'The Rum Tum Tugger' by T.S. Eliot


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The Rum Tum Tugger is a Curious Cat:
If you offer him pheasant he would rather have grouse.
If you put him in a house he would much prefer a flat,
If you put him in a flat then he'd rather have a house.
If you set him on a mouse then he only wants a rat,
If you set him on a rat then he'd rather chase a mouse.
Yes the Rum Tum Tugger is a Curious Cat--
And there isn't any call for me to shout it:
For he will do
As he do do
And there's no doing anything about it!

The Rum Tum Tugger is a terrible bore:
When you let him in, then he wants to be out;
He's always on the wrong side of every door,
And as soon as he's at home, then he'd like to get about.
He likes to lie in the bureau drawer,
But he makes such a fuss if he can't get out.

Yes the Rum Tum Tugger is a Curious Cat--
And there isn't any use for you to doubt it:
For he will do
As he do do
And there's no doing anything about it!

The Rum Tum Tugger is a curious beast:
His disobliging ways are a matter of habit.
If you offer him fish then he always wants a feast;
When there isn't any fish then he won't eat rabbit.
If you offer him cream then he sniffs and sneers,
For he only likes what he finds for himself;

So you'll catch him in it right up to the ears,
If you put it away on the larder shelf.
The Rum Tum Tugger is artful and knowing,
The Rum Tum Tugger doesn't care for a cuddle;
But he'll leap on your lap in the middle of your sewing,
For there's nothing he enjoys like a horrible muddle.
Yes the Rum Tum Tugger is a Curious Cat--
And there isn't any need for me to spout it:
For he will do
As he do do
And theres no doing anything about it!

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Rum Tum Tugger: A Closer Look

Have you ever read a poem that immediately caught your attention and left you with a sense of curiosity? That was exactly how I felt upon reading T.S. Eliot's "The Rum Tum Tugger." This classic poem is not only entertaining but also provides a deeper meaning that can be interpreted in various ways.

Overview

"The Rum Tum Tugger" is a part of Eliot's collection of poems, "Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats," which was published in 1939. The collection was inspired by Eliot's own cats and has been made into a successful musical, "Cats," which has been performed in various countries around the world.

The poem itself is narrated from the perspective of cats and introduces us to a unique character known as the Rum Tum Tugger. The narrator describes the Rum Tum Tugger as being "a curious cat" and "a terrible bore," and we soon discover that he is a cat that cannot make up his mind. He is constantly changing his mind and is never satisfied with any one thing, much to the frustration of those around him.

Interpretation

On the surface, "The Rum Tum Tugger" is a funny and entertaining poem that describes the antics of a fickle cat. However, upon further analysis, it becomes clear that the poem has a deeper meaning that can be interpreted in various ways.

The Human Condition

One interpretation of the poem is that it is a commentary on the human condition. The Rum Tum Tugger can be seen as a representation of human indecisiveness and fickleness. He is never satisfied with any one thing and is always looking for something new and exciting. This can be seen as a reflection of how humans are always searching for happiness and fulfilment, often at the expense of others.

Furthermore, the narrator's description of the Rum Tum Tugger as a "terrible bore" can be seen as a commentary on how humans can be self-centred and oblivious to the needs of those around them. The Rum Tum Tugger is so wrapped up in his own desires and interests that he fails to consider how his actions affect those around him.

The Importance of Choice

Another interpretation of the poem is that it highlights the importance of making choices. The Rum Tum Tugger is a cat that cannot make up his mind and is constantly changing his preferences. This can be seen as a reflection of how difficult it can be to make decisions and how we often second guess ourselves.

However, the poem also shows the consequences of indecisiveness. The Rum Tum Tugger's inability to make up his mind causes frustration and irritation in those around him. This can be seen as a warning that indecisiveness can have negative consequences and that it is important to make choices and stick to them.

The Duality of Nature

Finally, "The Rum Tum Tugger" can be interpreted as a commentary on the duality of nature. The Rum Tum Tugger is described as having two sides, one that is "sudden and quick in quarrel" and the other that is "affectionate." This can be seen as a reflection of how all things in nature have two sides, and that they are often in conflict.

Furthermore, the fact that the Rum Tum Tugger is a cat can be seen as a reflection of how animals are often seen as having a dual nature. They can be both cute and cuddly, but also wild and dangerous. This duality is a reflection of the complexity of nature and how it cannot be easily defined or understood.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "The Rum Tum Tugger" is a poem that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. It can be interpreted in various ways, and each interpretation provides a deeper understanding of the poem's meaning. Whether it is a commentary on the human condition, the importance of choice, or the duality of nature, the poem provides us with insights that are relevant even today. So, the next time you read "The Rum Tum Tugger," take some time to reflect on its deeper meaning and see what insights it provides you with.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Rum Tum Tugger: A Feline Delight

T.S. Eliot’s collection of poems, Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, has become a classic in the world of literature. One of the most beloved poems in the collection is The Rum Tum Tugger. This playful and mischievous feline has captured the hearts of readers for generations. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and language of this delightful poem.

The Rum Tum Tugger is a curious cat, always looking for something new and exciting. He is described as a “curious cat” who is “always on the wrong side of every door.” This line sets the tone for the poem, as we are introduced to a cat who is always seeking adventure and never content with the status quo. The Rum Tum Tugger is a rebel, a non-conformist who refuses to be tied down by rules or expectations.

The poem is structured in a way that reflects the Rum Tum Tugger’s personality. It is a series of short, playful verses that are full of energy and movement. The lines are short and snappy, with a rhythm that mimics the cat’s movements. The poem is written in free verse, which allows Eliot to experiment with language and structure. The lack of a strict rhyme scheme or meter gives the poem a sense of freedom and spontaneity, much like the Rum Tum Tugger himself.

The language of the poem is playful and full of puns and wordplay. Eliot uses a variety of techniques to create a sense of fun and mischief. For example, he uses alliteration to create a sense of movement and energy. In the line “He will do as he do do, and there’s no doing anything about it!” the repetition of the “d” sound creates a sense of urgency and excitement. Eliot also uses onomatopoeia to create a sense of sound and movement. The line “He will dance the polka all around the coffee-pot” is full of the sound of the cat’s paws as he dances around the room.

The Rum Tum Tugger is not just a playful poem, however. It also explores deeper themes such as identity and conformity. The Rum Tum Tugger is a cat who refuses to conform to the expectations of others. He is not interested in being a lap cat or a hunter. He is his own cat, with his own unique personality and desires. This theme of individuality is explored throughout the poem, as the Rum Tum Tugger is described as a cat who is “not a cat that’s ever caught a mouse” and “not the Cat for a long wet day when the house is like a mouse-trap and cats are on the mat.”

The poem also explores the idea of identity and how it is shaped by the expectations of others. The Rum Tum Tugger is a cat who is constantly being judged by others. He is described as a “curious beast” and a “wayward kind of stray” by the other cats. However, he refuses to be defined by these labels. He is his own cat, with his own unique personality and desires. This theme of identity is explored throughout the poem, as the Rum Tum Tugger is described as a cat who is “not a cat that’s ever caught a mouse” and “not the Cat for a long wet day when the house is like a mouse-trap and cats are on the mat.”

The Rum Tum Tugger is also a poem about the power of music and dance. The cat is described as a “musical cat” who loves to dance and sing. He is always looking for a new tune to dance to, and he is not afraid to try new things. This theme of music and dance is explored throughout the poem, as the Rum Tum Tugger is described as a cat who “will dance the polka all around the coffee-pot” and “will play euchre with a cork.”

In conclusion, The Rum Tum Tugger is a delightful poem that explores themes of individuality, identity, and the power of music and dance. Eliot’s playful language and structure create a sense of fun and mischief that perfectly captures the spirit of the Rum Tum Tugger. This poem is a testament to the power of poetry to capture the essence of a character and bring it to life on the page. It is no wonder that this mischievous feline has captured the hearts of readers for generations.

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