English - Poetry Chapter 7: Macavity the mystery cat के NCERT Solution

Rainbow English Book Class 12 Solutions Poem 7 Macavity: The Mystery Cat

Q.1.1. Write T for true and F for false statements 

(a) Macavity is an ordinary cat
(b) Macavity is an outlaw.
(c) Macavity is always there on the scene of the crime.
(d) Macavity can be found in the basement
(e) The poet finds Macavity lazy and half-asleep.
(f) It can be seen in the by-street
(g) Mungojerrie and Griddlebone are also cats.
(h) The poet is really angry with Macavity.
(i) The poet compares Macavity to Napolean.
Answer: (a) F, (b) T, (c) F, (d) F, (e) T, (f) T, (g) T, (h) F, (i) T.

B.1.2. Answer the following questions briefly 

Question 1. Why does the poet call Macavity, a mystery cat?
Answer: The poet calls Macavity a mystery cat because it is never found after ‘ committing wrong. It leaves the place immediately after committing the crime.

Question 2. What are the adjectives that have been used to describe Macavity’s character?
Answer: Some of the adjectives that have been used to describe Macavity’s character are as hereunder; bafflement, ginger, fiend and monster.

Question 3. Why is Macavity termed a “Criminal”?
Answer: Macavity is termed as a criminal because it defies the law and indulges in activities of criminal nature.

Question 4. What is suggested by the phrase ‘power of levitation’?
Answer: Phrase power of levitation has been used to denote a supernatural and extraordinary capacity to rise and float in the air, especially by magic (which was possessed by Macavity).

Question 5. What would you do if a cat enters your kitchen? Would you keep a cat as a pet?
Answer: I will immediately drive the cat away, in case it enters my kitchen. No, I won’t keep a cat as a pet.

Long Answer Questions

Question 1. Discuss the poet’s impression of Macavity, the mystery cat Why does he call it mysterious?
Answer: The poet is interested in ‘Macavity’ the mystery cat, though it is engaged in criminal activities. He finds it a wonder-cat. Macavity is mysterious because after committing a wrong act it is never found on the scene of the crime.

Question 2. Macavity is never there “Elaborate”.
Answer: Macavity is very cunning. It is deceitful. After committing something wrong and injurious it is always traceless. Macavity leaves the place where it happens to commit a misdeed and vanishes from there. It becomes bafflement for investigating agencies.

Question 3. Why does the poet call Macavity ‘outwardly respectable ?’ Discuss.
Answer: The poet passes satirical remarks on its peculiar activities. He calls Macavity outwardly respectable owing to show its meanness and also to rebuke (to castigate) for its misdeeds on a comical note. Macavity is the most cunning and indistinct (hidden). It has ever remained contrivance (skilled).

Question 4. There are other cats like Mungojerrie and Griddlebone, but there’s no one like Macavity. Explain.
Answer: Other cats like Mangojerrie and griddle one can not be compared with Macavity whose activities are wonderful and confusing. It is unique and unparallel.

Question 5. Make a list of crimes Macavity is capable of.
Answer: Macavity is able to commit various types of crimes. It drinks milk, misplaces Jewel-Box, removes important documents, indulges in various other impure and humiliating acts, which causes much damage to the society. (It is most funny, Macavity is not there.)

Question 6. What would you do to tame Macavity?
Answer: I shall work out a plan for the proper training to tame Macavity. Our pets must be taught to live in a disciplined way. They must know good manners and honesty. Macavity is after all an animal and deserves my love, care and sympathy.

Question 7. Do you find the poem humorous ? Give your comments on the poem.
Answer: The poem is, of course, humorous and amusing. There is no seriousness in the poem. It must be taken as a poem with lighter notes.

Question 8. Give in short the summary of the poem, “Macavity”. The Mvctcry
Or, Write a short note on the poem, “Macavity” The Mystery cat.
Answer: T. S. Eliot the renowned modem poet gave a humorous description of mystery cat “Macavity”. He intends to provide us with innocent fun, which serves the purpose of amusing us. Macavity is not an ordinary cat. He is a notorious criminal who commits ‘ all sorts of crimes, but at the same time is not found at the scene of the crime. His identity cannot be established, because the Scotland yard has no record of his footprints. Physically, Macavity has a long and thin body, uncombed whiskers, dusty skin and brown lined with thought. He can levitate like a yogi. He is specialised in the robbery, in forcing open jewellery box, cupboard storing good and even government offices.

He seems to be very much interested in secret files and documents. Whenever an important file of the secret treaty is fun missing from the foreign office the crime is attributed to Macavity. But conning cat could be seen at least a mile away from the spot, engaged in the innocent act of licking his thumbs of in serious mathematical calculations. In presence of any proof, it is impossible therefore to lay hands on Macavity. In short, he is involved in all sorts of crime and if any criminal activity takes place security’s ‘ involvement is apprehended. The poet remembers some other notorious cats, like “Mungojenie” and “Griddlebone”, but Macavity tops them in wickedness cunningness and notorious acts. That is why the poet has rewarded him with the title, “Napoleon of crime.”

In fact the poet, T. S. Eliot has tried to suggest that cats can have a ’ distinguished identity. Although every cat enters stealthily into a kitchen and drinks milk, eats the cooked food and makes certain damages to the • household articles. Few of them commit mischievous and nefarious acts. , Macavity has topped the list in committing crimes in a most cunning and systematic way. The pet is amazed at the mysterious ways in which he commits crimes without having any proof thereafter,

3. Composition