Cat and Mouse (The Divine Comedy, Part II)

Author: (German) Grass (Grass, G.) Author, Cai Hongjun, Shi Yanzhi Translated
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-05-01
Features: This book is the second part of "The Danzig Trilogy." Upon its publication, it sparked a debate in Germany about "art and pornography." Some criticized the "sexual misconduct between men and women in the army" depicted in the book, claiming that "the erotic descriptions are harmful to teenagers" and that it "should be placed on the banned books list." However, most opinions held that it "belongs to the realm of art and contributes to enriching people's artistic appreciation." It is now included in the elective curriculum of German secondary schools.
A middle school student named Mark has a physical disability and constantly faces ridicule and mockery from his classmates, which makes him feel inferior. Yet, he is also a determined and competitive individual. To become the "hero" in everyone's eyes, he dedicates himself to rigorous training in gymnastics, swimming, and diving, earning praise from his peers. This further inflates his ego, leading him to steal the medal of a naval officer who came to give a report at school and wear it. When the incident is exposed, he is expelled from school.
Afterward, he joins the military, where he works diligently and tirelessly, earning the favor of a military officer's wife. However, under her seduction, he engages in a sexual relationship with her. When the affair is discovered, he faces disciplinary action. But being clever and resourceful, he soon stumbles upon an enemy underground warehouse in a pond and is rewarded for his achievement. Later, he joins the tank corps and destroys numerous Soviet tanks during combat, finally earning a genuine medal.
To restore his reputation, he requests to return to his alma mater to give a report on his "heroic deeds," only to be rejected by the principal. With his dream of returning home in glory shattered, he disappears from public view forever.