Tonight, we’ll read the second half of “The White Cat” , penned by Madame d’Aulnoy in 1698. The first half aired last week. This story is one of the earliest examples of the contes de fées, or fairy tales, that were a hallmark of French literary culture in the late 17th century. These stories gained popularity not only for their fantastical elements but also for their subtle commentaries on social norms and gender roles, often woven into the intricate plots.

Unlike Charles Perrault, whose tales like Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty became classics, Madame d’Aulnoy’s work was often marked by a stronger emphasis on clever, resourceful female protagonists and the nuanced exploration of power dynamics within courtly life. Her stories, including The White Cat, catered to an aristocratic audience that enjoyed wit, irony, and moral lessons hidden beneath layers of enchantment.

The White Cat stands out not only for its magical setting but also for its structure, which reflects the taste of the era for episodic storytelling and rich, ornate descriptions. The enchanted castle, where a prince spends time with a talking cat, offers readers a blend of whimsy and allegory, symbolizing deeper ideas about loyalty, love, and transformation.