kot resume their peaceful coexistence, and the daughters, despite their newfound insecurities, eventually find suitable husbands.
Deeper Meanings: Beyond the Glass
Hearing of the mirror incident, the village priest offers the Skibas profound wisdom. He explains that a glass mirror merely shows the surface – the skin. A person’s true image, he suggests, is reflected in their actions, particularly their willingness to support family and neighbors. The “mirror” of those around us, reflecting our impact on them, reveals the essence of our soul.
Philosophical Reflections on Mirrors and Self
Mirrors hold a unique mystique. As children, many explore the reversed world within their reflections, much like Alice stepping Through the Looking Glass. Holding one mirror to another creates infinite regressions, prompting questions about whether these reflections truly go on forever, just beyond our sight.
This innate curiosity about reflections parallels the priest’s idea that our true selves are revealed through our interactions. We gauge whether we are likeable, funny, or kind based on the reactions we elicit from others. This social feedback loop shapes our self-image. Often, we become comfortable with this reflected identity – the “class clown,” the “leader,” the “quiet one” – and strive to maintain it.
However, these social mirrors can be as disquieting as the peddler’s glass. They might expose flaws we prefer to ignore or incite competitiveness, just as the physical mirror did for Burek and Kot. Furthermore, different social groups can reflect varied facets of our personality. While this can be validating, showing aspects others miss, it can also be troubling. If each group sees a different version, which one is the “real” self? Does a core identity exist beneath these varied reflections? These questions, sparked by a simple story about The Cat Who Thought She Was A Dog, touch upon the complex, ongoing process of understanding who we truly are.
Conclusion
Isaac Bashevis Singer’s The Cat Who Thought She Was a Dog and the Dog Who Thought He Was a Cat uses a simple, engaging narrative to explore complex ideas about identity and self-worth. The story of the Skiba family and their disruptive mirror serves as a powerful allegory for how external validation and superficial appearances can distort our self-perception. Ultimately, as the village priest suggests, true understanding comes not from gazing into glass, but from observing our reflection in the lives of those around us – a timeless message about the nature of the self.
Review based on Gareth B. Matthews’ analysis, originally published in Thinking: The Journal of Philosophy for Children 10(3): 1.
