'The Rum Tum Tugger' by T.S. Eliot


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Old Possum's Book of Practical CatsThe Rum Tum Tugger is a Curious Cat:
If you offer him pheasant he would rather have grouse.
If you put him in a house he would much prefer a flat,
If you put him in a flat then he'd rather have a house.
If you set him on a mouse then he only wants a rat,
If you set him on a rat then he'd rather chase a mouse.
Yes the Rum Tum Tugger is a Curious Cat--
And there isn't any call for me to shout it:
For he will do
As he do do
And there's no doing anything about it!The Rum Tum Tugger is a terrible bore:
When you let him in, then he wants to be out;
He's always on the wrong side of every door,
And as soon as he's at home, then he'd like to get about.
He likes to lie in the bureau drawer,
But he makes such a fuss if he can't get out.Yes the Rum Tum Tugger is a Curious Cat--
And there isn't any use for you to doubt it:
For he will do
As he do do
And there's no doing anything about it!The Rum Tum Tugger is a curious beast:
His disobliging ways are a matter of habit.
If you offer him fish then he always wants a feast;
When there isn't any fish then he won't eat rabbit.
If you offer him cream then he sniffs and sneers,
For he only likes what he finds for himself;So you'll catch him in it right up to the ears,
If you put it away on the larder shelf.
The Rum Tum Tugger is artful and knowing,
The Rum Tum Tugger doesn't care for a cuddle;
But he'll leap on your lap in the middle of your sewing,
For there's nothing he enjoys like a horrible muddle.
Yes the Rum Tum Tugger is a Curious Cat--
And there isn't any need for me to spout it:
For he will do
As he do do
And theres no doing anything about it!

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Rum Tum Tugger: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

If there's one thing T.S. Eliot is known for, it's his poetry. His works are revered for their depth, complexity, and the layers of meaning they contain. One of his most famous poems, "The Rum Tum Tugger," is no exception. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, symbolism, and language used in this classic poem.

Background

"The Rum Tum Tugger" is part of Eliot's collection of poems called "Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats," which was published in 1939. The collection consists of poems that Eliot wrote for his godchildren, and each poem is about a different character in the world of cats. "The Rum Tum Tugger" is one of the most popular poems in the collection and has been adapted into various stage productions, including Andrew Lloyd Webber's hit musical "Cats."

Summary

The poem introduces us to the Rum Tum Tugger, a tomcat who is described as being "curious" and "fickle." He is a handsome cat who loves to be the center of attention and is always looking for something new and exciting to do. The other cats in the poem admire him, but they find him difficult to please because he is always changing his mind about what he wants.

The Rum Tum Tugger is described as being unpredictable and capricious, and his behavior is compared to that of a "dancer." He loves to be admired and adored, but he doesn't like to be tied down or committed to anything. He is a free spirit who loves to explore and try new things, but he is also easily bored and can be frustrating to those around him.

Despite his quirks, the other cats in the poem seem to love the Rum Tum Tugger and admire his adventurous spirit. In the end, he leaves to find new adventures, and the other cats are left to wonder where he will go next.

Themes

One of the main themes of "The Rum Tum Tugger" is the idea of freedom and the desire to be independent. The Rum Tum Tugger is a cat who refuses to be tied down or committed to anything, and he is always looking for new experiences to satisfy his curiosity. This theme is particularly relevant in today's world, where many people value their freedom and independence above all else.

Another theme that is present in the poem is the idea of change and the fear of the unknown. The other cats in the poem admire the Rum Tum Tugger for his adventurous spirit, but they also find him frustrating because he is always changing his mind and never seems to be satisfied. This theme is relevant to anyone who has ever struggled with the fear of change or the uncertainty that comes with taking risks.

Finally, the poem explores the theme of identity and the idea that we are all unique individuals with our own quirks and personalities. The Rum Tum Tugger is a cat who is unlike any of the other cats in the poem, and his unique personality and behavior make him stand out. This theme is particularly relevant in today's world, where individuality and self-expression are valued more than ever.

Symbolism

Like many of Eliot's poems, "The Rum Tum Tugger" is full of symbolism and metaphor. The Rum Tum Tugger himself can be seen as a symbol of the human desire for freedom and independence, while the other cats in the poem can be seen as symbols of the societal pressures to conform and to be "normal."

The Rum Tum Tugger's behavior, which is described as being "curious" and "fickle," can be seen as a metaphor for the human desire to explore and try new things. His love of dancing and performing can be seen as a metaphor for the human desire to be admired and adored.

The other cats in the poem can be seen as symbols of the societal pressures to conform and be "normal." They admire the Rum Tum Tugger for his adventurous spirit, but they also find him frustrating because he doesn't fit in with their expectations of what a cat should be like.

Language and Style

Eliot's use of language and style in "The Rum Tum Tugger" is masterful. The poem is written in free verse, which allows Eliot to experiment with different rhythms and patterns. This gives the poem a musical quality that is appropriate for a poem about a cat who loves to dance and perform.

The language used in the poem is also playful and full of puns and wordplay. For example, the line "For he will do as he do do, and there's no doing anything about it!" is full of puns and wordplay that add to the lighthearted tone of the poem.

Finally, the poem is full of allusions to other works of literature and popular culture, such as Shakespeare's "Macbeth" and Lewis Carroll's "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland." This adds another layer of meaning to the poem and makes it accessible to readers who are familiar with these works.

Conclusion

"The Rum Tum Tugger" is a classic poem that is full of themes, symbols, and language that are still relevant today. It explores the human desire for freedom and independence, the fear of change and the unknown, and the importance of individuality and self-expression. Eliot's use of language and style adds to the playful and lighthearted tone of the poem and makes it a joy to read. Whether you're a fan of cats or just a lover of poetry, "The Rum Tum Tugger" is a must-read for anyone who appreciates the beauty and complexity of language.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Rum Tum Tugger: A Classic Poem by T.S. Eliot

If you are a fan of poetry, then you must have come across the classic poem, The Rum Tum Tugger, by T.S. Eliot. This poem is one of the most popular and beloved works of Eliot, and it has been praised for its unique style, vivid imagery, and playful language. In this article, we will take a closer look at The Rum Tum Tugger and explore its meaning, themes, and literary devices.

The Rum Tum Tugger is a poem that was first published in 1939 as part of Eliot's collection of poems, Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats. The poem is about a curious and mischievous cat named Rum Tum Tugger, who is always causing trouble and making a fuss. The poem is written in a light-hearted and playful tone, and it is full of puns, rhymes, and wordplay.

The poem begins with a description of Rum Tum Tugger's appearance. He is a "curious cat" with a "coat of the tabby kind." He has "bright green eyes" and a "long tail" that he "flourishes" like a "fan." Eliot's description of Rum Tum Tugger is vivid and colorful, and it helps to create a clear image of the cat in the reader's mind.

As the poem progresses, we learn more about Rum Tum Tugger's personality. He is described as a cat who is "always on the wrong side of every door" and who "likes to contradict." He is also a cat who is "never contented" and who "changes his mind as often as he changes his coat." Eliot's portrayal of Rum Tum Tugger is both humorous and endearing, and it makes the reader want to know more about this mischievous cat.

One of the most striking features of The Rum Tum Tugger is its use of language. Eliot employs a variety of literary devices, such as alliteration, assonance, and onomatopoeia, to create a playful and musical effect. For example, in the lines "He will do as he do do / And there's no doing anything about it!" Eliot uses repetition and rhyme to create a catchy and memorable phrase. The use of the word "do" also creates a sense of rhythm and movement, which reflects Rum Tum Tugger's lively and energetic personality.

Another notable aspect of The Rum Tum Tugger is its use of puns and wordplay. For example, in the lines "For he will do / As he do do / And there's no doing anything about it!" Eliot plays with the word "do" to create a humorous and playful effect. The use of puns and wordplay adds to the poem's light-hearted and whimsical tone, and it makes the poem enjoyable to read and recite.

The Rum Tum Tugger also explores themes of individuality and nonconformity. Rum Tum Tugger is a cat who does not like to follow the rules or conform to society's expectations. He is a cat who likes to do things his own way and who is not afraid to be different. Eliot's portrayal of Rum Tum Tugger as a nonconformist is a reflection of his own views on individuality and creativity. Eliot believed that true art and creativity could only come from those who were willing to break the rules and challenge the status quo.

In conclusion, The Rum Tum Tugger is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. Its playful language, vivid imagery, and exploration of themes of individuality and nonconformity make it a timeless work of literature. Eliot's portrayal of Rum Tum Tugger as a mischievous and curious cat is both humorous and endearing, and it has captured the hearts of readers for generations. Whether you are a fan of poetry or simply looking for a fun and entertaining read, The Rum Tum Tugger is a poem that is sure to delight and inspire.

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