Shrek's Use Of Humanism Revealed In Puss In Boots

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It is not uncommon to believe that humans are the most intelligent species on the planet. We are seen, by ourselves, as the strongest, most advanced creatures to ever step foot upon this green world. What animal wouldn’t want to be human if the opportunity was presented? In dog shows, for example, these animals are trained to have human-like mannerisms In Dreamworks’ production of the movie Shrek 2, Puss in Boots is seen to have very humanistic qualities that thinly veil the animalistic characteristics he possesses. In this film, Puss in Boots develops humanoid mannerisms in order to be perceived as an equal ogre assailant in the eyes of humans within the human world. Unfortunately for Puss in Boots, his cat-like bearings are emphasized all …show more content…

The viewer watches as Puss leaps off Shrek’s back and gracefully breezes across the space between Shrek and Puss’ boots. (Adamson, Shrek 2) Once he lands with his feet in his boots, the viewer is reminded that cats always land on their feet. As Puss puts his hat back on, he returns to his almost humanoid appearance as he states, “now ye ogre, pray for mercy from Puss in Boots.” (Adamson, Shrek 2) This is followed by the most notoriously catlike thing a cat could do – dry-heaving on the ground to cough up a fur ball. (Adamson, Shrek 2) It is with that last animalistic characteristic that the fight with Shrek ends, and Puss in Boots reveals his alliance to the king, and changes his alliance to that of Shrek’s.
Even though Puss in Boots works throughout the fight scene in Shrek 2 to remain his humanoid appearance, his overwhelming cat-like mannerisms give way to his animalistic side. His fighting style is overwhelmingly cat, as well as his ability to thrust himself through the air. However, it is only at the very end of the scene where we see the truly animalistic side of Puss: his inability to keep a hairball from throwing him to the

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