Macavity: The Mystery Cat - T.S. Eliot
The Elusive and Mischievous Cat of Mystery
Macavity's a Mystery Cat: he's called the Hidden Paw—
For he's the master criminal who can defy the Law.
He's the bafflement of Scotland Yard, the Flying Squad's despair:
For when they reach the scene of crime—Macavity's not there!
Macavity, Macavity, there's no one like Macavity,
He's broken every human law, he breaks the law of gravity.
His powers of levitation would make a fakir stare,
And when you reach the scene of crime—Macavity's not there!
You may seek him in the basement, you may look up in the air—
But I tell you once and once again, Macavity's not there!
Macavity's a ginger cat, he's very tall and thin;
You would know him if you saw him, for his eyes are sunken in.
His brow is deeply lined with thought, his head is highly domed;
His coat is dusty from neglect, his whiskers are uncombed.
He sways his head from side to side, with movements like a snake;
And when you think he's half asleep, he's always wide awake.
Macavity, Macavity, there's no one like Macavity,
For he's a fiend in feline shape, a monster of depravity.
You may meet him in a by-street, you may see him in the square—
But when a crime's discovered, then Macavity's not there!
He's outwardly respectable. (They say he cheats at cards.)
And his footprints are not found in any file of Scotland Yard's.
And when the larder's looted, or the jewel-case is rifled,
Or when the milk is missing, or another Peke's been stifled,
Or the greenhouse glass is broken, and the trellis past repair—
Ay, there's the wonder of the thing! Macavity's not there!
And when the Foreign Office find a Treaty's gone astray,
Or the Admiralty lose some plans and drawings by the way,
There may be a scrap of paper in the hall or on the stair—
But it's useless to investigate—Macavity's not there!
And when the loss has been disclosed, the Secret Service say:
'It must have been Macavity!'—but he's a mile away.
You'll be sure to find him resting, or a-licking of his thumbs;
Or engaged in doing complicated long division sums.
Macavity, Macavity, there's no one like Macavity,
There never was a Cat of such deceitfulness and suavity.
He always has an alibi, and one or two to spare:
At whatever time the deed took place—Macavity wasn't there!
And they say that all the Cats whose wicked deeds are widely known
(I might mention Mungojerrie, I might mention Griddlebone)
Are nothing more than agents for the Cat who all the time
Just controls their operations: the Napoleon of Crime!
Introduction to "Macavity: The Mystery Cat"
"Macavity: The Mystery Cat" is a whimsical poem written by T.S. Eliot, first published in his collection Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats. The poem introduces us to Macavity, a cunning and elusive cat whose criminal exploits defy both human law and the laws of nature. Written with humor and vivid imagery, Eliot crafts an unforgettable character who embodies mischief and mystery.
The Master Criminal
The poem begins by introducing Macavity as a "Mystery Cat" and nicknames him the "Hidden Paw." He is described as a master criminal who can outwit every authority, including Scotland Yard and the Flying Squad. His defining trait is his ability to vanish from the scene of any crime:
"For when they reach the scene of crime—Macavity’s not there!"
This repeated refrain emphasizes his uncanny knack for escaping detection, making him an enigma even to seasoned investigators.
Supernatural Abilities
Macavity is no ordinary feline; he possesses extraordinary abilities that border on the supernatural. The poet humorously claims that Macavity has broken not only human laws but also "the law of gravity." His powers of levitation are so impressive that they would astonish even a fakir (a mystic known for performing feats like levitation). This hyperbolic description adds a fantastical element to Macavity’s persona, elevating him beyond mere mortal comprehension.
A Distinctive Appearance
Eliot provides vivid details about Macavity’s physical appearance, painting a picture of a peculiar yet unmistakable figure. He is a "ginger cat" who is unusually tall and thin, with sunken eyes, a deeply lined brow, and a highly domed head. Despite his disheveled appearance—his dusty coat and uncombed whiskers—there is something sinisterly intellectual about him. His serpentine movements and perpetual alertness make him all the more unsettling:
"He sways his head from side to side, with movements like a snake; / And when you think he’s half asleep, he’s always wide awake."
The Fiend in Feline Form
Macavity is characterized as a "fiend in feline shape" and a "monster of depravity." While outwardly respectable, he engages in nefarious activities such as cheating at cards and orchestrating elaborate thefts. However, his most remarkable quality is his ability to remain invisible at critical moments:
- When valuables go missing or crimes occur, Macavity leaves no trace behind—not even footprints in Scotland Yard’s records.
- Whether it’s stolen jewels, missing milk, or broken greenhouses, Macavity is nowhere to be found when suspicion arises.
A Global Menace
Macavity’s influence extends far beyond petty crimes. He is implicated in high-profile incidents involving national security, such as the disappearance of treaties or naval plans. Yet, despite these serious accusations, he remains untouchable:
"It must have been Macavity!"—but he’s a mile away.
This line highlights his impeccable timing and alibis, ensuring he is never caught red-handed.
The Napoleon of Crime
In the final stanza, Macavity is crowned "the Napoleon of Crime," suggesting that he operates as the mastermind behind other notorious cats, such as Mungojerrie and Griddlebone. These lesser criminals are merely pawns in his grand schemes, while Macavity pulls the strings from afar. His unparalleled deceitfulness and sophistication set him apart from all others.
Themes and Literary Devices
1. Humor and Satire: The poem uses playful language and absurd scenarios to satirize detective stories and portray crime in a lighthearted manner.
2. Hyperbole: Exaggerations like Macavity breaking the law of gravity or baffling entire police forces add to the comedic tone.
3. Repetition: The recurring phrase "Macavity’s not there" reinforces his elusiveness and creates a rhythmic structure.
4. Personification: By attributing human traits and behaviors to a cat, Eliot blurs the line between reality and fantasy.
Conclusion
"Macavity: The Mystery Cat" is a delightful blend of wit, imagination, and suspense. Through this poem, T.S. Eliot immortalizes Macavity as a legendary figure—a criminal genius whose brilliance lies in his ability to evade capture. Whether viewed as a clever satire or simply a charming tale, the poem captures the reader’s imagination with its unique portrayal of a truly unforgettable feline felon.
Key points
Macavity, the master criminal of the feline world, embodies cleverness, stealth, and mischief, teaching readers to appreciate wit and imagination while reminding us that crime doesn't pay—even for cats! Through T.S. Eliot’s playful verses, we learn to value creativity and humor in storytelling while recognizing the charm in flawed yet fascinating characters.
