GSEB Class 8 English Honeydew Chapter 3 Macavity: The Mystery Cat Solutions

Working With The Poem

Question 1. 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 truly a cat.
(ii) Macavity is simply an imaginary person made up by the poet, whose actions are like those of a criminal.
In simple words: Macavity is a made-up character who acts like a clever criminal, not a real cat.

Exam Tip: When analyzing character descriptions, distinguish between literal attributes and metaphorical or symbolic meanings.

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) A master criminal is one who can break the law.
(ii) The Scotland Yard is confused because whenever they arrive at the crime scene, they cannot find Macavity.
(iii) Nobody can catch Macavity at the crime scene because Macavity moves much faster than them.
In simple words: A master criminal breaks laws. Scotland Yard is confused because Macavity moves too fast and is never found at the crime scene.

Exam Tip: For fill-in-the-blank questions based on text, use key phrases from the passage to complete the sentences accurately.

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: In light of the comment above, Macavity is breaking the law of gravity.
In simple words: Macavity breaks the rule of gravity.

Exam Tip: Connect the given quote to the poem's themes to identify which natural law or societal rule is being defied.

Question 4. Read stanza 3, and then, describe Macavity in two or three sentences of your own.
Answer: Macavity is a tall, slender ginger cat with sunken eyes and a forehead deeply lined with thought. His head is highly domed, and his fur is dirty, while his whiskers are messy. He sways his head from side to side and always seems fully awake, even when one might think he is half-asleep.
In simple words: Macavity is a thin, ginger cat with deep-set eyes, a wrinkled brow, and a domed head. He looks messy, moves like a snake, and is always alert.

Exam Tip: When asked to describe a character, focus on physical traits and characteristic movements mentioned in the poem.

Question 5. Say 'False' or 'True' for each of the following statements :
1. Macavity is not an ordinary cat.
2. Macavity cannot do what a fakir can easily do.
3. Macavity has supernatural powers.
4. Macavity is well-dressed, smart and bright.
5. Macavity is a spy, a trickster and a criminal, all rolled in one.
Answer:
1. True
2. False
3. True
4. False
5. True
In simple words: Macavity is an unusual cat with special powers, acting as a spy and criminal, not an ordinary, well-dressed pet.

Exam Tip: Carefully read each statement and compare it with the details provided in the poem to determine if it is true or false.

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: Yes, it appears the poet is fond of cats. He refers to Macavity as a 'fiend' and a 'monster' because he likely intended to show an evil side. He might have used a cat to create a negative figure who is a criminal and easily escapes from the authorities.
In simple words: The poet probably likes cats, but calls Macavity a 'fiend' and 'monster' to show its evil criminal nature.

Exam Tip: Consider the poet's choice of words and character portrayal to infer their underlying feelings or intentions.

Question 7. 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 being called a 'monster of depravity' and a 'fiend', to heighten the mystery around the cat. Since the cat is depicted as super-fast, with no one from Scotland Yard or the Flying Squad able to catch it at the crime scene, these exaggerations are used by Eliot to emphasize its monstrous, surprising, and enigmatic nature.
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'.
In simple words: The poet uses big words and extreme examples, like Macavity breaking gravity, to make the cat seem very mysterious and powerful.

Exam Tip: Look for phrases that describe abilities or characteristics in an over-the-top way to identify instances of exaggeration.

GSEB Class 8 English Macavity: The Mystery Cat Additional Important Questions and Answers

Select the most appropriate options as answers and complete the following sentences:

Question 1. Macavity, also called the 'Mystery Cat', goes by a more unusual name. Who is this master criminal that has inspired a poem?
A. 'Mungojerrie'
B. 'Hooded Claw'
C. 'Griddlebone'
D. 'Hidden Paw'
Answer: (D) 'Hidden Paw'
In simple words: Macavity, the criminal cat, has a secret name, which is 'Hidden Paw'.

Exam Tip: Remember specific epithets or nicknames given to characters as they often highlight key traits or roles in the story.

Question 2. Macavity leaves Scotland Yard In bafflement, but who does he leave In despair?
A. Special Branch,
B. The Serious Fraud Squad
C. The Flying Squad
D. The Serious Crimes Unit
Answer: (C) The Flying Squad
In simple words: Macavity confuses Scotland Yard and leaves the Flying Squad in deep trouble.

Exam Tip: Pay attention to the specific law enforcement agencies mentioned in the poem and their reactions to Macavity.

Question 3. "He's broken every human law, he breaks the law of gravity. His powers of levitation would make a ............... stare." What person would Macavity make stare at his powers ?
A. Magician
B. Lama
C. Politician
D. Fakir
Answer: (D) Fakir
In simple words: Macavity's ability to float would amaze even a fakir.

Exam Tip: The poem often uses specific cultural references; knowing these helps identify the correct answer for such fill-in-the-blank questions.

Question 4. In the poem Macavity is described. What kind of cat is he?
A. A Ginger Cat
B. A Tabby Cat
C. A Tortoiseshell (Calico)
D. A Manx Tom
Answer: (A) A Ginger Cat
In simple words: Macavity is described as a ginger-colored cat.

Exam Tip: Recall the explicit physical descriptions of Macavity provided in the poem to answer questions about his appearance.

Question 5. "He sways his head from side to side, with movements like a ............... ." What does he move like?
A. swing
B. tail
C. kite
D. snake
Answer: (D) snake
In simple words: Macavity moves his head from side to side, just like a snake.

Exam Tip: Pay attention to similes and metaphors used in the poem, as they often describe character movements or traits.

Question 6. When a crime has been discovered where is Macavity ?
A. He's in the crowd.
B. He's in the shadows.
C. He's not there.
D. He's on the roof.
Answer: (C) He's not there.
In simple words: When a crime is found, Macavity is never at the scene.

Exam Tip: The central mystery of Macavity revolves around his uncanny ability to disappear; remember this key characteristic.

Question 7. Who loses some plans and drawings in the poem, blaming Macavity for their loss ?
A. The War Office
B. The Foreign Office
C. The Home Office
D. The Admiralty
Answer: (D) The Admiralty
In simple words: The Admiralty department loses important plans, and Macavity is blamed.

Exam Tip: Remember the specific government body whose important documents are stolen, as this is a direct reference from the poem.

Question 8. When the authorities go to find him he is either 'resting, or a-licking of his thumbs,' for some unusual activity. Which activity does the 'Mystery Cat' engage in?
A. 'Planning a dinner party'.
B. 'Doing complicated long division sums'.
C. 'Planning a daring caper'.
D. 'Fluffing his tail'.
Answer: (B) 'Doing complicated long division sums'.
In simple words: The Mystery Cat is described as doing complicated long division sums when the police look for him.

Exam Tip: Note the ironic and unusual activities attributed to Macavity, which contribute to his mysterious nature.

Question 9. Who always states that when a Treaty, or some plains and drawings, have gone missing that it was Macavity who is to blame ?
A. The Home Office
B. The Special Branch
C. The Secret Service
D. The Flying Squad
Answer: (C) The Secret Service
In simple words: The Secret Service always blames Macavity when important treaties or drawings disappear.

Exam Tip: Identify which investigative body consistently points the finger at Macavity for missing documents as per the poem.

Answer the following questions in two to three sentences each:

Question 1. How does the poet describe Macavity and his pranks?
Answer: Macavity was a male cat and a clever criminal who showed no fear of the law or police. He always escaped from crime scenes before the police arrived. He was tall, thin, and quite careless about his appearance. He moved like a snake and often pretended to be asleep, but was actually a wicked and morally corrupt devil disguised as a cat.
In simple words: The poet describes Macavity as a cunning, law-breaking cat who looks messy, moves sneakily, and is secretly evil.

Exam Tip: Combine physical descriptions with character actions to fully explain how the poet portrays Macavity and his misdeeds.

Question 2. How does the poet support his statement "There is no one like Macavity"?
Answer: The poet refers to Macavity as a master criminal, capable of making clever escapes before the police even reached the crime scene. He outsmarted detectives and the Flying Squad, proving to be an outlaw and an expert in his field. He was unmatched, truly a devil in cat form.
In simple words: The poet shows Macavity as an unbeatable criminal who always escapes police and tricks everyone, making him unique.

Exam Tip: Support your answer by quoting or paraphrasing specific details from the poem that highlight Macavity's unique criminal abilities.

Question 3. Who does Macavity fool and confuse ?
Answer: Macavity is a "master criminal" who even defies the law. He deceives well-known investigating agencies, including Scotland Yard and the Flying Squad, causing them much confusion.
In simple words: Macavity fools and confuses top police forces like Scotland Yard and the Flying Squad.

Exam Tip: Clearly name the organizations or groups that Macavity outsmarts, demonstrating his cunning nature.

Question 4. What is the most remarkable thing about Macavity ?
Answer: The most remarkable thing about Macavity is that he has "broken every human law." He also possesses several supernatural powers, such as levitation, which allows him to rise in the air. He is so skilled that when the police arrive at a crime scene, "Macavity's not there!"
In simple words: Macavity's amazing ability is breaking all laws and even floating, always disappearing before police arrive.

Exam Tip: Focus on the extraordinary, almost magical abilities and criminal skills that set Macavity apart from others.

Question 5. What is the connection between 'Fakir,' and 'Power of Levitation'?
Answer: Fakirs are holy people who live on donations and are believed to possess supernatural powers, often performing miracles. The poet states that Macavity can surpass a fakir in his power of levitation. The way he ascends and floats in the air, escaping from a crime scene, is simply beyond imagination.
In simple words: Fakirs are known for magic like levitation. The poem says Macavity's floating power is even greater, surprising everyone.

Exam Tip: Explain both terms and then describe how the poem connects Macavity's abilities to the traditional powers of a fakir.

Read the following stanzas and answer the questions given below them:

Question 1. 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 !
(1) How unlawfully does Macavity act ?
(2) What is said about Macavity's powers of levitation?
(3) Where is Macavity not found ?
Answer:
(1) Macavity disobeys all human laws and also the law of gravity.
(2) Macavity's levitation is so powerful that it makes a fakir stare in disbelief.
(3) When the investigators reach the crime scene, Macavity is never there. The poet states that we can search for him in the basement or look up in the air, but Macavity will not be present.
In simple words: Macavity breaks all rules, including gravity. His floating power would amaze a fakir, and he's always gone when police arrive at a crime.

Exam Tip: Extract direct answers from the stanza provided, ensuring each sub-question is addressed fully based on the text.

Question 2. 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.
(1) What metaphor is used for Macavity ?
(2) Describe the appearance of Macavity.
(3) What is deceitful about Macavity ?
Answer:
(1) Macavity is called a ginger cat here, and his movement is compared to a snake.
(2) Macavity's eyes are deeply sunken. This cat has lines on his forehead, showing much thought; his head is highly domed, while his coat is untidy, and his whiskers are messy.
(3) What is deceptive about Macavity is that when we imagine he is half asleep, he is actually always wide awake.
In simple words: Macavity is a ginger cat, tall and thin, with deep eyes, a thinking brow, and messy fur. He moves like a snake and pretends to be sleepy but is always alert.

Exam Tip: Distinguish between direct descriptions and figurative language like metaphors when analyzing character traits.

Question 3. 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 !
(1) Why does the poet say 'there is no one like Macavity'?
(2) Which adjectives are used for Macavity? What do they suggest?
(3) How smart is Macavity in avoiding arrest after committing a crime?
Answer:
(1) The poet states 'there is no one like Macavity' because he is a devil disguised as a cat; he is a monster of wickedness.
(2) The adjectives used for Macavity are: 'devil in the shape of a cat' and 'monster of moral corruption'. These words suggest his extreme evil and deceptive nature.
(3) Macavity is very clever at avoiding arrest after committing a crime. One might encounter him in a back street or in the public square, but when the crime is discovered, Macavity is never present.
In simple words: The poet says Macavity is unique because he's a devilish, wicked cat. Words like 'fiend' and 'monster' show his evil. He is incredibly smart, always disappearing from crime scenes before police arrive.

Exam Tip: When analyzing adjectives, consider both their literal meaning and the deeper implications they convey about the character.

Macavity: The Mystery Cat Summary in English

Macavity: The Mystery Cat Summary:
Answer: Thomas Stearns Eliot describes a mysterious cat with a very villainous nature in his poem, "Macavity: The Mystery Cat." This cat is known by the name 'Hidden Paw' as he is the criminal mastermind who disregards laws. He is an enigmatic figure even to the specialized detective agencies of the world, like Scotland Yard and the Flying Squad. These agencies had acknowledged their defeat by this clever cat, and therefore he is considered the 'bafflement' of Scotland Yard.
When they reach the scene of a crime, Macavity is never there. Macavity is too clever to be caught, and he is nowhere near the crime spot. The poet states that Macavity disobeys all human laws and also the law of gravity. His levitation is so powerful that it makes a fakir stare bewildered. But when you arrive at the crime spot, Macavity is not present. The poet says that we may search for him in the basement or we may look up in the air, but Macavity is not there.
T. S. Eliot describes Macavity as a ginger cat who is both tall and thin. He can be recognized by his eyes, which are deeply sunken. This cat has lines on his forehead, showing much thought; he has a head that is highly domed, while his coat is untidy, and his whiskers are uncombed. Macavity moves like a snake, and whenever he is mistaken to be asleep, he is wide awake.
The poet says there is no one like Macavity. He is a devil disguised as a cat; he is a monster of wickedness. One might meet him in a by-street or in the square, but when a crime is discovered, Macavity is not there.
In simple words: T. S. Eliot's poem describes Macavity, a cunning criminal cat known as 'Hidden Paw,' who breaks laws and disappears from crime scenes. He's a tall, thin ginger cat with sunken eyes, a thoughtful brow, and a messy coat. Macavity moves like a snake and is always alert, even when seeming asleep. He is seen as a devilish, unique monster of wickedness, always gone when a crime is found.

Exam Tip: When summarizing, ensure you cover the key aspects of the character's description, actions, and reputation as presented in the poem, including how he defies laws and authorities.