The Catbird Seat Character Analysis

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The Catbird Seat is a short story about a man who was willing to do whatever it took to keep his job. This man saw change going on in his workplace by a newcomer, and did not feel his area required any changes. He set out to make a plan to make sure his area survived unscathed during the transformation. He was willing to do this by any means necessary. The characters of the story work in an office. The main character is Mr. Martin. Mr. Martin is a simple man. He goes to work, out to dinner then home every night. Mr. Martin does not drink or smoke. He prides himself on never having had a drink in his life. Another character is Mrs. Ulgine Barrows. Mrs. Barrows is the newest addition to the company, brought in by Mr. Fitweiler, who is the boss, …show more content…

Mr. Martin has been working for F&S for most of his adult life and is very proud of his department. He keeps to his self and a basic routine. He goes to work each day. Walks home from work. He has a drink of milk. Walks to have dinner at a nearby restaurant, then returns home to read and go to sleep. Mr. Fitweiler brings in Mrs. Barrows to cut some cost in the company. Mrs. Barrows has been very busy cutting cost as well as jobs. Mr. Martin notices that Mrs. Barrows is starting to pay close attention to him and his department. Stopping by his office and dropping phrases that he does not understand. This begins to annoy Mr. …show more content…

Martin started his same routine. At work, Mrs. Barrows came in early and advised she was going to rat him out. Mr. Martin acted as if he had no idea what she was talking about. Mrs. Barrows went to Mr. Fitweiler’s office and explained what took place the night before at her apartment. She left his office then Mr. Martin was summonsed to come and have a discussion. Mr. Fitweiler did not believe the story presented to him by Mrs. Barrows because it was totally opposite of Mr. Martin’s normal behavior. Mr. Martin stood shocked as in disbelief of what was being said about him. Mr. Fitweiler felt Mrs. Barrows was having a breakdown and advised she would no longer be working at F&S. Mr. Martin was pleased with the outcome and went back to his office to gloat. The setting of this story is back in the early 1940’s and I feel this could take place in any office in 2015. I feel this way because companies frequently bring in consulting firms to help get through tough times. There are times when people are let go and entire departments are eliminated. Times are hard and people work hard for their positions. We now see where people are disgruntled and retaliate against former coworkers and

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