'Growltiger 's Last Stand' by Thomas Stearns Eliot


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Growltiger was a Bravo Cat, who travelled on a barge:
In fact he was the roughest cat that ever roamed at large.
From Gravesend up to Oxford he pursued his evil aims,
Rejoicing in his title of 'The Terror of the Thames'.

His manners and appearance did not calculate to please;
His coat was torn and seedy, he was baggy at the knees;
One ear was somewhat missing, no need to tell you why,
And he scowled upon a hostile world from one forbidding eye.

The cottagers of Rotherhithe knew something of his fame;
At Hammersmith and Putney people shuddered at his name.
They would fortity the hen-house, lock up the silly goose,
When the rumour ran along the shore: GROWLTIGER'S ON THE LOOSE!

Woe to the weak canary, that fluttered from its cage;
Woe to the pampered Pekinese, that faced Growltiger's rage;
Woe to the bristly Bandicoot, that lurks on foreign ships,
And woe to any Cat with whom Growltiger came to grips!

But most to Cats of foreign race his hatred had been vowed;
To Cats of foreign name and race no quarter was allowed.
The Persian and the Siamese regarded him with fear -
Because it was a Siamese had mauled his missing ear.

Now on a peaceful summer night, all nature seemed at play,
The tender moon was shining bright, the barge at Molesey lay.
All in the balmy moonlight it lay rocking on the tide -
And Growltiger was disposed to show his sentimental side.

His bucko mate, GRUMBUSKIN, long since had disappeared,
For to the Bell at Hampton he had gone to wet his beard;
And his bosun, TUMBLEBRUTUS, he too had stol'n away -
In the yard behind the Lion he was prowling for his prey.

In the forepeak of the vessel Growltiger sat alone,
Concentrating his attention on the Lady GRIDDLEBONE.
And his raffish crew were sleeping in their barrels and their bunks -
As the Siamese came creeping in their sampans and their junks.

Growltiger had no eye or ear for aught but Griddlebone,
And the Lady seemed enraptured by his manly baritone,
Disposed to relaxation, and awaiting no surprise -
But the moonlight shone reflected from a hundred bright blue eyes.

And closer still and closer the sampans circled 'round,
And yet from all the enemy there was not heard a sound.
The lovers sang their last duet, in danger of their lives -
For the foe was armed with toasting forks and cruel carving knives.

Then GENGHIS gave the signal to his fierce Mongolian horde;
With a frightful burst of fireworks the Chinks they swarmed aboard.
Abandoning their sampans, and their pullaways and junks,
They battened down the hatches on the crew within their bunks.

Then Griddlebone she gave a screech, for she was badly skeered;
I am sorry to admit it, but she quickly disappeared.
She probably escaped with ease, I'm sure she was not drowned -
But a serried ring of flashing steel Growltiger did surround.

The ruthless foe pressed forward, in stubborn rank on rank;
Growltiger to his vast surprise was forced to walk the plank.
He who a hundred victims had driven to that drop,
At the end of all his crimes was forced to go ker-flip, ker-flop.

Oh there was joy in Wapping when the news flew through the land;
At Maidenhead and Henley there was dancing on the strand.
Rats were roasted whole at Brentford, and at Victoria Dock,
And a day of celebration was commanded in Bangkok.

Editor 1 Interpretation

"Growltiger's Last Stand" by T.S. Eliot: A Masterpiece of Feline Poetry

As a lover of both poetry and cats, I was ecstatic to discover T.S. Eliot's "Growltiger's Last Stand," a brilliant work that combines both of my passions in a way that I had never encountered before. This poem, which was originally part of Eliot's collection "Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats," has since become a beloved classic, adored both by feline enthusiasts and literary critics alike. In this essay, I will provide a detailed literary criticism and interpretation of this masterpiece of feline literature, exploring its themes, symbols, and imagery in order to uncover the deeper meanings hidden within the text.

Overview of the Poem

Before delving into the specifics of "Growltiger's Last Stand," it is important to provide a brief overview of the poem itself. The poem tells the story of a fierce and fearsome pirate cat named Growltiger, who terrorizes the seas and the towns along the shoreline. He is a formidable enemy, feared by all who encounter him, and he revels in his own power and brutality. However, despite his reputation as a ruthless pirate, Growltiger is also a romantic at heart, and he falls deeply in love with a beautiful Siamese cat named Griddlebone. Their love is doomed from the start, however, as Growltiger's enemies soon catch up with him, and he is killed in a final, desperate battle. The poem is both a celebration of Growltiger's fierce spirit and a lament for the tragedy of his untimely demise.

Themes

At its core, "Growltiger's Last Stand" is a poem about power, love, and mortality. On the surface, the poem is a swashbuckling adventure story, full of daring feats and dramatic battles. But beneath the surface, it is a meditation on the fragility of life and the inevitability of death. Growltiger is a powerful and fearsome figure, but even he is no match for the forces of fate and mortality. His love for Griddlebone is intense and passionate, but it is ultimately doomed by the same forces that bring about his downfall. The poem reminds us that even the strongest and most passionate among us are subject to the whims of fate, and that our time on this earth is limited.

Another important theme of the poem is the idea of duality. Growltiger is a complex and multi-faceted character, embodying both the savage brutality of a pirate and the tender romanticism of a lover. Griddlebone, too, is a character who embodies both light and dark qualities. At times, she is a playful and coquettish companion to Growltiger, but at other times she seems almost feral, with a wildness that matches his own. The poem suggests that all of us have both light and dark aspects to our personalities, and that these dualities are what make us human.

Symbols

One of the most striking symbols in the poem is the image of the ship. The ship represents both freedom and imprisonment, adventure and danger. It is on the ship that Growltiger is able to indulge his pirate fantasies, but it is also the ship that ultimately leads to his downfall. The ship symbolizes the transience of life and the fragility of our dreams and aspirations.

Another important symbol in the poem is the Siamese cat, Griddlebone. Siamese cats are known for their beauty and grace, but also for their intelligence and independence. Griddlebone embodies all of these qualities, but she also represents the unknowable and unpredictable nature of love. Like a cat, love can be both playful and ferocious, both tender and dangerous. Griddlebone is a reminder that love is a force that cannot be tamed or predicted, and that it can lead us down paths that we never imagined.

Imagery

One of the most striking aspects of "Growltiger's Last Stand" is its vivid and evocative imagery. From the opening lines, the poem paints a rich and detailed picture of its world, full of color, movement, and sound. The image of the ship sailing across the ocean is particularly memorable, as is the description of the different characters who inhabit the world of the poem. The imagery in the poem is both playful and ominous, capturing the dualities that lie at the heart of the poem's themes.

Eliot's use of language in the poem is also noteworthy. His words are carefully chosen and beautifully crafted, with a rhythm and musicality that is almost musical. The poem is full of clever wordplay and puns, as well as more serious and reflective moments. Eliot's mastery of language is evident in every line of the poem, making it a joy to read and to savor.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Growltiger's Last Stand" is a masterpiece of feline poetry that has stood the test of time. It is a poem that celebrates the power and beauty of cats, while also exploring deeper themes of love, mortality, and duality. Through its vivid imagery, powerful symbols, and masterful use of language, the poem captures the essence of what it means to be alive and to love, even in the face of death. Whether you are a cat lover or a literature enthusiast, this poem is sure to leave a lasting impression on you, as it has done for countless readers over the years.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Growltiger's Last Stand: A Tale of Love, Betrayal, and Redemption

If you're a fan of poetry, then you've probably heard of T.S. Eliot. He's one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, and his works continue to inspire and captivate readers to this day. One of his most famous poems is "Growltiger's Last Stand," a tale of love, betrayal, and redemption that has become a classic in its own right.

The poem tells the story of Growltiger, a fierce and feared pirate cat who rules the seas with an iron paw. He's a ruthless and cunning creature, feared by all who cross his path. But despite his fearsome reputation, Growltiger has a soft spot for a beautiful white cat named Griddlebone. She's the only one who can tame his wild heart, and he loves her with a passion that borders on obsession.

But Griddlebone is not content to be just another one of Growltiger's conquests. She longs for a life of luxury and comfort, and she sees an opportunity to achieve that when a wealthy merchant ship sails into their waters. Griddlebone convinces Growltiger to attack the ship, promising him that they will be able to plunder its riches and live like kings.

Growltiger agrees, and the two cats set out to attack the ship. But things don't go according to plan. The sailors on the ship are well-prepared, and they put up a fierce fight. Growltiger and his crew are outnumbered and outgunned, and they soon find themselves in a desperate battle for survival.

Despite his bravery and cunning, Growltiger is eventually overpowered by the sailors. He's captured and taken prisoner, and Griddlebone abandons him to his fate. But even in his darkest hour, Growltiger refuses to give up. He fights on, determined to go down fighting and to protect his honor as a pirate.

In the end, Growltiger is killed by the sailors, but his spirit lives on. He becomes a legend among the cats, a symbol of bravery and defiance in the face of overwhelming odds. And even though he died alone and betrayed, he will always be remembered as a hero.

So what makes "Growltiger's Last Stand" such a powerful and enduring poem? There are several factors that contribute to its appeal.

First and foremost, the poem is a masterful example of storytelling. Eliot weaves a complex and engaging narrative that draws the reader in and keeps them hooked until the very end. The characters are vividly drawn, with distinct personalities and motivations that make them feel like real people (or cats, as the case may be). And the plot is full of twists and turns that keep the reader guessing and on the edge of their seat.

But the poem is more than just a good story. It's also a meditation on the nature of heroism and the human (or feline) spirit. Growltiger is a flawed and imperfect character, but he's also a symbol of courage and defiance in the face of overwhelming odds. He refuses to give up, even when all seems lost, and he fights on until the bitter end. In doing so, he becomes a hero not just to the other cats, but to the reader as well.

Another key element of the poem is its use of language and imagery. Eliot's writing is rich and evocative, full of vivid descriptions and powerful metaphors. He paints a picture of a world that is both beautiful and dangerous, where love and betrayal are intertwined and where death is always lurking just around the corner. And he does it all with a lyrical grace that is both haunting and beautiful.

But perhaps the most important reason why "Growltiger's Last Stand" has endured for so long is its universal appeal. At its core, the poem is a story about love, betrayal, and redemption – themes that resonate with readers of all ages and backgrounds. Whether you're a child or an adult, a cat lover or a dog person, there's something in this poem that will speak to you on a deep and emotional level.

In conclusion, "Growltiger's Last Stand" is a masterpiece of poetry that has stood the test of time. It's a story that is both thrilling and poignant, full of complex characters and powerful themes. And it's a testament to the enduring power of language and storytelling, reminding us that even in our darkest moments, there is always hope for redemption and heroism. So if you haven't read this poem yet, do yourself a favor and give it a try. You won't be disappointed.

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