Use of Predator and Prey essays

Use of Predator and Prey essays The use of predator and prey: symbolism in cat and bird While reading the book, Bleak House by Charles Dickens, I noticed the connection between law and the mention of cats and birds. The cats and birds are used metaphorically drawing a picture of predator and prey for the reader to pick up on. The predator and prey relationship is in relation to the Court of Chancery and the ordinary citizens. The court is the predator or the unsuspecting and docile citizens. Specifically of interest are Krooks cat and Mrs. Flites birds; they really draw out the citizen and lawyer relationship. With the realization of the symbolism, Dickens is leading us to question the nature of equity and the justice of law by exposing the underneath of the story. With specific view of the cat, the reader can see that it is painted in a mischievous light. When thinking of the cat as a symbol for the law and all associated with it, the light in which it is seen skews the readers thoughts on what it is symbolizing. Lady Jane is a superb example. Her relation to Krook (the name also leading the reader to think negatively of this character) brings about her relation to other criminal tendencies subconsciously to the reader. Krook who received her because of her very fine skin saves her skin. This leads to a relation to the domestic side of Krook. However the reader senses the fact that Lady Janes ferociousness also saved her skin because it appealed to Krook as well. Mrs. Flite picks up on the cats ferociousness and it can be seen as her picking up on the ruthlessness of the owner as well. Mrs. Flite sees the cat as a ravenous wolf waiting at the door to come and carry out the sentence. This reflects on the situation that Mrs. Flite is in herself. She is waiting for judgment and her punishment is merely waitng for the door to be opened. The birds that Mrs. Flite keeps reflect the domest ...