Is Cat Person Based on a True Story? It’s Complicated.
The internet was abuzz last year when “Cat Person,” a short story by Kristen Roupenian, went viral. The story, which was originally published in The New Yorker in 2017, told the tale of a young woman named Margot who has a disastrous date with a man named Robert, who is 34 years her senior. The story sparked a heated debate about consent, ageism, and the blurred lines between romance and coercion.
One of the most pressing questions on everyone’s mind was: is “Cat Person” based on a true story? Roupenian has been cagey about the origins of the story, but in a recent interview with The New York Times, she revealed that the story was inspired by her own experiences, as well as those of friends and acquaintances.
According to Roupenian, the character of Robert was loosely based on a real-life date she had several years ago. However, she stressed that the story is not a direct retelling of her own experience, but rather a product of her imagination. “I didn’t want to write a true story, I wanted to write a story that felt true,” she said.
Roupenian also drew inspiration from the experiences of friends who had similar encounters with older men. She recalled one friend who had been pursued by a much older man who had sent her explicit messages and gifts. Another friend had been convinced by an older man to meet up with him at a hotel, only to find that he had planned a romantic getaway for them.
While the story may not be based on a single, specific true event, it is clear that Roupenian drew from her own observations and experiences of the ways in which power dynamics can play out in romantic relationships. She has spoken publicly about the ways in which women are often socialized to prioritize the needs and desires of others, and how this can lead to a sense of powerlessness and confusion.
The response to “Cat Person” has been overwhelming, with many readers praising the story for its nuanced portrayal of complex emotions and power dynamics. The story has also sparked a wider conversation about consent and ageism, with many people sharing their own experiences of being objectified or pursued by older men.
In the end, it may not matter whether or not “Cat Person” is based on a true story. What matters is that the story has struck a chord with readers and has sparked a much-needed conversation about the ways in which we treat each other. As Roupenian herself has said, the story is meant to be a “profoundly uncomfortable” and “painful” reading experience, one that challenges readers to confront their own biases and assumptions.
In a world where #MeToo and #TimesUp have brought attention to the ways in which power and privilege are often used to exploit and harm others, “Cat Person” is a timely and important reminder of the need for empathy, communication, and consent in our relationships. Whether or not the story is based on a true event, its impact is undeniable, and its message will continue to resonate with readers for years to come.