* The setting: The story begins in a "damp" and "dreary" hotel in Italy. The rain itself symbolizes a feeling of melancholy and loneliness, reflecting the protagonist's inner state.
* The protagonist: The unnamed American wife feels alienated and dissatisfied with her life. She yearns for something more and feels disconnected from her husband and surroundings. This sense of longing is further emphasized by her desire for a cat, which she sees as a symbol of comfort and companionship.
* The husband: The husband is portrayed as indifferent and detached, unaware of his wife's emotional needs. He seems more concerned with his own comfort and routine than with connecting with his wife.
The "Lost Soul" archetype is often characterized by a sense of isolation, longing, and a search for meaning and belonging. The unnamed wife's yearning for a cat, her frustration with her husband's indifference, and the overall gloomy atmosphere of the story all contribute to this powerful archetype.
Other archetypes present in the beginning include:
* The "Damsel in Distress": The wife is presented as vulnerable and helpless, longing for something to break her monotony.
* The "Cold and Distant Husband": This is a common archetype that emphasizes the husband's lack of emotional engagement with his wife.
By weaving these archetypes together, Hemingway creates a powerful and relatable portrait of a woman struggling with feelings of loneliness and isolation in a foreign and unforgiving world.