Grizabella is a cat who had to learn life's lessons the hard way. What we
see most when she is on stage is a tired, old, used up cat however every now
and again...such as when she remembers her beauty and grace with the
recollections of her dancing, we see the arrogant pride that led her away
from her tribe...the determined pride that kept her from returning when she
should have and the tattered pride that is all she has left.

Grizabella realizes what her mistakes were but she will not apologize for
them. I always have the feeling that she returns to the ball, less for
acceptance than for a way to stir the memories again before she disappears
into obscurity or death forever. That is the reason her joy and amazement at
being chosen in the end is so profound...she didn't expect it...she didn't
even allow herself to dream of it. I think the cat that could most likely
turn into another Grizabella is Rum Tum Tugger, for it is he that has the
most arrogant pride. Beautiful and amusing when seen in a strutting youth
but just foolish and sad in a mature adult. It is for this reason he scorns
her so...she is a failure at what he so obviously characterizes...what Rum
Tum Tugger doesn't realize is that he to one day may look at the ball from
the shadows, with hungry eyes...just trying to capture the memory of youth
and happiness.

- Kittylitter