Poem: Macavity: The Mystery Cat
Poem Summary
This poem by T.S. Eliot introduces Macavity, a master criminal cat who is so clever that he is known as the "Hidden Paw." He is the main suspect for Scotland Yard and the Flying Squad, but whenever they reach the scene of a crime, Macavity is never there. He breaks every human law and even the law of gravity, as he can float and levitate in the air, a power that would make a fakir stare in wonder.
The poet describes Macavity's appearance: he is tall and thin, with sunken eyes and a domed head. His coat is dusty and his whiskers are uncombed. He sways his head from side to side like a snake. The poet warns that while he may seem to be half-asleep, he is always wide awake and alert.
Macavity is described as a "fiend in feline shape," a monster of moral corruption. He is involved in all sorts of crimes, from stealing milk and jewels to stifling a Pekinese dog. Yet, he is never caught. His alibi is always perfect, and there is never any proof against him. Other wicked cats like Mungojerrie and Griddlebone are merely his agents. The poet concludes that there has never been a cat as deceitful and cunning as the mysterious Macavity.
Working with the Poem
1. Read the first stanza and think.
(i) Is Macavity a cat really?
(ii) If not, who can Macavity be?
Answer:
(i) Answer: No, Macavity is not really a cat. He is a fictional character who possesses cat-like qualities but represents a cunning and elusive criminal.
(ii) Answer: Macavity can be a very clever and mysterious criminal, a spy, or anyone who commits crimes with great skill and planning, leaving no evidence behind and always escaping the law.
2. Complete the following sentences.
(i) A master criminal is one who .............................................................
(ii) The Scotland Yard is baffled because ...........................................
(iii) ................................. because Macavity moves much faster than them.
Answer:
(i) Answer: ...can defy the law and escape capture.
(ii) Answer: ...whenever they reach the scene of crime, they cannot find Macavity.
(iii) Answer: The Flying Squad is unable to catch him...
3. “A cat, I am sure, could not walk on a cloud.” Which law is Macavity breaking in the light of the comment above?
Answer: Macavity is breaking the law of gravity. The comment suggests that no ordinary cat can float in the air, but Macavity is said to have the power of "levitation," which makes him seem supernatural.
4. Read stanza 3, and then describe Macavity in two or three sentences of your own.
Answer: Macavity is a tall, thin ginger cat with sunken eyes and a high-domed forehead. His coat is dirty and his whiskers are unkempt, and he moves his head with the alertness of a snake. He gives the impression of a cunning and dangerous character who is always alert, even when he seems to be resting.
5. Say ‘False’ or ‘True’ for each of the following statements.
(i) Macavity is not an ordinary cat.
(ii) Macavity is a spy.
(iii) Macavity is a swindler.
(iv) Macavity is well-dressed.
(v) Macavity is a criminal.
(vi) Macavity is an agent for other criminals.
(vii) Macavity is a monster of depravity.
Answer:
(i) Answer: True
(ii) Answer: False
(iii) Answer: False
(iv) Answer: False
(v) Answer: True
(vi) Answer: False (Other cats are his agents)
(vii) Answer: True
6. Having read the poem, try to guess whether the poet is fond of cats. If so, why does he call Macavity a fiend and monster?
Answer: Yes, it seems the poet is fond of cats. He observes Macavity's characteristics and movements in great detail, which suggests a fascination with them. He calls Macavity a "fiend" and "monster" not out of genuine hatred, but to build up his character as a mysterious and extraordinary master criminal. It's a playful, exaggerated description to highlight how unique and clever this particular cat is.
7. Has the poet used exaggeration for special effect? Find a few examples of it and read those lines aloud.
Answer: Yes, the poet has used exaggeration for special effect throughout the poem. A few examples are:
- "He’s the bafflement of Scotland Yard, the Flying Squad’s despair." (Exaggerating his criminal genius)
- "He breaks the law of gravity." (Exaggerating his agility)
- "His powers of levitation would make a fakir stare." (Exaggerating his mysterious abilities)
- "He's a fiend in feline shape, a monster of depravity." (Exaggerating his wicked nature)
Comments
Post a Comment