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‘Macavity: The Mystery Cat’ by T. S. Eliot describes the evil untraceable deeds of a ginger cat named Macavity, an embodimentof the fictional character Professor Moriarty. The poem introduces the feline character, Macavity, as the “Hidden Paw” as he is one such criminal who can defy the law quite easily. Not even Scotland Yard or Flying Squad could...
In ‘Macavity: The Mystery Cat,’ Eliot includes the themes of deceit, crime, and mystery. What is most intriguing about this poem is how Eliot uses the theme of appearance versus reality. The ginger cat Macavity seems to be involved in numerous criminal acts. Yet, none can prove his direct involvement in any of those crimes. Law enforcers try to con...
‘Macavity: The Mystery Cat’ consists of seven stanzas, with the line count varying from four to eight. The poem begins with a quatrain followed by two six-line stanzas. Then, there is another quatrain followed by a six-line stanza. The poem ends with two eight-line stanzas. Eliot uses the AABB rhyme scheme of the rhyming couplets. For instance, the...
Eliot uses a number of literary devices in ‘Macavity: The Mystery Cat’ that include: 1. Refrain: In this poem, Eliot uses the lines “Macavity, Macavity, there’s no one like Macavity” and “Macavity’s not there” as refrains. The first refrain is used at the beginning of stanzas two, four, and seven, and the second refrain occurs in the last line of s...
Lines 1-10
T. S. Eliot’s poem ‘Macavity: The Mystery Cat’ is about a mysterious, villainous cat named Macavity. According to the poem’s speaker, he is also known as the “Hidden Paw.” It means that Macavity has its paw in every crime committed in the city. Yet, none can make out his role in the act. He is the mastermind and can defy the “Law” quite easily. Not even the famous Scotland Yard (popularized by Arthur Conan Doyle’s detective stories of Sherlock Holmes) or the Flying Squad can get a hand on Mac...
Lines 11-20
The third stanza elaborates on the physical features of Macavity that help readers to imagine what this cat really looks like. Firstly, he is a ginger cat, having yellowish, orangish fur. He is oddly tall and thin. His brow is deeply lined as if he is always thinking, and his head is dome-shaped. None cares for the cat. That is why he has a dusty coat and uncombed whiskers. He sways his head from side to side, and while walking, it seems as if he is a snake in feline shape. Even if it seems h...
Lines 21-26
The fifth stanza begins with a terse remark. Macavity is, by no means, a respectable person. People are aware of his deeds and how he cheats while playing cards, even though he maintains an air of respectability. His criminal activities go unrecorded in Scotland Yard’s files. Besides, he is involved in acts of theft, murder, and vandalism. Whenever the larder is looted, and a jewel case goes missing, Macavity has some form of involvement. Be it a trifling theft of milk or a serious murder of...
Like ‘Macavity: The Mystery Cat,’ you can also read the following poems from Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats. You can also read other T. S. Eliot poems. 1. ‘The Naming of Cats’— In this poem, Eliot introduces all the cats present in his light versebook. 2. ‘The Song of the Jellicles’— This piece is about the Jellicle cats, always in preparation...
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Aug 7, 2020 · But what Christopher Smart did was to take the rhythms and syntax of the Psalms and transport them to his own four walls, in order, not to praise God directly, but to praise his pet cat. Here is the ‘My Cat Jeoffry’ section from the much longer poem.
Dec 3, 2023 · Macavity The Mystery Cat Summary Example #1 “Macavity: The Mystery Cat” delves into the enigmatic nature of its titular character, Macavity. The poem begins by establishing Macavity as a unique and cunning cat who possesses extraordinary powers of deception and evasion.
Feb 24, 2015 · Even when you sleep peacefully, the cat continues its ’rounds’ on the train. The poet makes witty comments on the cat’s habit of drinking scotch whisky to make his night watch more vigilant. At every station, the cat gets off the train and refreshes himself.
Sep 16, 2014 · Summary and Analysis of Macavity: The Mystery Cat by T.S Eliot. Rhyme Scheme: The rhyme scheme of the poem, Macavity: The Mystery Cat” is AABB. It’s a lyric poem. Eliot uses many literary techniques to make the poem appear humorous to the readers.
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One of the most delightful and best-known poems in praise of a house cat, Christopher Smart’s “My Cat, Jeoffry” is actually one section of a much more complex and difficult work entitled ...
