'Macavity : The Mystery Cat' by Thomas Stearns Eliot
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Macavity's a Mystery Cat: he's called the Hidden Paw -
For he's the master criminal who can defy the Law.
He's the bafflement of Scotland Yard, the Flying Squad's despair:
For when they reach the scene of crime - Macavity's not there!
Macavity, Macavity, there's no one like Macavity,
He's broken every human law, he breaks the law of gravity.
His powers of levitation would make a fakir stare,
And when you reach the scene of crime - Macavity's not there!
You may seek him in the basement, you may look up in the air -
But I tell you once and once again, Macavity's not there!
Mcavity's a ginger cat, he's very tall and thin;
You would know him if you saw him, for his eyes are sunken in.
His brow is deeply lined with thought, his head is highly domed;
His coat is dusty from neglect, his whiskers are uncombed.
He sways his head from side to side, with movements like a snake;
And when you think he's half asleep, he's always wide awake.
Macavity, Macavity, there's no one like Macavity,
For he's a fiend in feline shape, a monster of depravity.
You may meet him in a by-street, you may see him in the square -
But when a crime's discovered, then Macavity's not there!
He's outwardly respectable. (They say he cheats at cards.)
And his footprints are not found in any file of Scotland Yard's.
And when the larder's looted, or the jewel-case is rifled,
Or when the milk is missing, or another Peke's been stifled,
Or the greenhouse glass is broken, and the trellis past repair -
Ay, there's the wonder of the thing! Macavity's not there!
And when the Foreign Office find a Treaty's gone astray,
Or the Admiralty lose some plans and drawings by the way,
There may be a scrap of paper in the hall or on the stair -
But it's useless to investigate - Mcavity's not there!
And when the loss has been disclosed, the Secret Service say:
`It must have been Macavity!' - but he's a mile away.
You'll be sure to find him resting, or a-licking of his thumbs,
Or engaged in doing complicated long-division sums.
Macavity, Macavity, there's no one like Macavity,
There never was a Cat of such deceitfulness and suavity.
He always has an alibi, and one or two to spaer:
At whatever time the deed took place - MACAVITY WASN'T THERE!
And they say that all the Cats whose wicked deeds are widely known
(I might mention Mungojerrie, I might mention Griddlebone)
Are nothing more than agents for the Cat who all the time
Just controls their operations: the Napoleon of Crime!
Editor 1 Interpretation
Macavity: The Mystery Cat by T.S. Eliot
Macavity, the mystery cat, is a well-known character in T.S. Eliot's classic poetry collection "Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats." The poem is a whimsical and engaging piece of literature that tells the story of a notorious cat burglar who is always able to escape the grasp of the law. Eliot's poem is a testament to his imaginative powers and his ability to create a world that is both absurd and fascinating.
Overview of the Poem
"Macavity: The Mystery Cat" is a narrative poem that tells the story of a cat who is known for his criminal exploits. Macavity is a master thief who is always one step ahead of the police. He is able to escape from any situation and is never caught. The poem is written in rhyming couplets and uses a playful tone to describe Macavity's exploits.
Analysis of the Poem
The poem opens with a description of Macavity's physical appearance. Eliot describes him as a "mystery cat" with "sunken eyes" and a "grinning skull." This creates an image of a cat who is both terrifying and fascinating. The use of the word "mystery" also adds to the sense of intrigue surrounding Macavity.
The next few stanzas describe Macavity's criminal exploits. He is a master of disguise and is able to escape from any situation. The police are always on his trail, but they are never able to catch him. Eliot uses a playful tone to describe Macavity's antics, which adds to the humor of the poem.
One of the most memorable images in the poem is the description of Macavity as a "fiend in feline shape." This creates an image of a cat who is both demonic and evil. The use of the word "fiend" also suggests that Macavity is not just a cat, but something more sinister.
The poem also contains several references to other literary works. For example, the line "Macavity's not there!" is a reference to the Sherlock Holmes story "The Adventure of Silver Blaze." This adds another layer of complexity to the poem, and shows Eliot's ability to incorporate other works into his own writing.
Overall, "Macavity: The Mystery Cat" is a delightful poem that showcases Eliot's skill as a writer. The poem is both humorous and intriguing, and the character of Macavity is unforgettable.
Themes in the Poem
One of the main themes in the poem is the idea of mystery. Macavity is a mysterious character who is able to evade the law and escape from any situation. The use of the word "mystery" in the title of the poem also adds to this theme.
Another theme in the poem is the idea of power. Macavity is a powerful cat who is able to control his environment and outsmart his enemies. The use of the word "fiend" to describe him also suggests that he is a powerful and dangerous creature.
The poem also touches on the theme of morality. Macavity is a criminal who is able to escape punishment for his crimes. This raises questions about the nature of justice and whether it is always possible to catch and punish those who break the law.
Conclusion
"Macavity: The Mystery Cat" is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. It is a whimsical and engaging piece of literature that tells the story of a notorious cat burglar who is always able to escape the grasp of the law. Eliot's use of language and imagery creates a vivid and unforgettable character in Macavity, and the poem is a testament to his imaginative powers as a writer. Overall, "Macavity: The Mystery Cat" is a delightful and entertaining poem that is sure to be enjoyed by readers of all ages.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Macavity: The Mystery Cat by T.S. Eliot is a classic poem that has captured the imagination of readers for decades. The poem tells the story of Macavity, a notorious criminal cat who is always one step ahead of the law. Eliot's use of language and imagery creates a vivid picture of this elusive feline, and the poem's structure adds to the sense of mystery and intrigue.
The poem begins with a description of Macavity's physical appearance. Eliot describes him as a "mystery cat" with "sunken eyes" and a "forehead deeply lined with thought." This description immediately sets the tone for the poem, suggesting that Macavity is a complex and enigmatic character. The use of the word "mystery" also implies that there is something hidden or unknown about Macavity, which adds to his intrigue.
As the poem progresses, Eliot reveals more about Macavity's character. He is described as a "master criminal" who is "not there" when the police arrive at the scene of a crime. This suggests that Macavity is not only clever and cunning, but also has some kind of supernatural ability to disappear at will. The fact that he is a "master criminal" also implies that he is highly skilled and experienced in his criminal activities.
Eliot also uses a number of metaphors and similes to describe Macavity. He is compared to a "fiend in feline shape" and a "monster of depravity." These comparisons suggest that Macavity is not just a criminal, but a truly evil character. The use of the word "fiend" also implies that he is not entirely human, adding to the sense of mystery and otherworldliness.
The poem's structure also adds to its sense of mystery and intrigue. It is written in quatrains, with each stanza following a similar pattern of rhyme and meter. This creates a sense of order and structure, which contrasts with the chaotic and unpredictable nature of Macavity's character. The repetition of the phrase "Macavity's not there!" at the end of each stanza also creates a sense of suspense and anticipation, as the reader wonders where Macavity will strike next.
One of the most interesting aspects of the poem is the way in which Eliot uses language to create a sense of ambiguity and uncertainty. For example, he describes Macavity as a "cat that walks by himself." This phrase could be interpreted in a number of different ways. It could suggest that Macavity is a loner who operates independently of any criminal organization. Alternatively, it could imply that he is a cat who is so independent and self-reliant that he is able to evade capture by the police.
Another example of Eliot's use of ambiguity is the way in which he describes Macavity's crimes. He writes that Macavity is responsible for "theft and sacrilege" and "theft of the Crown Jewels." These crimes are serious and would normally result in a lengthy prison sentence. However, Eliot's use of language creates a sense of detachment and irony, as if these crimes are somehow less significant or important than they would normally be.
Overall, Macavity: The Mystery Cat is a fascinating poem that explores the nature of criminality and the human (or feline) psyche. Eliot's use of language and imagery creates a vivid picture of Macavity, and the poem's structure adds to its sense of mystery and intrigue. Whether you are a fan of poetry or simply enjoy a good mystery, this poem is definitely worth reading.
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