Macavity : The Mystery Cat Summary In English
Macavity—A Master Criminal
The poem is about a cat called Macavity. He is also called the “Hidden Paw”. The cat is a great criminal. He has openly disobeyed the law. Yet the police of Scotland Yard is helpless before Macavity. Sometimes the Flying Squad runs after it. However, the squad is always disappointed. The cat is never found by it. Macavity moves much faster than the Flying Squad.
Macavity—A Breaker of the Laws of Nature
The poet is sure that there has been no creature like Macavity. Macavity has broken not only human laws but even the laws of nature. He floats in the air without any support. Thus, he breaks the nature’s law of gravitation. The fakirs are supposed to have some magical powers but even they stare upon Macavity. Yet, the wonder of wonders is that when one rushes to the scene of the crime, Macavity is not found. Those who look after him find him neither in the basement (i.e., under the earth), nor in the air (i.e., sky).
Macavity—Appearance
Macavity is a very special cat. He is very tall and thin. It’s very easy to recognise him. His eyes are deep set in his face. His brow has deep wrinkles as if he is lost in deep thoughts. Due to constant neglect his skin is full of dust. You will find him swaying his head from side to side just as a snake does. He is an expert cheat. When you feel he is asleep, he is only dozing. In fact Macavity is always alert.
Macavity’s Character
Macavity is unique. He is evil incarnate. Ordinarily you can find him anywhere—in a by-street or in a square. However, when you want to punish him for a crime, he is nowhere to be seen.
WORKING WITH THE POEM (PAGE 51)
Question 1:
Read the first stanza and think.
(i) Is Macavity a cat really?
(ii) If not, who can Macavity be?
Answer:
(i) Macavity is a cunning cat.
(ii) If not a cat, he can be an expert thief or criminal or a mysterious creature.
Question 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) evades arrest and escapes from the scene of crime.
(ii) it fails to get a clue about the criminal.
(iii) Flying Squad is not able to catch hold of him.
Question 3:
“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:
Newton’s Law of Gravitation.
Question 4:
Read stanza 3, and then describe Macavity in two or three sentences of your own.
Answer:
Macavity is a very cunning and cautious cat. He is tall and thin. His eyes are sunken in, his forehead is wrinkled, and his head is dome like. His coat is soiled. Hair on his cheeks is not combed.
Question 5:
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 (iii) True (iv) False (v) True
Question 6:
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:
The poet admires the cat for his swift movement, expert criminality and the way he gives a slip to the police. But he is a law breaker at the same time, so the poet calls him a devil and giant.
Question 7:
Has the poet used exaggeration for special effect? Find a few examples of it and read those lines aloud.
Answer:
The following statements are examples of exaggeration.
• He is the bafflement of Scotland Yard, the Flying Squad’s despair.
• His power of levitation.
• A fiend in feline shape, a monster of depravity.
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