'Mungojerrie And Rumpelteazer' by T.S. Eliot


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Mungojerrie and Rumpelteazer were a very notorious couple
of cats.
As knockabout clown, quick-change comedians, tight-rope
walkers and acrobats
They had extensive reputation. They made their home in
Victoria Grove--
That was merely their centre of operation, for they were
incurably given to rove.
They were very well know in Cornwall Gardens, in Launceston
Place and in Kensington Square--
They had really a little more reputation than a couple of
cats can very well bear.

If the area window was found ajar
And the basement looked like a field of war,
If a tile or two came loose on the roof,
Which presently ceased to be waterproof,
If the drawers were pulled out from the bedroom chests,
And you couldn't find one of your winter vests,
Or after supper one of the girls
Suddenly missed her Woolworth pearls:

Then the family would say: "It's that horrible cat!
It was Mungojerrie--or Rumpelteazer!"-- And most of the time
they left it at that.

Mungojerrie and Rumpelteazer had a very unusual gift of the
gab.
They were highly efficient cat-burglars as well, and
remarkably smart at smash-and-grab.
They made their home in Victoria Grove. They had no regular
occupation.
They were plausible fellows, and liked to engage a friendly
policeman in conversation.

When the family assembled for Sunday dinner,
With their minds made up that they wouldn't get thinner
On Argentine joint, potatoes and greens,
And the cook would appear from behind the scenes
And say in a voice that was broken with sorrow:
"I'm afraid you must wait and have dinner tomorrow!
For the joint has gone from the oven-like that!"
Then the family would say: "It's that horrible cat!
It was Mungojerrie--or Rumpelteazer!"-- And most of the time
they left it at that.

Mungojerrie and Rumpelteazer had a wonderful way of working
together.
And some of the time you would say it was luck, and some of
the time you would say it was weather.
They would go through the house like a hurricane, and no sober
person could take his oath
Was it Mungojerrie--or Rumpelteazer? or could you have sworn
that it mightn't be both?

And when you heard a dining-room smash
Or up from the pantry there came a loud crash
Or down from the library came a loud ping
From a vase which was commonly said to be Ming--
Then the family would say: "Now which was which cat?
It was Mungojerrie! AND Rumpelteazer!"-- And there's nothing
at all to be done about that!

Editor 1 Interpretation

Mungojerrie And Rumpelteazer: A Masterpiece by T.S. Eliot

Mungojerrie and Rumpelteazer, two mischievous cats, are the protagonists of T.S. Eliot's playful and witty poem. The poem was first published in 1939 as part of "Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats" and has since become a classic. Eliot's unique style of writing, his use of language and his themes all make this poem a masterpiece. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve deeper into the poem and try to understand what makes it so special.

Form and Style

The poem is written in free verse, which means that it doesn't follow a specific rhyme scheme or meter. However, Eliot's use of language makes the poem sound lyrical and musical. The rhythm of the poem is created by the repetition of certain phrases and by the use of enjambment. Eliot also uses a lot of alliteration and assonance, which adds to the musicality of the poem. For example, in the first stanza, the phrase "Mungojerrie and Rumpelteazer" is repeated several times. This repetition creates a playful and upbeat rhythm that sets the tone for the rest of the poem.

Eliot's style of writing is also unique. He uses a lot of puns, wordplay and innuendos, which makes the poem entertaining and witty. For example, in the second stanza, he writes:

And when you heard a dining-room smash
Or up from the pantry there came a loud crash
Or down from the boudoir came a faint scream
Or when loudest of all there was heard a loud scream
Of a medical kind, which might mean death
Please remember the Jellicle motto:
For we all say: Oh well! I never! Was there ever
A Cat so clever
As magical Mr. Mistoffelees!

In this stanza, Eliot uses a lot of wordplay and puns. The phrase "dining-room smash" can be interpreted as a cat breaking a dish or as a reference to a loud noise made during sex. The phrase "medical kind" can be interpreted as a cat causing a medical emergency or as a reference to sexual pleasure. These subtle innuendos add a layer of complexity to the poem and make it more than just a simple children's poem.

Themes

The poem has several themes that are explored through the misadventures of Mungojerrie and Rumpelteazer. One of the main themes is the idea of playfulness and mischief. Mungojerrie and Rumpelteazer are always up to no good and are constantly causing mischief. However, their mischievousness is not malicious, but rather playful. They are like children who enjoy playing pranks on their parents. Eliot celebrates this sense of playfulness and encourages us to embrace our inner child.

Another theme that is explored in the poem is the idea of identity. The Jellicle Cats are a group of cats that have their own unique identities. Each cat has its own name and personality. Mungojerrie and Rumpelteazer are mischievous, while Mr. Mistoffelees is magical. Old Deuteronomy is wise and respected. The poem celebrates the idea of individuality and encourages us to embrace our own unique identities.

The poem also explores the idea of perception. Mungojerrie and Rumpelteazer are often misunderstood and are seen as troublemakers. However, they are not malicious, but rather playful. The poem encourages us to look beyond appearances and to see the true nature of things.

Interpretation

The poem can be interpreted in several ways. On one level, it can be seen as a simple children's poem that celebrates playfulness and mischief. On another level, it can be seen as a commentary on society and the way we perceive others. Mungojerrie and Rumpelteazer are misunderstood because they are different from the other cats. They are playful and mischievous, while the other cats are more reserved and serious. This can be seen as a commentary on the way society treats those who are different.

The poem can also be interpreted as a celebration of individuality. Each cat has its own unique identity, and this is celebrated. The poem encourages us to embrace our own unique identities and to celebrate the differences between us.

Conclusion

"Mungojerrie and Rumpelteazer" is a masterpiece by T.S. Eliot. The poem's unique style of writing, its use of language and its themes all make it a classic. The poem celebrates playfulness, individuality and the importance of looking beyond appearances. It is a poem that can be enjoyed by both children and adults and is a testament to Eliot's skill as a writer.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Mungojerrie and Rumpelteazer: A Classic Poem by T.S. Eliot

T.S. Eliot is a name that is synonymous with poetry. His works have been celebrated for their depth, complexity, and beauty. One of his most famous poems is Mungojerrie and Rumpelteazer, a playful and mischievous piece that captures the essence of the feline spirit. In this article, we will take a closer look at this classic poem, exploring its themes, structure, and meaning.

The poem is part of Eliot's collection of poems titled Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats. The book was published in 1939 and was inspired by Eliot's own love for cats. The collection features a variety of cat characters, each with their own unique personalities and quirks. Mungojerrie and Rumpelteazer are two such characters, and they are among the most beloved in the collection.

The poem begins with a description of Mungojerrie and Rumpelteazer, two cats who are known for their mischievous ways. They are described as being "knockabout clowns" who are always up to no good. The poem then goes on to describe some of their antics, such as stealing food and playing pranks on their owners.

The structure of the poem is quite unique. It is written in a series of rhyming couplets, with each couplet describing a different aspect of Mungojerrie and Rumpelteazer's behavior. The rhyming scheme is AABB, which gives the poem a playful and lighthearted feel. The poem is also quite short, with only 24 lines in total. This brevity adds to the poem's charm, as it captures the essence of the cats' personalities in just a few short stanzas.

One of the most interesting aspects of the poem is the way in which it captures the feline spirit. Mungojerrie and Rumpelteazer are not just cats, they are archetypes of the feline personality. They are playful, mischievous, and fiercely independent. They are also quite cunning, as evidenced by their ability to steal food and play pranks on their owners. In many ways, they embody the qualities that we love about cats, and the poem celebrates these qualities in a playful and joyful way.

Another interesting aspect of the poem is the way in which it explores the relationship between cats and their owners. Mungojerrie and Rumpelteazer are not pets, they are partners in crime. They are not subservient to their owners, but rather, they are equals. This is a theme that runs throughout the collection, as Eliot explores the unique bond that exists between cats and their owners. In many ways, the poem is a celebration of this bond, as it shows how cats can bring joy and mischief into our lives.

The poem also has a deeper meaning that goes beyond its playful surface. Mungojerrie and Rumpelteazer are not just cats, they are also symbols of rebellion and nonconformity. They refuse to be tamed or controlled, and they revel in their independence. This is a theme that is present throughout Eliot's work, as he explores the tension between conformity and individuality. In many ways, Mungojerrie and Rumpelteazer are rebels who refuse to conform to the norms of society.

In conclusion, Mungojerrie and Rumpelteazer is a classic poem that captures the essence of the feline spirit. It is playful, mischievous, and fiercely independent, just like the cats it describes. The poem celebrates the unique bond that exists between cats and their owners, while also exploring deeper themes of rebellion and nonconformity. It is a poem that has stood the test of time, and it continues to delight and inspire readers to this day.

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