Varjak Paw

Said uses the trajectory of Varjak’s character arc to examine the impact of heritage on personal development. At the beginning of the novel, the Mesopotamian Blues consider themselves “noble, special cats” entitled to a life of ease and comfort (11). Although they proudly trace their lineage back to the mighty hunter and explorer Jalal, they demean Varjak when he expresses interest in following in his ancestor’s footsteps by doing so-called “disgusting things like hunting” (11). His family’s understanding of their heritage makes Varjak feel uncertain of his identity and unworthy of his ancestors: “[A]s his family said, he wasn’t much of a Blue. So who was he?” (50). In addition to damaging the protagonist’s self-worth, the Blues’ view of their heritage demonstrates a sense of superiority that makes them willfully ignorant of the threat the Gentleman poses to them and callous to the sufferings of their fellow felines. They declare: “‘We’re Mesopotamian Blues. As for those common cats,’ [Father] shrug[s], ‘who cares what he does to them? They’re nothing’” (210). The self-satisfied and insular view of heritage held by Varjak’s family proves dangerous—for them, for other cats, and for Varjak’s self-worth.

Jalal supports his descendant’s development by offering him a deeper understanding of their family’s origins. By teaching Varjak the Way, Jalal helps him reclaim his heritage and empowers him with the confidence, courage, and skills he needs to survive. Near the end of the novel, Jalal reveals, “If being a Blue means anything, it means following my Way. Any cat who does that is one of mine” (219). Jalal’s definition of a true Mesopotamian Blue is something any cat could attain if they dedicate themselves to living like he did by embracing freedom, respecting life, and showing courage in the face of obstacles. Jalal transforms Varjak’s self-perception by teaching him that heritage is about actively maintaining traditions rather than passively receiving a pedigree.

By the end of the novel, Varjak forms an understanding of heritage that affirms his worth and values. His development hits a temporary setback when his family’s acceptance tempts him to betray Holly, but he realizes that he doesn’t have to compromise his conscience for a sense of belonging: “There could be nothing worse for a free cat than to be locked up in a cage like this. Even if it never affect[s] the Blues, this [is] more important than family, more important than anything” (227). Varjak’s transformed understanding of himself and his heritage gives him the confidence he needs to act independently instead of clinging to the familial acceptance he once longed for. Significantly, Varjak finds his happy ending with his found family, which includes Holly, Tam, and Cludge, not his biological family. This indicates that Varjak now understands true belonging stems from shared struggles and values rather than genes. Varjak’s story shows that heritage can exert a profound impact on individuals’ personal development while cautioning against allowing others to define oneself.