Important Questions Chapter 18 Poem English Rainbow Part 2 Class 12 Bihar Board बिहार बोर्ड

Macavity : The Mystery Cat

Short Questions with Answers

1. Who wrote the poem “Macavity: The Mystery Cat” ?

• T.S. Eliot wrote the poem “Macavity: The Mystery Cat.”

2. Why is Macavity called a “mystery cat”?

• He is called a mystery cat because he commits crimes and is never caught.

3. What is Macavity also known as?

• He is known as “The Hidden Paw.”

4. Which law does Macavity break according to the poet?

• Macavity breaks every human law and even the law of gravity.

5. What is Scotland Yard in the poem?

• Scotland Yard is the headquarters of the London Police.

6. What color is Macavity’s fur?

• Macavity is a ginger cat.

7. How does Macavity move his head?

• He sways his head from side to side like a snake.

8. Is Macavity tall or short?

• Macavity is very tall and thin.

9. What are Macavity’s whiskers like?

• His whiskers are uncombed and dusty.

10. Where is Macavity when a crime is discovered?

• Macavity is never at the scene of the crime.

11. What do Macavity’s eyes look like?

• His eyes are sunken in.

12. What does the poet compare Macavity to?

• The poet compares Macavity to Napoleon of Crime.

13. What type of poem is “Macavity: The Mystery Cat”?

• It is a humorous, light poem written in a mock-heroic style.

14. Why do the police fail to catch Macavity?

• The police fail because Macavity always has an alibi.

15. What does “levitation” mean in the poem?

• It means the power to rise and float in the air.

16. How does the poet describe Macavity’s appearance?

• He is dusty, thin, with sunken eyes, and a domed head.

17. What is Macavity’s personality like?

• He is deceitful, cunning, and wicked.

18. What does Macavity do with treaties and plans?

• He steals them and causes confusion.

19. Who are Mungojerrie and Griddlebone?

• They are agents of Macavity.

20. Why is Macavity called the “Napoleon of Crime”?

• He is called this because he controls other criminal cats like a master.

Medium Questions with Answers

1. Why does the poet call Macavity “outwardly respectable”?

• Macavity appears to be respectable and harmless. He is known to cheat at cards and often escapes the police’s suspicion. Despite his crimes, his respectable appearance makes him mysterious. His cleverness lies in hiding his wickedness behind charm.

2. What are the crimes Macavity is known for?

• Macavity is known for stealing food, breaking glass, and even making treaties disappear. He causes chaos by looting larders and rifling jewel cases. He is involved in mysterious international crimes. Yet, he is never caught at the scene.

3. How does the poet describe Macavity’s movements?

• Macavity’s movements are smooth and snake-like. He sways his head from side to side, giving the impression of laziness. However, he is always alert and cunning. His movements add to his air of mystery.

4. What is the significance of Macavity’s alibi?

• Macavity always has an alibi to prove he wasn’t present at the crime scene. He is clever enough to prepare multiple excuses in advance. This makes it impossible for the police to catch him. It shows how cunning and deceptive he is.

5. Why is Macavity called a “fiend in feline shape”?

• Macavity is described as an evil spirit disguised as a cat. His actions are wicked, and he enjoys causing trouble. His behavior makes him more like a demon than a regular cat. This description adds to his frightening and mysterious image.

6. How does Macavity avoid getting caught?

• Macavity avoids getting caught by being cunning and always having an alibi. He disappears before anyone arrives at the crime scene. His cleverness ensures he is always one step ahead of the police. He is never where he is expected to be.

7. What is the mood of the poem?

• The poem has a humorous and playful mood. The poet describes Macavity’s crimes in a light-hearted manner. The rhythm and rhyme add to the fun and make Macavity’s actions seem entertaining. It combines mischief with humor.

8. How does the poet compare Macavity to a fakir?

• The poet says Macavity’s powers of levitation would amaze a fakir. Fakirs are known for performing miracles like floating. Macavity’s ability to vanish quickly seems magical. This comparison adds to the mystery surrounding Macavity.

9. What does the poet say about Macavity’s whiskers and coat?

• The poet says Macavity’s whiskers are uncombed and his coat is dusty. This shows that Macavity does not care about his appearance. Despite this, he remains clever and cunning. His untidy look adds to his mysterious nature.

10. Why do the police blame Macavity for many crimes?

• The police blame Macavity because he is known for committing numerous crimes. Even when he isn’t found at the crime scene, they suspect him. He is so clever that he escapes every time. His reputation makes him the prime suspect.

11. What does “Napoleon of Crime” mean in the poem?

• “Napoleon of Crime” means Macavity is a mastermind criminal, like Napoleon was a great general. He controls other cats and plans their criminal acts. The poet shows how Macavity is a leader among criminals. It emphasizes his cunning nature.

12. What makes Macavity a unique character in the poem?

• Macavity is unique because he is a cat who acts like a master criminal. He is always one step ahead of the authorities. His intelligence and cunning make him stand out. His mysterious and playful character is the focus of the poem.

Long Questions with Answers

1. Discuss the poet’s impression of Macavity, the mystery cat. Why does he call it mysterious?

• The poet describes Macavity as a cunning, elusive criminal who defies all laws. He is never found at the scene of the crime, despite his involvement in many misdeeds. His mysterious nature comes from his ability to always avoid capture. The poet calls him mysterious because he is never where he should be when a crime occurs.

2. ‘Macavity is never there.’ Elaborate.

• Macavity is always absent when crimes happen. He commits crimes such as looting, stealing, and breaking glass, but he’s never at the scene when the police arrive. No matter where they search, Macavity is never found. His ability to always avoid detection makes him a master criminal.

3. Why does the poet call Macavity ‘outwardly respectable’? Discuss.

• The poet calls Macavity outwardly respectable because, on the surface, he appears to be a normal, respectable cat. He is seen in public and maintains a calm, dignified appearance. However, beneath this respectable exterior, he is involved in numerous criminal activities. This contrast highlights his deceitfulness.

4. There are other cats like Mungojerrie and Griddlebone, but there’s no one like Macavity. Explain.

• While Mungojerrie and Griddlebone are also mischievous cats involved in crimes, Macavity is in a league of his own. He is portrayed as the mastermind, the “Napoleon of Crime,” controlling others like Mungojerrie and Griddlebone. His intelligence and ability to escape capture set him apart from the other cats.

5. Make a list of crimes Macavity is capable of.

• Macavity is involved in various crimes such as looting, rifling through jewel cases, stealing milk, and breaking greenhouse glass. He is also responsible for stealing treaties and plans from the Foreign Office. His criminal activities cover a wide range, making him a master of deception.

6. What would you do to tame Macavity?

• Taming Macavity would require great patience and cunning, as he is highly intelligent and devious. I would first try to gain his trust by offering food and comfort. However, given his deceitful nature, it might be impossible to tame him fully. He is too clever and slippery to be easily controlled.

7. Do you find the poem humorous? Give your comments on the poem.

• Yes, the poem is humorous because it portrays Macavity as a cat who is a master criminal but behaves like an ordinary cat. The comic exaggerations, such as his ability to defy gravity and always having an alibi, add to the humor. The poem’s light tone and catchy rhythm make it fun to read.

8. Why is Macavity compared to Napoleon of Crime?

• Macavity is compared to Napoleon because, like the famous French general, he is a leader and mastermind in the world of crime. He controls other cats, much like Napoleon controlled his army. This comparison emphasizes Macavity’s cunning, intelligence, and his role as the mastermind behind various criminal activities.