'Gus : The Theatre Cat' by Thomas Stearns Eliot


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Gus is the Cat at the Theatre Door.
His name, as I ought to have told you before,
Is really Asparagus. That's such a fuss
To pronounce, that we usually call him just Gus.
His coat's very shabby, he's thin as a rake,
And he suffers from palsy that makes his paw shake.
Yet he was, in his youth, quite the smartest of Cats -
But no longer a terror to mice and to rats.
For he isn't the Cat that he was in his prime;
Though his name was quite famous, he says, in its time.
And whenever he joins his friends at their club
(Which takes place at the back of the neighbouring pub)
He loves to regale them, if someone else pays,
With anecdotes drawn from his palmiest days.
For he once was a Star of the highest degree -
He has acted with Irving, he's acted with Tree.
And he likes to relate his success on the Halls,
Where the Gallery once gave him seven cat-calls.
But his grandest creation, as he loves to tell,
Was Firefrorefiddle, the Fiend of the Fell.

`I have played', so he says, `every possible part,
And I used to know seventy speeches by heart.
I'd extemporize back-chat, I knew how to gag,
And I know how to let the cat out of the bag.
I knew how to act with my back and my tail;
With an hour of rehearsal, I never could fail.
I'd a voice that would soften the hardest of hearts,
Whether I took the lead, or in character parts.
I have sat by the bedside of poor Little Nell;
When the Curfew was rung, then I swung on the bell.
In the Pantomime season I never fell flat
And I once understudied Dick Whittington's Cat.
But my grandest creation, as history will tell,
Was Firefrorefiddle, the Fiend of the Fell.'

Then, if someone will give him a toothful of gin,
He will tell how he once played a part in East Lynne.
At a Shakespeare performance he once walked on pat,
When some actor suggested the need for a cat.
He once played a Tiger - could do it again -
Which an Indian Colonel pursued down a drain.
And he thinks that he still can, much better than most,
Produce blood-curdling noises to bring on the Ghost.
And he once crossed the stage on a telegraph wire,
To rescue a child when a house was on fire.
And he says: `Now, these kittens, they do not get trained
As we did in the days when Victoria reigned.
They never get drilled in a regular troupe,
And they think they are smart, just to jump through a hoop.'
And he'll say, as he scratches himself with his claws,
`Well, the Theatre's certainly not what it was.
These modern productions are all very well,
But there's nothing to equal, from what I hear tell,
That moment of mystery
When I made history
As Firefrorefiddle, the Fiend of the Fell.'

Editor 1 Interpretation

Poetry, Gus: The Theatre Cat by T.S. Eliot

Poetry, Gus: The Theatre Cat is a delightful poem by T.S. Eliot. First published in 1939 as part of the collection "Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats," the poem tells the story of a theatre cat named Gus who once was a famous actor.

Interpretation

The poem opens with a description of Gus's current state. He is old and feeble and spends most of his days reminiscing about his past. The poem then takes us back in time and tells the story of how Gus became a theatre cat.

Gus is described as a shy and timid cat, who was often overlooked by the other cats. However, he had a unique talent that set him apart from the others. He had a beautiful voice and a natural talent for acting.

Gus's talent was discovered by a theatre director named Mr. Growltiger, who cast him in his play. Gus became an instant success and was soon the talk of the town.

The poem then takes us through some of Gus's most famous roles, including his performance as Macheath in "The Beggar's Opera." Gus's performances were so convincing that audiences would often forget they were watching a cat on stage.

However, Gus's success was short-lived. As he grew older, he lost his voice and his acting skills began to decline. He was forced to retire from the stage and now spends his days reminiscing about his past glories.

The poem ends with a poignant description of Gus's current state. He is old and forgotten, but still holds on to the memories of his past.

Literary Criticism

Poetry, Gus: The Theatre Cat is a wonderful example of T.S. Eliot's skill as a poet. The poem is full of vivid imagery and descriptive language, which bring Gus and his world to life.

One of the most striking aspects of the poem is the way in which Eliot captures the essence of Gus's character. Despite his fame and success, Gus is portrayed as a shy and timid creature who is often overlooked by others. This is a common theme in Eliot's work, and it is something that he explores in great depth in his other poems.

Another notable aspect of the poem is its exploration of the nature of memory and nostalgia. Gus spends his days reminiscing about his past glories, and the poem suggests that these memories are what keep him going. However, the poem also hints at the darker side of nostalgia, suggesting that it can be a source of pain and regret as well as pleasure.

Overall, Poetry, Gus: The Theatre Cat is a beautifully crafted poem that explores some of the most important themes in Eliot's work. It is a testament to his skill as a poet that he is able to convey so much in such a short space.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Poetry, Gus: The Theatre Cat is a wonderful poem that captures the essence of T.S. Eliot's work. It is a poignant exploration of memory, nostalgia, and the nature of fame and success. The poem is full of vivid imagery and descriptive language, which bring Gus and his world to life. Overall, it is a testament to Eliot's skill as a poet and his ability to capture the complexities of the human experience in his work.

So, what are you waiting for? Read Poetry, Gus: The Theatre Cat now and get lost in the world of Gus and his memories.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Gus: The Theatre Cat - A Masterpiece by T.S. Eliot

If you are a lover of poetry, then you must have heard of T.S. Eliot. He is one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, and his works have been studied and analyzed by scholars and enthusiasts alike. One of his most famous poems is "Gus: The Theatre Cat," which was first published in 1939. This poem is a masterpiece that captures the essence of the theatre and the life of an old cat who has spent his entire life in the theatre.

The poem tells the story of Gus, a cat who has spent his entire life in the theatre. He is old and frail, but he still loves the theatre and everything that goes with it. He has seen it all, from the grandest productions to the smallest plays, and he has been a part of them all. He has seen the rise and fall of actors and actresses, and he has seen the theatre change over the years. But despite all of this, he still loves the theatre and everything that it represents.

The poem is written in a very unique style that is typical of T.S. Eliot. It is written in the form of a ballad, which is a type of poem that tells a story. The poem is divided into stanzas, each of which tells a different part of Gus's story. The stanzas are written in rhyming couplets, which gives the poem a musical quality. The poem is also written in a very conversational tone, which makes it easy to read and understand.

One of the most striking things about the poem is the way that it captures the essence of the theatre. Eliot was a lover of the theatre, and he was able to convey this love through his writing. He describes the theatre in great detail, from the smell of the greasepaint to the sound of the applause. He also captures the excitement and energy of the theatre, and the way that it can transport you to another world.

But the poem is not just about the theatre. It is also about Gus, the old cat who has spent his life in the theatre. Gus is a very interesting character, and Eliot does a great job of bringing him to life. He describes Gus in great detail, from his ragged fur to his crooked teeth. He also captures Gus's personality, which is both wise and whimsical. Gus is a cat who has seen it all, and he has a wealth of knowledge and experience to share.

One of the most interesting things about Gus is the way that he is portrayed as a kind of guardian of the theatre. He is a cat who has been around for a long time, and he has seen many actors and actresses come and go. He has also seen the theatre change over the years, and he has watched as new technologies and trends have emerged. But despite all of this, he still loves the theatre and everything that it represents. He is a kind of custodian of the theatre, and he takes his role very seriously.

Another interesting aspect of the poem is the way that it explores the theme of aging. Gus is an old cat, and he is nearing the end of his life. He is frail and weak, and he knows that his time is running out. But despite all of this, he still loves the theatre and everything that it represents. He is a reminder that even in old age, there is still beauty and joy to be found in life.

In conclusion, "Gus: The Theatre Cat" is a masterpiece of poetry that captures the essence of the theatre and the life of an old cat who has spent his entire life in the theatre. It is a poem that is both whimsical and wise, and it explores themes of aging, love, and the passage of time. It is a poem that will resonate with anyone who loves the theatre or who has a soft spot for cats. If you have not yet read this poem, then I highly recommend that you do so. It is a true gem of poetry that will stay with you long after you have finished reading it.

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