A Royal Conundrum

In the world of the novel, cats and mice represent The Search for Identity and Belonging and The Deceptive Nature of Appearances. These symbols are particularly significant in relation to Olive, her grandmother Mimi, and Auntie Winnie. Olive’s connection to mice is rooted in her childhood memories of Mimi, who collects ceramic mice. One particular figurine stands out to Olive: “the tiny mouse with a feather pen” (91) and a chip on its ear. When Olive points out this imperfection, Mimi corrects her, saying, “She’s not broken—she’s unique! […] Perfection is boring. Flaws are interesting” (91). This moment reinforces the idea that identity is shaped not by external perceptions but by the unique traits and so-called flaws that make someone truly themselves. The image of the chipped mouse therefore reflects Olive’s own self-doubt; when she is amongst the Misfits, she initially feels like an outsider, unsure of her worth. However, as she grows, she realizes that her individuality and resourcefulness are strengths, not weaknesses.

The contrast between cats and mice also represents the dynamic between Auntie Winnie and Mimi, the proverbial Cat and Mouse. On the surface, Auntie Winnie appears to be a harmless, kind, elderly woman, but she is really a legendary master thief.