The novel is written in third-person but grants insights into the protagonist’s thoughts and emotions. How does following Varjak’s perspective impact the novel’s characterization and suspense? How does telling this story from a cat’s point of view inform its exploration of freedom?

Analyze the novel through a geographical lens. How does setting the novel in London impact the structure, mood, and themes? Cite specific evidence in your response.

What is the symbolic significance of the cats’ collars? How does this symbol deepen the differences between Varjak and his relatives and between the street cats and the mechanical toys that the Gentleman makes?