Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats - T.S. Eliot

Summary
'Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats' is a collection of light-hearted and whimsical poems by T.S. Eliot, each focusing on a different anthropomorphic cat with a distinct personality and social role. The book delves into the secret lives of cats, detailing their eccentricities, habits, and peculiar names. From the dignified and wise Old Deuteronomy to the mischievous Macavity, the poems paint a vivid picture of a diverse feline society, offering a humorous and often insightful commentary on various human archetypes through the lens of cats. The collection is a playful exploration of individuality, mystery, and the inherent charm of these beloved creatures.

Book Sections

Section: The Naming of Cats
This introductory poem explains that every cat needs three different names: a common, practical name used by the family; a more dignified and particular name that reflects their individual character; and a third, secret, and ineffable name known only to the cat itself, which is the source of its unique personality and profound thought.

Section: The Old Gumbie Cat (Jennyanydots)
This poem introduces Jennyanydots, a fat, lazy old cat who appears to do nothing all day but sit and sleep. However, at night, she transforms into an industrious force, training mice in various constructive activities like needlework and music, and teaching cockroaches to scout and be more organized. She aims to instill discipline and good habits in the household pests.

Character	Characteristics	Motivations
Jennyanydots	Fat, old, appears lazy by day, industrious by night	To bring order, teach discipline, and improve pests

Section: Grizabella: The Glamour Cat
Grizabella is depicted as a lonely, disheveled, and outcast cat. She was once a beautiful and glamorous cat, but now she is old, faded, and ignored by the other Jellicle cats. She appears to lament her past glories and the loss of her beauty and acceptance, evoking a sense of pathos and regret.

Character	Characteristics	Motivations
Grizabella	Old, disheveled, lonely, regretful, once glamorous	To seek acceptance, lament past fame

Section: Rum Tum Tugger
Rum Tum Tugger is a contradictory and fickle cat who never wants what he is given. If offered a feast, he wants a mouse; if offered a mouse, he wants a feast. He is a "curiosity," a "terrible bore," and a "roaring terror" who enjoys being the center of attention but is never truly satisfied.

Character	Characteristics	Motivations
Rum Tum Tugger	Fickle, contradictory, demanding, never satisfied, attention-seeking	To assert his independence and contrary nature

Section: Mungojerrie and Rumpelteazer
This poem describes two notorious, mischievous cat-burglars known for their petty crimes and knack for causing chaos in human households. They are small, agile, and always manage to escape detection after their escapades, which include stealing from the pantry and causing general havoc.

Character	Characteristics	Motivations
Mungojerrie	Mischievous, agile, cat-burglar, elusive	To cause trouble, steal, and evade capture
Rumpelteazer	Mischievous, agile, cat-burglar, elusive	To cause trouble, steal, and evade capture

Section: Old Deuteronomy
Old Deuteronomy is presented as the venerable and wise leader of the Jellicle tribe. He is ancient, having lived many lives (ninety-nine or more), and is deeply respected by all other cats. He embodies tradition, experience, and stability within the feline community.

Character	Characteristics	Motivations
Old Deuteronomy	Ancient, wise, revered, leader of Jellicle cats	To guide and protect his tribe

Section: The Pekes and the Pollicles (and the Great Rumpus Cat)
This poem narrates a fierce, incessant rivalry between two breeds of dogs, the Pekes and the Pollicles, who constantly fight in the streets. Their brawling is abruptly halted by the dramatic appearance of the brave and imposing Rumpus Cat, whose fearsome presence immediately scares both dog breeds away, restoring peace.

Character	Characteristics	Motivations
The Rumpus Cat	Brave, imposing, strong, heroic	To restore peace and order by scaring away fighting dogs

Section: Mr. Mistoffelees
Mr. Mistoffelees is described as a small, black "conjuring cat" and a master of magic and illusion. He performs astonishing tricks, such as vanishing and reappearing, producing objects from thin air, and levitation. He is a mysterious and captivating figure, often referred to as "the original conjuring cat."

Character	Characteristics	Motivations
Mr. Mistoffelees	Small, black, magician, conjurer, mysterious, agile	To entertain and display his magical prowess

Section: Macavity: The Mystery Cat
Macavity is depicted as a master criminal, an "invisible paw," whom no human police force can ever catch. He is a cunning and elusive villain who defies all laws of physics and common sense. Whenever a crime is committed, Macavity is never found at the scene, leading to his nickname, "the Hidden Paw."

Character	Characteristics	Motivations
Macavity	Master criminal, elusive, cunning, deceptive, always one step ahead	To commit crimes and evade capture

Section: Gus: The Theatre Cat
Gus, whose full name is Asparagus, is an old and frail theatre cat. He spends his days reminiscing about his past glories as a famous actor, recounting the many roles he played on stage and the stages he graced. He is full of nostalgia for his theatrical career, despite his current age and infirmity.

Character	Characteristics	Motivations
Gus	Old, frail, nostalgic, former famous theatre actor	To reminisce about his past fame and theatrical career

Section: Bustopher Jones: The Cat about Town
Bustopher Jones is a fat, elegant, and sophisticated cat, described as "the Cat about Town." He is impeccably dressed and frequents gentlemen's clubs, dines at the best restaurants, and maintains a high social standing. He is a symbol of upper-class London society, full of self-importance and dignity.

Character	Characteristics	Motivations
Bustopher Jones	Fat, elegant, sophisticated, well-dressed, high-society cat	To enjoy the finer things in life and maintain his social standing

Section: Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat
Skimbleshanks is a diligent and hardworking cat who lives on a night train. He takes great pride in his duties, meticulously checking the passengers, inspecting the carriages, and ensuring that everything runs smoothly. He is an essential and beloved part of the railway operations, a true "cat of the railway train."

Character	Characteristics	Motivations
Skimbleshanks	Diligent, hardworking, meticulous, responsible, essential to railway operations	To ensure the smooth running of the night mail train

Section: The Ad-dressing of Cats
This concluding poem offers advice on the proper way to address a cat. It emphasizes the need for respect, humility, and acknowledging a cat's inherent dignity and profound self-awareness. It suggests that one must approach a cat with the right attitude if one hopes to be considered "worthy of a cat's regard."

Genre
Light verse, Children's poetry, Humorous poetry, Anthropomorphic poetry.

Author Facts

• T.S. Eliot (Thomas Stearns Eliot) was an American-born British poet, essayist, publisher, playwright, literary critic, and editor.
• He was a central figure in the modernist movement of the early 20th century.
• Eliot was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1948 for his outstanding contributions to modern poetry.
• He became a naturalized British subject in 1927.
• He published 'Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats' in 1939, initially writing the poems for his godchildren.

Morale
The book primarily celebrates individuality and the unique characteristics of each cat, suggesting that every creature, no matter how common, possesses a hidden depth and a distinct personality. It encourages observation and appreciation for the eccentricities of others, fostering empathy and understanding for the "secret lives" of those around us. Through its playful satire, it also subtly comments on various human social structures, ambitions, and quirks, advocating for a respectful understanding of all beings.

Curiosities

• The poems in 'Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats' served as the inspiration and source material for Andrew Lloyd Webber's hugely successful musical 'Cats', which premiered in 1981.
• T.S. Eliot used the nickname "Old Possum" for the title of the book, a moniker given to him by his fellow poet Ezra Pound.
• Many of the characters from the book, such as Rum Tum Tugger, Macavity, and Old Deuteronomy, became central figures in the 'Cats' musical, often retaining much of their original poetic descriptions.
• The poem "Grizabella: The Glamour Cat" was initially omitted from the first edition of the book but was later added to subsequent editions and became one of the most poignant characters in the musical.
• The term "Jellicle Cats," which refers to the tribe of cats, is a unique coinage by Eliot, derived from a child's mispronunciation of "dear little cats."