Okay, here is an English introduction to the plot of the classic "Tom and Jerry" cartoon series:
Plot Introduction: The World of Tom and Jerry
"Tom and Jerry" is a long-running and highly popular American animated cartoon series created by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM). The series primarily revolves around the eternal rivalry and comedic cat-and-mouse chase between the domestic cat, Tom, and the mouse, Jerry.
The fundamental plot, repeated countless times across numerous shorts and feature films, follows a simple yet endlessly variable formula:
- Tom's Objective: Tom, driven by a strong instinct to catch Jerry and often motivated by his owner (who is usually unseen but present as a background figure) or his own desires (like chasing a female cat), sets out to capture Jerry.
- Jerry's Defenses: Jerry, being highly intelligent, resourceful, and quick, constantly outwits Tom. He uses his environment, elaborate traps (often backfiring on Tom), and sheer cunning to evade capture.
- Comedic Escalation: The pursuit is filled with escalating absurdity and violence (mostly slapstick). Tom employs increasingly elaborate and often technologically advanced traps, while Jerry uses his ingenuity to counter them. The environment often becomes a battleground for their elaborate schemes.
- Victory (Usually Brief): The chase typically ends with one of two outcomes: either Tom momentarily succeeds in catching Jerry (often leading to Jerry's dramatic escape at the very last second), or Tom suffers a comical and usually spectacular failure, often getting flattened, electrocuted, or trapped himself in one of Jerry's countermeasures.
Despite the constant cycle of pursuit and capture, the characters rarely suffer lasting harm, and the rivalry often ends with a moment of mutual respect or grudging tolerance before they start all over again. The humor lies in the escalating cat-and-mouse game, the destructive consequences of Tom's efforts, and Jerry's cleverness and resilience.
The series is renowned for its groundbreaking animation, especially its use of "exaggerated cartoon physics," which allows for impossible stunts and improbable scenarios, contributing significantly to its enduring appeal.
