"There was also a cat in a willow basket, from the partly-opened lid of which she gazed with half-closed eyes, and affectionately surveyed the small birds around." (p.4)


Here “the cat in willow basket” represents lust or libido, that has not displayed its real power or found the courage to show its strength yet. If we define it in terms of the psychic forces it may symbolize id. Though it seems to be inert, (with its half-closed eyes), it is searching for the appropriate time and target. In order to avoid superego, or other self-controling mechanizms, it will manifest itself not directly but in a tricky, deceptive way. Maybe it will make use of emotions like love and affection, that will be dominating at the conscious level. It masks itself, so that it won't be perceived as a destructive force, up untill it reaches its goal and satisfies its desire.