"Macavity: The Mystery Cat" is a delightful and whimsical poem written by T.S. Eliot, found in his collection "Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats." The poem tells the story of Macavity, a mysterious and elusive ginger cat who is a master criminal. He is notorious for......
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Back Questions - Macavity- the mystery cat | My English Folder Coursebook | Class 8 Literature | English
His powers of levitation would make a fakir stare
a. Whose powers of levitation are being referred to here?
b. What do you understand by powers of levitation?
c. Why is Macavity being compared to fakir here?
a. The powers of levitation being referred to in this line belong to Macavity, the central character of the poem "Macavity: The Mystery Cat" by T.S. Eliot.
b. Powers of levitation refer to the ability to rise or float in the air, seemingly defying the law of gravity. In the context of the poem, this phrase is used to highlight Macavity's extraordinary and almost supernatural abilities to escape from the scenes of his crimes and remain undetected.
c. Macavity is being compared to a fakir here to emphasize his exceptional and mystifying abilities. Fakirs are ascetics or religious mendicants, particularly in South Asia, who are known to perform feats of magic, mysticism, or spiritual powers. By comparing Macavity to a fakir, Eliot suggests that the cat's powers of levitation are so remarkable that even a fakir, who is accustomed to performing seemingly supernatural acts, would be amazed by Macavity's abilities. This comparison underscores the elusive and enigmatic nature of Macavity's character.
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Macavityβs a ginger cat, heβs very tall and thin;
You would know him if you saw him, for his eyes are Sunken in.
a. What does the term ginger cat mean?
b. Why do you think Macavityβs eyes are being described as sunken in?
c. How do you think being tall and thin would have been of advantage of Macavity?
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Unlock now πYouβll be sure to find him resting, or a-licking of his thumb;
Or engaged in doing complicated long division sums.
a. Do you think a-licking of his thumb is a deliberate act of pretence on Macavityβs part? Say Yes or No and give reasons for answer.
b. Why do you think Macavity would engage himself in doing mathematical problems?
c. Do you think a cat like Macavity can ever be in a restful state? Could he have afforded that? Why or why not?
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Unlock now πDescribe Macavityβs physical appearance in detail.
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Unlock now πWhy does Eliot call Macavity the Napoleon of Crime? What would be the connection with Napoleon?
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Unlock now πHave you ever watched a cat anywhere? Describe some of the distinctive characteristics of cats.
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Unlock now πDo you think problem-solving activities, like crossword or Sudoku, help sharpen our minds? Do you engage in any such activities? How have they helped you in your day-to-day life?
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Unlock now πExtra Questions - Macavity- the mystery cat | My English Folder Coursebook | Class 8 Literature | English
For heβs the master criminal who can defy the Law.
Heβs the bafflement of Scotland Yard, the Flying Squadβs dispair:
Heβs the bafflement of Scotland Yard, the Flying Squadβs dispair:
a. Who is 'he' in the above lines?
b. How does he defy the law?
c. He is bafflement for _________and ______
d. Name the poem and the poet.
a. 'He' in the above lines refers to Macavity, the central character of the poem "Macavity: The Mystery Cat" by T.S. Eliot.
b. Macavity defies the law by committing crimes and evading capture by the authorities. The poem suggests that he is so skilled at avoiding detection that he can disappear from the scene of a crime before the police arrive.
c. Macavity is the bafflement for Scotland Yard and the Flying Squad. Scotland Yard is the headquarters of the Metropolitan Police Service in London, England, while the Flying Squad is a specialized branch of the police that deals with armed robbery and other serious crimes. The fact that Macavity is able to outsmart these highly trained and specialized law enforcement agencies underscores his intelligence, cunning, and mastery of criminal activities.
d. The poem is "Macavity: The Mystery Cat" and it is written by T.S. Eliot.
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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!
a. Why does the poet say "there's no one like Macavity?
b. Do you think Macavity is bound by human law?
c. What is amazing about Macavity's powers of levitation?
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Unlock now πMacavity Quiz - Macavity- the mystery cat | My English Folder Coursebook | Class 8 Literature | English
Vocabulary - Flashcards - Macavity- the mystery cat | My English Folder Coursebook | Class 8 Literature | English
About the Author - Macavity- the mystery cat | My English Folder Coursebook | Class 8 Literature | English
The poem "Macavity: The Mystery Cat" is written by T.S. Eliot, a renowned British poet, essayist, playwright, and critic. Born on September 26, 1888, in St. Louis, Missouri, Eliot later moved to England and became a British citizen in 1927. He is considered one of the most influential literary figures of the 20th century and a key figure in the Modernist movement.
Eliot is perhaps best known for his groundbreaking works such as "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock," "The Waste Land," "Ash Wednesday," and "Four Quartets." However, he also authored a collection of light verses called "Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats," published in 1939, which includes the poem "Macavity: The Mystery Cat." This collection served as the inspiration for the popular musical "Cats" by Andrew Lloyd Webber.
T.S. Eliot's poetry is characterized by its innovative use of language, symbolism, and allusions to various literary and religious works. His work frequently explores themes of disillusionment, despair, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world. In contrast, "Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats" showcases a lighter, more whimsical side of the poet, providing an entertaining and imaginative exploration of the feline world. Eliot passed away on January 4, 1965, leaving behind a rich literary legacy.
Summary - Macavity- the mystery cat | My English Folder Coursebook | Class 8 Literature | English
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Themes - Macavity- the mystery cat | My English Folder Coursebook | Class 8 Literature | English
- Mystery and Elusiveness:
The poem revolves around the enigmatic character of Macavity, a cat who manages to outwit the authorities and leave them baffled. He is a master of disappearing from the scene of the crime, emphasizing the theme of mystery and elusiveness ...
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In "Macavity: The Mystery Cat," T.S. Eliot employs various symbols to enrich the poem and accentuate its themes. Some of the notable symbols include:
- Macavity himself: Macavity symbolizes the mysterious, elusive, and untouchable criminal mastermind. He represents the idea of an antagonist who can never be caught or fully understood, leaving authorities in a state of bafflement and despair.
- The Hidden Paw: The term "Hidden....
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Unlock now πPoetic Devices - Macavity- the mystery cat | My English Folder Coursebook | Class 8 Literature | English
T.S. Eliot employs various poetic devices in "Macavity: The Mystery Cat" to create a vivid, engaging, and rhythmic reading experience. Some of these devices include:
- Rhyme: The poem follows an AABB rhyme scheme, which contributes to its playful and musical tone. The use of rhyme adds a sense of structure and flow to the poem.
- Repetition: Eliot uses repetition throughout the poem, particularly in the refrain "Macavity, Macavity, there's no one like...
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Unlock now πVocabulary - Macavity- the mystery cat | My English Folder Coursebook | Class 8 Literature | English
Defy: refuse to obey
Despite his mother's instructions, the child defied her and continued playing outside.Bafflement: confusion
The complex plot of the mystery novel left me in a state of bafflement.Scotland Yard: headquarters of the London Metropolitan police
The detective from Scotland Yard arrived at the crime scene to begin the investigation.Flying Squad: specialist crime and operations section of the London Metropolitan police
The Flying Squad was called in to tackle the high-profile bank robbery.Levitation: ability to rise and hover in the air
The magician's levitation...........................
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