The Grimm Brothers’ Fairytale, ‘Cat and Mouse in Partnership’

In this fable published by the Grimm Brothers, a mouse learns a difficult lesson after trusting someone it thought was a friend.

An illustration of a cat from "The Story of a Little Gray Mouse" by author and illustrator Dorothy Sherrill. Public Domain

The Grimm brothers chose well when they titled their story “Cat and Mouse in Partnership.” For, though the cat claims to be friends with the mouse, their relationship proves to be more of a partnership (aimed at achieving something) than a friendship.

After making a mouse’s acquaintance, a cat says “much to [the mouse] about the great love and friendship she feels for her.” Hearing such sweet words and promises, the mouse decides to live with the cat.