'Old Deuteronomy' by T.S. Eliot


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Old Deuteronomy's lived a long time;
He's a Cat who has lived many lives in succession.
He was famous in proverb and famous in rhyme
A long while before Queen Victoria's accession.
Old Deuteronomy's buried nine wives
And more--I am tempted to say, ninety-nine;
And his numerous progeny prospers and thrives
And the village is proud of him in his decline.
At the sight of that placid and bland physiognomy,
When he sits in the sun on the vicarage wall,
The Oldest Inhabitant croaks: "Well, of all . . .
Things. . . Can it be . . . really! . . . No!. . . Yes!. . .
Ho! hi!
Oh, my eye!
My mind may be wandering, but I confess
I believe it is Old Deuteronomy!"

Old Deuteronomy sits in the street,
He sits in the High Street on market day;
The bullocks may bellow, the sheep they may bleat,
But the dogs and the herdsmen will turn them away.
The cars and the lorries run over the kerb,
And the villagers put up a notice: ROAD CLOSED--
So that nothing untoward may chance to distrub
Deuteronomy's rest when he feels so disposed
Or when he's engaged in domestic economy:
And the Oldest Inhabitant croaks: "Well, of all . . .
Things. . . Can it be . . . really! . . . No!. . . Yes!. . .
Ho! hi!
Oh, my eye!
My sight's unreliable, but I can guess
That the cause of the trouble is Old Deuteronomy!"

Old Deuteronomy lies on the floor
Of the Fox and French Horn for his afternoon sleep;
And when the men say: "There's just time for one more,"
Then the landlady from her back parlour will peep
And say: "New then, out you go, by the back door,
For Old Deuteronomy mustn't be woken--

I'll have the police if there's any uproar"--
And out they all shuffle, without a word spoken.
The digestive repose of that feline's gastronomy
Must never be broken, whatever befall:
And the Oldest Inhabitant croaks: "Well, of all . . .
Things. . . Can it be . . . really! . . . No!. . . Yes!. . .
Ho! hi!
Oh, my eye!
My legs may be tottery, I must go slow
And be careful of Old Deuteronomy!"

Of the awefull battle of the Pekes and the Pollicles:
together with some account of the participation of the
Pugs and the Poms, and the intervention of the Great
Rumpuscat

The Pekes and the Pollicles, everyone knows,
Are proud and implacable passionate foes;
It is always the same, wherever one goes.
And the Pugs and the Poms, although most people say
That they do not like fighting, yet once in a way,
They will now and again join in to the fray
And they
Bark bark bark bark
Bark bark BARK BARK
Until you can hear them all over the Park.

Now on the occasion of which I shall speak
Almost nothing had happened for nearly a week
(And that's a long time for a Pol or a Peke).
The big Police Dog was away from his beat--
I don't know the reason, but most people think
He'd slipped into the Wellington Arms for a drink--
And no one at all was about on the street
When a Peke and a Pollicle happened to meet.
They did not advance, or exactly retreat,
But they glared at each other, and scraped their hind
feet,
And they started to
Bark bark bark bark
Bark bark BARK BARK
Until you can hear them all over the Park.

Now the Peke, although people may say what they please,
Is no British Dog, but a Heathen Chinese.
And so all the Pekes, when they heard the uproar,
Some came to the window, some came to the door;
There were surely a dozen, more likely a score.
And together they started to grumble and wheeze
In their huffery-snuffery Heathen Chinese.
But a terrible din is what Pollicles like,
For your Pollicle Dog is a dour Yorkshire tyke,
And his braw Scottish cousins are snappers and biters,
And every dog-jack of them notable fighters;
And so they stepped out, with their pipers in order,
Playing When the Blue Bonnets Came Over the Border.
Then the Pugs and the Poms held no longer aloof,
But some from the balcony, some from the roof,
Joined in
To the din
With a
Bark bark bark bark
Bark bark BARK BARK
Until you can hear them all over the Park.

Now when these bold heroes together assembled,
That traffic all stopped, and the Underground trembled,
And some of the neighbours were so much afraid
That they started to ring up the Fire Brigade.
When suddenly, up from a small basement flat,
Why who should stalk out but the GREAT RUMPUSCAT.
His eyes were like fireballs fearfully blazing,
He gave a great yawn, and his jaws were amazing;
And when he looked out through the bars of the area,
You never saw anything fiercer or hairier.
And what with the glare of his eyes and his yawning,
The Pekes and the Pollicles quickly took warning.
He looked at the sky and he gave a great leap--
And they every last one of them scattered like sheep.

And when the Police Dog returned to his beat,
There wasn't a single one left in the street.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Old Deuteronomy by T.S. Eliot

Introduction

Old Deuteronomy is a poem written by T.S. Eliot and published in 1939. This poem is a part of Eliot’s collection, Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, which comprises twelve poems that describe different cats and their behaviors. T.S. Eliot wrote these poems for his godchildren, and they were later adapted into the famous musical, Cats. Old Deuteronomy is considered one of Eliot’s most famous poems, and its language and imagery have captivated readers for decades. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, language, and imagery of Old Deuteronomy.

Themes

Old Deuteronomy is a poem that explores the themes of age, wisdom, and leadership. The titular character, Old Deuteronomy, is a wise and respected cat who leads the other cats. He is the oldest cat in the Jellicle tribe, and his age and experience have made him an authority figure. The other cats look up to him and seek his guidance. Eliot portrays Old Deuteronomy as a custodian of tradition and culture. He is the keeper of the Jellicle history and remains deeply connected to their past. Old Deuteronomy represents the value of experience and the importance of an older generation passing down knowledge to the next.

The poem also explores the idea of hierarchy and power. Old Deuteronomy is the leader of the tribe, and the other cats are expected to follow him. Eliot portrays the Jellicle tribe as having a complex social structure with different ranks and roles. The poem depicts a world in which power is not solely determined by physical strength but also by wisdom, experience, and respect. The hierarchy is not rigid, and the cats are free to move up and down the social ladder based on their behavior and accomplishments.

Another important theme in the poem is the idea of acceptance and inclusion. Old Deuteronomy is portrayed as a cat who accepts all members of the tribe, regardless of their background or behavior. He does not judge or exclude any cat, and his acceptance is a crucial part of the Jellicle culture. Eliot encourages the reader to embrace diversity and to celebrate individuality. The poem celebrates the unique personalities and quirks of each cat and promotes the idea that everyone has something valuable to contribute to society.

Language

One of the most striking aspects of Old Deuteronomy is its language. Eliot’s use of language is intricate and elaborate, and he employs various literary techniques to create a vivid and immersive world. The language in Old Deuteronomy is rich with metaphors, similes, and allusions. Eliot uses these devices to create a world that is both fantastical and grounded in reality.

The poem opens with the line “Old Deuteronomy’s lived a long time.” This line immediately sets the tone for the poem and establishes Old Deuteronomy as a respected and wise figure. Eliot’s use of personification is also noteworthy. He imbues the cats with human-like qualities, giving them names and personalities. The cats in the poem are not mere animals, but complex characters with their own desires and motivations.

Eliot also employs repetition in Old Deuteronomy. The repetition of certain phrases and words creates a rhythm that makes the poem feel almost musical. The repetition of the word “Jellicle” is particularly effective. The word is used repeatedly throughout the poem, and it becomes a symbol of the Jellicle tribe’s identity and culture.

Imagery

The imagery in Old Deuteronomy is vivid and imaginative. Eliot uses similes and metaphors to create a world that is both magical and familiar. The poem is full of images of cats, moonlight, and the night sky. The moon is a recurring image in the poem, and it symbolizes the mysterious and otherworldly nature of the Jellicle tribe. The moon is also a symbol of change and transformation. The poem suggests that the Jellicle cats are connected to the cycles of the moon, and their behavior changes with the phases of the moon.

Eliot also uses imagery to create a sense of place. The poem is set in a junkyard, and Eliot’s descriptions of the setting are detailed and evocative. He describes the piles of junk as “heaps of rusted wire” and “old car tires.” These descriptions create an image of a desolate and abandoned place, which contrasts with the vibrant and lively world of the cats.

The poem also features strong religious imagery. Old Deuteronomy is described as a “Jellicle oracle” and a “Jellicle saint.” These descriptions suggest that the Jellicle tribe has its own religion and mythology. The use of religious imagery adds depth and complexity to the poem and creates a sense of reverence for Old Deuteronomy and the Jellicle tribe.

Conclusion

Old Deuteronomy is a poem that explores complex themes and employs intricate language and imagery. T.S. Eliot creates a world that is both fantastical and grounded in reality, and he uses the cats as a metaphor for human society. The poem celebrates the value of experience, wisdom, and acceptance, and it encourages the reader to embrace diversity and individuality. Old Deuteronomy is a timeless poem that continues to captivate readers with its rich language and vivid imagery.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Old Deuteronomy: A Poem of Wisdom and Reverence

T.S. Eliot is one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, and his works continue to inspire and captivate readers today. Among his many notable works is the classic poem "Old Deuteronomy," which was first published in 1939 as part of his collection "Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats." This poem is a beautiful tribute to an old and wise cat, and it is filled with rich imagery, vivid language, and deep insights into the nature of life and death. In this article, we will explore the themes, symbols, and meanings of "Old Deuteronomy" and examine why it remains a timeless masterpiece of modern poetry.

The poem begins with a description of Old Deuteronomy, who is portrayed as a venerable and respected figure in the cat community. Eliot writes, "Old Deuteronomy's lived a long time; / He's a Cat who has lived many lives in succession." This opening line immediately establishes the theme of time and the cyclical nature of life and death. Old Deuteronomy is not just a cat, but a symbol of the eternal cycle of birth, death, and rebirth that is at the heart of all living things. He is a wise and experienced guide who has seen it all and can offer valuable insights into the mysteries of existence.

As the poem progresses, Eliot introduces us to a cast of colorful and quirky feline characters, each with their own unique personalities and quirks. There is Munkustrap, the brave and loyal protector of the tribe; Rum Tum Tugger, the mischievous and flirtatious cat who loves to play games; and Grizabella, the outcast and lonely cat who longs for acceptance and love. Through these characters, Eliot explores the themes of identity, community, and belonging. Each cat is a distinct individual, but they are all part of a larger whole, a tribe that shares a common bond and purpose.

One of the most striking aspects of "Old Deuteronomy" is its use of vivid and evocative imagery. Eliot paints a rich and detailed picture of the cat world, with its dark alleys, moonlit rooftops, and mysterious rituals. He describes the cats as "Jellicle Cats," a term that has become synonymous with Eliot's feline universe. The Jellicle Cats are a tribe of nocturnal creatures who come alive at night, dancing and singing under the stars. They are wild and free, but also vulnerable and fragile, living on the edge of society and always at risk of being hunted or captured.

Throughout the poem, Eliot uses a variety of symbols and metaphors to convey deeper meanings and themes. For example, the Jellicle Ball, which is the centerpiece of the poem, is a symbol of renewal and rebirth. It is a time when the cats come together to celebrate life and to honor their ancestors. The ball is also a metaphor for the cycle of life, with its rhythms of birth, growth, decay, and renewal. Eliot writes, "For when they meet with their Jellicle peers, / They say they only hope to live as many / Lives as Old Deuteronomy has lived already." This line captures the essence of the poem, which is a celebration of life and a recognition of the eternal cycle of existence.

Another important symbol in the poem is Grizabella, the outcast cat who is shunned by the others. Grizabella represents the marginalized and rejected members of society, those who are excluded and ostracized because they are different or misunderstood. Eliot writes, "Grizabella, the Glamour Cat, / Is a tabby who's seen a lot of life, / From both sides of the tracks." Grizabella's story is a poignant reminder of the importance of compassion and empathy, and of the need to reach out to those who are struggling and in need of love and acceptance.

In conclusion, "Old Deuteronomy" is a masterpiece of modern poetry, a rich and complex work that explores the themes of time, identity, community, and belonging. Through its vivid imagery, evocative language, and deep insights, the poem offers a profound meditation on the nature of life and death, and on the eternal cycle of existence that connects us all. It is a tribute to the wisdom and beauty of the natural world, and a reminder of the importance of compassion, empathy, and love. As we read and reflect on this timeless work, we are reminded of the power of poetry to inspire, to uplift, and to transform our lives.

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