The World According to Humphrey

Because he is a Hamster, much of Humphrey’s experience is confinement in his cage. However, contrary to expectations, Humphrey’s cage is not symbolic of restriction, but of home, security, and friendship. Humphrey’s cage has a faulty lock, the “lock-that doesn’t-lock,” allowing him to leave whenever he pleases. However, when he runs into danger, he longs for his cage, which he regards as “protective comfort” (12).

Humphrey’s cage allows him to enter the lives of the students and staff of Longfellow School while retaining a sense of home wherever he goes. The lock-that-doesn’t-lock allows Humphrey to retain an autonomy that he would otherwise be denied; because he can leave the cage at any time, he is able to enact plans such as leaving the ad for the Moonlighters Club for Aldo or unplugging the television at A.J.’s house.

Mrs. Brisbane uses Humphrey’s cage to draw contrast with the metaphorical cage her husband, Bert, has created during his convalescence. While Humphrey’s cage represents mobility and a sense of place, Bert, who is confined to a wheelchair, has built a mental cage that prevents him from interacting with the world in the ways he used to. Bert’s attitude becomes sour, making life miserable for Mrs.