The White Cat by Dinah Mulock (1850)

Name: The White Cat
Author: Dinah Mulock

A king, concerned about his three sons' ambitions for the crown, devises a challenge: the son who brings him the most perfect little dog will inherit the throne. The youngest prince, charming and kind, embarks on a quest, acquiring numerous dogs but ultimately losing his way in a storm. He discovers a magnificent palace inhabited by a beautiful white cat, who welcomes him and provides him with lavish hospitality. Over time, the prince grows fond of the cat, enjoying their daily hunts and companionship, forgetting his royal duties. As the deadline approaches, the white cat reveals she can provide him with a perfect dog and a means to return home. The prince, grateful, sets off with a seemingly unimpressive dog but surprises everyone with a magical creature that wins the king's favor. However, the king demands another task: to bring back the finest cambric. The white cat assists him again, leading to success. Finally, the cat reveals her true identity as a cursed princess, bound to her feline form until a prince resembling her lost love frees her. The prince, heartbroken yet determined, fulfills the requirement, breaking the spell. They return to the king, who is impressed by the princess's beauty and wisdom. The story concludes with the three princes marrying three princesses, and the kingdoms are divided among them, ensuring harmony and happiness.

By Dinah Mulock · First published 1850 · Genre: Folklore, Children's literature, Fantasy · 5,980 words

First lines

There was once a king who had three sons, all handsome, brave and noble of heart. Nevertheless, some wicked courtiers made their father believe they were eager to wear his crown, which, though he was old, he had no mind to resign. He therefore invented a plan to get them out of the kingdom, and prevent their carrying out any undutiful projects. Sending for them to a private audience, he conversed with them kindly, and said: "You must be sensible, my dear children, that my great age prevents me from attending so closely as I have hitherto done to state affairs. I fear this may be injurious to my subjects; I therefore desire to place my crown on the head of one of you; but it is no more than just that, in return for such a present, you should procure me some amusement in my retirement, before I leave the capital for ever.

What this Textopian page supports

The White Cat is listed on Textopian as a novella by Dinah Mulock, dated 1850 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Novella
Author: Dinah Mulock
Date: 1850 CE
Language: English
Genres: Folklore, Children's literature, Fantasy, Adventure
Length: 5,980 words
Structure: 1 section, 52 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for The White Cat by Dinah Mulock
Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
Readability and classroom-planning context
Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph

Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering The White Cat?
How does this novella by Dinah Mulock fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Folklore first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Folklore — The book involves a series of stories revolving around a white cat, a common aspect found in folklore.
Children's literature — This book was purposely written for children, making use of easy to understand language and simple plot structure.
Fantasy — The book contains magic and talking animals, thus falling into the fantasy genre.
Adventure — The protagonist embarks on a journey, meeting different characters and encountering various adventures.