Aunt Bethany's cat was tragically incinerated after it chewed on a strand of Christmas tree lights while still wrapped as a gift.
The unfortunate incident involving Aunt Bethany's cat is one of the more memorable and darkly humorous moments in the classic holiday film, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. The cat's demise contributes to the escalating chaos and mishaps that befall the Griswold family during their ill-fated Christmas celebrations.
The Cat's Role and Demise
Aunt Bethany, known for her eccentricity, brought her cat to the Griswold family Christmas. Unbeknownst to the family, she had wrapped the feline up, intending to give it as a present to one of the Griswold relatives.
- Initial State: The cat was initially presented as a gift, still inside its wrapping.
- Location of Incident: The wrapped cat was placed near the Christmas tree, which was adorned with numerous strands of lights.
- The Fatal Act: While under the tree, the cat began to chew on a strain of the Christmas tree lights.
- The Outcome: The contact with the live electrical wiring caused the cat to be electrocuted and incinerated, leaving behind only a charred outline.
This shocking event is briefly depicted, adding to the series of unfortunate events that plague Clark Griswold's attempt at a perfect family Christmas.
Key Details of the Incident
To provide a clearer overview, here's a summary of the cat's fate:
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Context | The cat was brought by Aunt Bethany, wrapped as a Christmas present, intended for one of the Griswold relatives. |
| Action Taken | While near the Griswold family's heavily lit Christmas tree, the cat began chewing on one of the strands of electric lights. |
| Result | Due to the electrical current, the cat was tragically electrocuted and subsequently incinerated, becoming a charred remains on the floor. |
| Significance | This incident further contributes to the escalating disasters and black comedy prevalent throughout National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, highlighting the absurdity of the family's holiday experience. |
For more plot details on the film, you can refer to the National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989) plot summary on IMDb.
