'The Old Gumbie Cat' by T.S. Eliot
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Old Possum's Book of Practical CatsI have a Gumbie Cat in mind, her name is Jennyanydots;
Her coat is of the tabby kind, with tiger stripes and leopard spots.
All day she sits upon the stair or on the steps or on the mat;
She sits and sits and sits and sits--and that's what makes a Gumbie Cat!But when the day's hustle and bustle is done,
Then the Gumbie Cat's work is but hardly begun.
And when all the family's in bed and asleep,
She tucks up her skirts to the basement to creep.
She is deeply concerned with the ways of the mice--
Their behaviour's not good and their manners not nice;
So when she has got them lined up on the matting,
She teachs them music, crocheting and tatting.I have a Gumbie Cat in mind, her name is Jennyanydots;
Her equal would be hard to find, she likes the warm and sunny spots.
All day she sits beside the hearth or on the bed or on my hat:
She sits and sits and sits and sits--and that's what makes a Gumbie Cat!But when the day's hustle and bustle is done,
Then the Gumbie Cat's work is but hardly begun.
As she finds that the mice will not ever keep quiet,
She is sure it is due to irregular diet;
And believing that nothing is done without trying,
She sets right to work with her baking and frying.
She makes them a mouse--cake of bread and dried peas,
And a beautiful fry of lean bacon and cheese.I have a Gumbie Cat in mind, her name is Jennyanydots;
The curtain-cord she likes to wind, and tie it into sailor-knots.
She sits upon the window-sill, or anything that's smooth and flat:
She sits and sits and sits and sits--and that's what makes a Gumbie Cat!But when the day's hustle and bustle is done,
Then the Gumbie Cat's work is but hardly begun.
She thinks that the cockroaches just need employment
To prevent them from idle and wanton destroyment.
So she's formed, from that lot of disorderly louts,
A troop of well-disciplined helpful boy-scouts,
With a purpose in life and a good deed to do--
And she's even created a Beetles' Tattoo.So for Old Gumbie Cats let us now give three cheers--
On whom well-ordered households depend, it appears.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Old Gumbie Cat by T.S. Eliot: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
As readers of poetry, we often come across metaphors and allegories that leave us scratching our heads, trying to interpret the meaning behind them. One such poem that invokes the use of metaphors and allegories to depict a vivid picture is "The Old Gumbie Cat" by T.S. Eliot. Written in 1939, this poem is part of his collection "Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats" and has been a favorite among cat lovers and literature enthusiasts for decades. In this essay, we will take a closer look at the poem and explore its themes, symbols, and literary devices that contribute to its overall meaning.
Summary of the Poem
The poem starts with the introduction of the titular character, the Old Gumbie Cat. Eliot describes her as a lazy, lovable cat whose primary occupation is lazing around and taking naps. However, as the sun starts to set and the night falls, the Old Gumbie Cat transforms into a different creature altogether. She becomes energetic and lively, and her main purpose in life becomes to protect her human family from any harm that may come their way. Eliot goes on to describe the various tasks that the Old Gumbie Cat undertakes to ensure the safety of her human family. She scares away burglars, silences noisy dogs, and even performs a dance to entertain her human family and keep them happy.
Analysis of the Poem
Theme: The Dual Nature of Cats
One of the central themes of the poem is the dual nature of cats. Eliot portrays cats as creatures that are lazy and inactive during the day but become active and energetic during the night. The Old Gumbie Cat symbolizes this theme perfectly. During the day, she is just like any other cat, spending her time lazing around and sleeping. However, as the night falls, she transforms into a different creature altogether. Eliot describes her as "a sudden surprise of jumpiness" and "an impromptu caper". This transformation of the Old Gumbie Cat from a lazy, lovable cat to an energetic and lively creature is symbolic of the dual nature of cats.
Symbolism: The Old Gumbie Cat
The Old Gumbie Cat is not just a character in the poem but also a symbol that represents the dual nature of cats. Eliot describes her as a cat that is "never still" and "never quiet". She is always on the move, always doing something or the other. This constant motion and activity of the Old Gumbie Cat are symbolic of the dual nature of cats. They may appear lazy and inactive during the day, but they are always on the move, always alert and ready to pounce on anything that may pose a threat to them or their human family.
Literary Devices: Metaphor and Allegory
Eliot uses both metaphor and allegory to depict the character of the Old Gumbie Cat and her transformation during the night. The Old Gumbie Cat is a metaphor for cats in general, while her transformation during the night is an allegory for the dual nature of cats. Eliot uses these literary devices to portray a vivid and lively picture of the Old Gumbie Cat and her life.
Language and Tone
The language of the poem is simple and easy to understand, making it accessible to readers of all ages. Eliot uses rhyming couplets and a catchy rhythm, which makes the poem fun to read aloud. The tone of the poem is light-hearted and playful, which adds to the overall charm of the poem. Eliot's language and tone contribute to the poem's message that cats, despite their laziness and inactivity during the day, are creatures that are always on the move and always ready to protect their human family.
Conclusion
"The Old Gumbie Cat" by T.S. Eliot is a poem that uses various literary devices such as metaphor and allegory to depict the dual nature of cats. The Old Gumbie Cat is a lovable and lazy cat during the day but transforms into an energetic and lively creature during the night. Eliot's use of language and tone makes the poem accessible to readers of all ages and adds to the overall charm of the poem. The Old Gumbie Cat symbolizes the dual nature of cats, and her transformation during the night is an allegory for the vigilance and alertness of cats. Overall, "The Old Gumbie Cat" is a delightful poem that celebrates the unique and lovable nature of cats.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Old Gumbie Cat: A Classic Poem by T.S. Eliot
T.S. Eliot is a name that is synonymous with poetry. His works have been studied and analyzed for decades, and his influence on the literary world is undeniable. One of his most beloved poems is "The Old Gumbie Cat," a whimsical and charming piece that captures the essence of feline behavior in a way that only Eliot could.
The poem tells the story of a cat named Gumbie, who is described as "a curious cat" with a "remarkable hat." Gumbie is not your typical cat, as she spends her days lounging and napping, rather than hunting mice or causing mischief. She is content to simply observe the world around her, and her laid-back attitude is infectious.
Eliot's use of language in "The Old Gumbie Cat" is masterful. He employs a variety of poetic techniques, including rhyme, alliteration, and repetition, to create a playful and musical tone. The poem is written in a light and breezy style, with a sing-song rhythm that is easy to follow. This makes it a perfect choice for children, who will delight in the silly antics of Gumbie and her feline friends.
One of the most striking aspects of "The Old Gumbie Cat" is the way in which Eliot captures the essence of cat behavior. Anyone who has spent time around cats will recognize the way in which Gumbie and her friends behave. They are lazy and indulgent, but also curious and playful. They are content to simply observe the world around them, but also enjoy the occasional burst of activity.
Eliot's portrayal of Gumbie is particularly endearing. She is described as "a cat that is clever and wise," with a "remarkable hat" that sets her apart from the other cats. She is not afraid to be herself, and her confidence is infectious. She is a role model for anyone who has ever felt like an outsider, and her message of self-acceptance is timeless.
Another notable aspect of "The Old Gumbie Cat" is the way in which Eliot uses the poem to comment on society. The cats in the poem are divided into two groups: the "respectable" cats who spend their days in genteel pursuits, and the "jellicle" cats who are more free-spirited and unconventional. Eliot seems to be suggesting that there is value in both approaches to life, and that we should embrace our differences rather than trying to conform to a single standard.
Overall, "The Old Gumbie Cat" is a delightful and charming poem that captures the essence of feline behavior in a way that is both playful and profound. Eliot's use of language is masterful, and his message of self-acceptance and embracing our differences is as relevant today as it was when the poem was first published. Whether you are a cat lover or simply appreciate great poetry, "The Old Gumbie Cat" is a must-read.
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