'Bustopher Jones: The Cat About Town' by T.S. Eliot


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Old Possum's Book of Practical CatsBustopher Jones is not skin and bones--
In fact, he's remarkably fat.
He doesn't haunt pubs--he has eight or nine clubs,
For he's the St. James's Street Cat!
He's the Cat we all greet as he walks down the street
In his coat of fastidious black:
No commonplace mousers have such well-cut trousers
Or such an impreccable back.
In the whole of St. James's the smartest of names is
The name of this Brummell of Cats;
And we're all of us proud to be nodded or bowed to
By Bustopher Jones in white spats!His visits are occasional to the Senior Educational
And it is against the rules
For any one Cat to belong both to that
And the Joint Superior Schools.For a similar reason, when game is in season
He is found, not at Fox's, but Blimpy's;
He is frequently seen at the gay Stage and Screen
Which is famous for winkles and shrimps.
In the season of venison he gives his ben'son
To the Pothunter's succulent bones;
And just before noon's not a moment too soon
To drop in for a drink at the Drones.
When he's seen in a hurry there's probably curry
At the Siamese--or at the Glutton;
If he looks full of gloom then he's lunched at the Tomb
On cabbage, rice pudding and mutton.So, much in this way, passes Bustopher's day-
At one club or another he's found.
It can be no surprise that under our eyes
He has grown unmistakably round.
He's a twenty-five pounder, or I am a bounder,
And he's putting on weight every day:
But he's so well preserved because he's observed
All his life a routine, so he'll say.
Or, to put it in rhyme: "I shall last out my time"
Is the word of this stoutest of Cats.
It must and it shall be Spring in Pall Mall
While Bustopher Jones wears white spats!

Editor 1 Interpretation

Bustopher Jones: The Cat About Town - A Literary Criticism

Bustopher Jones: The Cat About Town is a lively and entertaining poem written by T.S. Eliot, first published in his collection, Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats. The poem captures the essence of a larger-than-life feline character who struts around London, enjoying the high life and the finer things in it.

In this literary criticism, we will delve into the themes, structure, and language of Bustopher Jones: The Cat About Town to understand the poem’s meaning and significance.

The Theme of Class and Status

One of the most prominent themes in Bustopher Jones: The Cat About Town is class and status. Bustopher Jones is portrayed as a wealthy and fashionable cat who is a member of the elite society of London. He frequents the best restaurants and clubs, and he is known and respected by all the other cats.

Eliot uses Bustopher Jones to highlight the class divisions and social hierarchies that exist in society. Bustopher Jones is the epitome of the upper class, and he is proud of his status. He is well-dressed, well-fed, and well-liked, and he enjoys flaunting his wealth and power.

The poem also touches on the idea of social mobility. While Bustopher Jones is firmly entrenched in the upper class, other cats in the poem aspire to be like him. They admire his lifestyle and his status, and they try to emulate him.

The Structure of the Poem

The structure of Bustopher Jones: The Cat About Town is notable for its use of repetition and rhyme. The poem is written in stanzas of varying length, but each stanza follows the same rhyme pattern of AA BB CC DD.

Eliot also uses repetition to emphasize certain phrases and ideas. For example, the phrase “Bustopher Jones is not skin and bones” is repeated several times throughout the poem, underscoring Bustopher Jones’ well-fed and well-cared-for appearance.

The use of repetition and rhyme helps to create a sense of rhythm and musicality in the poem. It also serves to reinforce the poem’s themes of class and status, as the repetition of certain phrases and ideas helps to emphasize their importance.

The Language of the Poem

The language of Bustopher Jones: The Cat About Town is colorful and vivid, with Eliot using a variety of descriptive words and phrases to bring the character of Bustopher Jones to life. He describes Bustopher Jones as “stout” and “plump,” with a “full-fed” face and a “jolly round” belly.

Eliot’s use of language also helps to create a sense of the world in which Bustopher Jones lives. He describes the “white-washed walls” of the clubs Bustopher Jones frequents and the “waiters swift as swallows” who serve him.

One of the most striking aspects of the language in the poem is Eliot’s use of slang and colloquialisms. He uses phrases like “trews” (for trousers) and “cruise” (to wander aimlessly) to give the poem a sense of authenticity and to create a unique voice for Bustopher Jones.

The Significance of Bustopher Jones: The Cat About Town

Bustopher Jones: The Cat About Town is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it is a charming and entertaining poem that captures the whimsy and playfulness of Eliot’s writing. It stands as a testament to Eliot’s skill as a poet and his ability to create memorable and engaging characters.

Secondly, the poem is significant for its exploration of themes of class and status. Eliot uses Bustopher Jones to highlight the social hierarchies and class divisions that exist in society, and he raises important questions about the nature of wealth and power.

Finally, Bustopher Jones: The Cat About Town is significant for its influence on popular culture. The poem has been adapted into a song for the musical Cats, and Bustopher Jones is one of the most beloved characters in the show. The popularity of the musical has helped to introduce Eliot’s poetry to a wider audience, ensuring that his work continues to be appreciated and celebrated.

Conclusion

Bustopher Jones: The Cat About Town is a delightful and engaging poem that captures the essence of a larger-than-life feline character. Through the use of repetition, rhyme, and vivid language, T.S. Eliot creates a world in which Bustopher Jones can thrive, and he explores themes of class and status with wit and humor.

As a literary work, Bustopher Jones: The Cat About Town is significant for its exploration of these themes, as well as for its influence on popular culture. It is a testament to Eliot’s skill as a poet and his ability to create memorable and engaging characters, and it continues to be enjoyed by readers and audiences alike.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Bustopher Jones: The Cat About Town - A Masterpiece by T.S. Eliot

T.S. Eliot is one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, and his works have been studied and analyzed by scholars and literature enthusiasts for decades. Among his many famous works, one that stands out is "Bustopher Jones: The Cat About Town," a poem that captures the essence of a feline character in a way that is both humorous and poignant.

The poem, which was first published in 1939 as part of Eliot's collection "Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats," tells the story of Bustopher Jones, a large and well-fed cat who is a familiar sight in the streets of London. Bustopher is described as a "stout cat" who is "not too fat," with a "coat of rich fur" and a "waistcoat and spats."

The poem is written in a light and playful tone, with a rhythm and rhyme scheme that is reminiscent of a children's nursery rhyme. However, beneath the surface, there is a deeper meaning to the poem that speaks to the human condition.

One of the key themes of the poem is the idea of social status and class. Bustopher is portrayed as a cat who is well-respected and admired by the other cats in the city, and he is often seen dining at the best restaurants and attending the most exclusive events. He is described as a "cat of high degree" who is "admitted to the best society."

This portrayal of Bustopher as a cat who is part of the elite echelon of feline society is a commentary on the human obsession with social status and class. Eliot is highlighting the fact that, just like humans, cats also have a social hierarchy, and that this hierarchy is often based on superficial factors such as appearance and wealth.

Another theme that is explored in the poem is the idea of identity and self-image. Bustopher is described as a cat who takes great pride in his appearance and who is always impeccably dressed. He is said to have a "coat of rich fur" and to wear a "waistcoat and spats," which are symbols of his status and wealth.

However, despite his outward appearance of confidence and self-assurance, there are hints throughout the poem that Bustopher may not be as secure in his identity as he appears. For example, he is described as having a "melancholy look" in his eyes, and he is said to be "restless and fidgety" when he is not in the company of other cats.

This portrayal of Bustopher as a cat who is struggling with his identity and self-image is a reflection of the human experience. Eliot is highlighting the fact that, just like cats, humans also struggle with issues of identity and self-esteem, and that these struggles can be just as real and profound as those faced by any other living being.

Finally, the poem also explores the idea of mortality and the passing of time. Bustopher is described as a cat who is "getting on in years" and who is starting to feel the effects of old age. He is said to be "slower in his movements" and to have a "tendency to doze."

This portrayal of Bustopher as a cat who is facing the inevitability of old age and death is a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of living in the present moment. Eliot is highlighting the fact that, just like cats, humans also have a limited time on this earth, and that it is important to make the most of every moment and to appreciate the beauty and wonder of life while we still can.

In conclusion, "Bustopher Jones: The Cat About Town" is a masterpiece of poetry that explores a wide range of themes and ideas in a way that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. Through the character of Bustopher, Eliot is able to capture the essence of the human experience and to remind us of the things that truly matter in life. Whether you are a cat lover or simply a fan of great literature, this poem is a must-read that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

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