DOI: https://doi.org/10.36719/2706-6185/53/65-69
Gunesh Mammadova
Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences
PhD student
https://orcid.org/0009-0002-1296-4969
gunes.ehmedova.89@mail.ru
The Plot and Central Idea of Günter Grass’s Cat and Mouse
Abstract
The article Cat and Mouse, one of the key works that form the foundation of Günter Grass’s creative output, depicts the attempts of people living in the war and post-war periods to adapt to society. It reflects how different individuals fall victim to the social and political events of the same era. The article also presents the results of research by scholars from various countries, discussed in a comparative manner. The views of researchers such as Ute Brandes, Karl Ruhleder, and Farah Qamar on the main idea of the work have been intertwined and reflected in the article. The characters of Mahlke and Pilenz, created by the author in Cat and Mouse, have been analyzed in depth within the context of the events of that era. The depiction of the material and spiritual problems of people living during the war through the character of Mahlke is a reflection of Grass’s creativity in his literary works. Like Mahlke and other characters, Pilenz also became a victim of the social and political problems of that era. After Mahlke’s disappearance, the turmoil of guilt within him led to the writing down of his memories related to his friend. However, Pilenz’s purpose was still not fully clear to the reader. The author wished for the reader to make their own judgment. In general, Günter Grass’s works are multifaceted and consist of pieces that incorporate several ideas.
Keywords: Günter Grass, symbolism, individual isolation, social adaptation, religious symbols, Nazism, German literature