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NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English - Poem - Macavity The Mystery Cat

NCERT Solutions for Class 8th: Ch 3 Macavity - The Mystery Cat (Poem) Honeydew English

Working with Poem\

Q1. Read the first stanza and think.
(i) Is Macavity a cat really?
 (ii) If not, who can Macavity be?

Answer
(i) No, Macavity is not a cat really.
(ii) Macavity is just a fictional character created by the poet whose actions resemble those of a crook's.

2. Complete the following sentences.
(i) A master criminal is one who ______________.
(ii) The Scotland Yard is baffled because ________.
(iii) ________because Macavity moves much faster than them.

Answer
(i) A master criminal is one who can defy the law.
(ii) The Scotland Yard is baffled because whenever they reach the scene of the crime, they cannot find Macavity.
(iii) Nobody can catch Macavity at the scene of the crime because Macavity moves much faster than them.

Q3. "A cat, I am sure, could walk on a cloud without coming through". (Jules Verne)
 Which law is Macavity breaking in the light of the comment above?
 Answer

In light of the above comment, Macavity is breaking the law of gravity.

Q4. Read stanza 3, and then, describe Macavity in two or three sentences of your own.
Answer
Macavity is a ginger cat who is very tall and thin with sunken eyes and brow deeply lined with thought. While its head is highly domed, its coat is dusty and whiskers are uncombed. It sways its head from side-to-side and it is always wide awake even when one thinks that it is half-asleep.

Q5. Say 'False' or 'True' for each of the following statements.
(i) Macavity is not an ordinary cat.
(ii) Macavity cannot do what a fakir can easily do.
(iii) Macavity has supernatural powers.
(iv) Macavity is well-dressed, smart and bright.
(v) Macavity is a spy, a trickster, and a criminal, all rolled in one.

Answer
(i) True
(ii) False, Macavity's power of levitation would make a fakir stare in disbelief.
(iii) True
(iv) False, Macavity is not well-dressed as its coat is dusty out of neglect. Its eyes are sunken, and not bright.
(v) True

Q6. Having read the poem, try to guess whether the poet is fond of cats. If so, why does he call Macavity a fiend and monster?
Answer
Yes, it seems like the poet is fond of cats. He calls Macavity a 'fiend' and a 'monster' because he might have wanted to portray an evil side. He might have used a cat in order to create a negative character who is a criminal and escapes easily from the police. The quick movements of a cat and its mysterious eyes might have influenced him to create this evil character in the form of a cat.

Q7. Has the poet used exaggeration for special effect? Find a few examples of it and read those lines aloud.
Answer
Yes, the poet has used exaggerations such as the cat's defiance of gravity and it is called a 'monster of depravity' and a 'fiend' in order to enhance the mystery surrounding the cat. Since the cat is shown to be super fast as nobody from the Scotland Yard to the flying squad can catch it on the scene of the crime, these exaggerations have been used by Eliot to lay stress on this monstrous as well as surprising and mysterious nature of Macavity.
Examples:
(i) 'He's the bafflement of Scotland Yard, the Flying Squad's despair'.
(ii) 'He breaks the law of gravity'.
(iii) 'His powers of levitation would make a fakir stare.'
(iv) 'He's a fiend in feline shape, a monster of depravity.'

The document NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English - Poem - Macavity The Mystery Cat is a part of the Class 8 Course NCERT Textbooks & Solutions for Class 8.
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FAQs on NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English - Poem - Macavity The Mystery Cat

1. What is the summary of the poem "Macavity The Mystery Cat"?
Ans. The poem "Macavity The Mystery Cat" is about a mysterious cat named Macavity who is known for his cunning and ability to escape from any situation. The poet describes Macavity as a master criminal who is always one step ahead of the law. Despite his mischievous deeds, Macavity remains elusive and is never caught.
2. What are the characteristics of Macavity in the poem?
Ans. Macavity, the mystery cat, is described as a master criminal with several unique characteristics. He is extremely cunning and clever, always managing to escape from the law. Macavity is also known for his agility and swiftness, allowing him to disappear quickly from the scene of the crime. Additionally, he is portrayed as a manipulative cat who can influence other cats and make them take the blame for his actions.
3. How does the poet portray Macavity's intelligence in the poem?
Ans. The poet portrays Macavity's intelligence by highlighting his ability to outsmart the law enforcement authorities. Macavity is always one step ahead and manages to escape from even the most secure situations. He is depicted as a strategic thinker who plans his moves carefully and leaves no trace behind. The poet also mentions that Macavity can be seen at the scene of the crime, but when the authorities arrive, he is nowhere to be found.
4. What is the significance of the phrase "Macavity's not there!" in the poem?
Ans. The phrase "Macavity's not there!" is repeated throughout the poem and holds significant meaning. It emphasizes Macavity's elusive nature and his ability to escape unnoticed. The repetition of this phrase highlights the frustration of the law enforcement authorities who are unable to catch Macavity despite their best efforts. It also adds to the mysterious and enigmatic aura surrounding Macavity.
5. What is the theme of the poem "Macavity The Mystery Cat"?
Ans. The theme of the poem "Macavity The Mystery Cat" revolves around the idea of elusiveness and cunning. It explores the concept of a master criminal who always manages to escape from the law. The poem also touches upon the theme of manipulation, as Macavity influences other cats to take the blame for his actions. Furthermore, the poem highlights the inefficiency of the authorities in capturing Macavity, showcasing the power of intelligence and strategy.
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