“Macavity: The Mystery Cat” by T.S. Eliot: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “Macavity: The Mystery Cat” by T.S. Eliot

“Macavity: The Mystery Cat” by T.S. Eliot first appeared in 1939 as part of his collection Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats. This poem introduces Macavity, a cunning and elusive feline who embodies the characteristics of a master criminal. Unlike a typical cat, Macavity is depicted as having an almost supernatural ability to evade capture, highlighting themes of deception and cleverness. His reputation as a notorious figure in the feline world is underscored by the chaos he leaves in his wake, suggesting a critique of societal norms and the notion of authority. Ultimately, the poem presents Macavity as a symbol of mischief and rebellion, inviting readers to appreciate the complexity and intrigue of his character.

Text: “Macavity: The Mystery Cat” by T.S. Eliot

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!

Annotations: “Macavity: The Mystery Cat” by T.S. Eliot

Line Number	Text	Annotation
1	Macavity’s a Mystery Cat:	Introduces Macavity as a mysterious and elusive character.
2	he’s called the Hidden Paw—	Suggests that Macavity’s actions are always concealed.
3	For he’s the master criminal who can defy the Law.	Establishes Macavity as a cunning criminal who evades capture.
4	He’s the bafflement of Scotland Yard, the Flying Squad’s despair:	Highlights Macavity’s ability to outsmart law enforcement.
5	For when they reach the scene of crime—Macavity’s not there!	Emphasizes Macavity’s uncanny ability to disappear without a trace.
6	Macavity, Macavity, there’s no one like Macavity,	Reiterates Macavity’s unique qualities and abilities.
7	He’s broken every human law, he breaks the law of gravity.	Implies that Macavity is a supernatural or otherworldly being.
8	His powers of levitation would make a fakir stare,	Further emphasizes Macavity’s extraordinary abilities.
9	And when you reach the scene of crime—Macavity’s not there!	Again, highlights Macavity’s ability to vanish.
10	You may seek him in the basement, you may look up in the air—	Suggests that Macavity is difficult to locate.
11	But I tell you once and once again, Macavity’s not there!	Reiterates the point that Macavity is always one step ahead.
12	Macavity’s a ginger cat, he’s very tall and thin;	Provides a physical description of Macavity.
13	You would know him if you saw him, for his eyes are sunken in.	Adds to the description of Macavity’s appearance.
14	His brow is deeply lined with thought, his head is highly domed;	Suggests that Macavity is intelligent and cunning.
15	His coat is dusty from neglect, his whiskers are uncombed.	Continues the physical description, suggesting a somewhat disheveled appearance.
16	He sways his head from side to side, with movements like a snake;	Adds to Macavity’s mysterious and sinister demeanor.
17	And when you think he’s half asleep, he’s always wide awake.	Suggests that Macavity is always alert and aware of his surroundings.
18	Macavity, Macavity, there’s no one like Macavity,	Again, emphasizes Macavity’s uniqueness.
19	For he’s a fiend in feline shape, a monster of depravity.	Paints Macavity as a villainous and evil character.
20	You may meet him in a by-street, you may see him in the square—	Suggests that Macavity is a common figure, yet always manages to remain undetected.
21	But when a crime’s discovered, then Macavity’s not there!	Once again, highlights Macavity’s ability to disappear.
22	He’s outwardly respectable. (They say he cheats at cards.)	Suggests a deceptive nature beneath Macavity’s seemingly respectable exterior.
23	And his footprints are not found in any file of Scotland Yard’s.	Further emphasizes Macavity’s ability to evade detection.
24	And when the larder’s looted, or the jewel-case is rifled,	Lists examples of Macavity’s crimes.
25	Or when the milk is missing, or another Peke’s been stifled,	Continues the list of Macavity’s crimes.
26	Or the greenhouse glass is broken, and the trellis past repair—	Adds to the list of Macavity’s mischievous acts.
27	Ay, there’s the wonder of the thing! Macavity’s not there!	Expresses surprise and amazement at Macavity’s ability to avoid suspicion.
28	And when the Foreign Office find a Treaty’s gone astray,	Suggests that Macavity’s crimes are not limited to petty theft.
29	Or the Admiralty lose some plans and drawings by the way,	Continues the list of Macavity’s more serious crimes.
30	There may be a scrap of paper in the hall or on the stair—	Suggests that Macavity may leave behind clues but is always able to evade detection.
31	But it’s useless to investigate—Macavity’s not there!	Reiterates the point that investigating Macavity’s crimes is futile.
32	And when the loss has been disclosed, the Secret Service say:	Suggests that even the highest levels of government are aware of Macavity’s crimes.
33	‘It must have been Macavity!’—but he’s a mile away.	Implies that Macavity is always one step ahead of the authorities.
34	You’ll be sure to find him resting, or a-licking of his thumbs;	Suggests that Macavity is always calm and collected, even after committing crimes.
35	Or engaged in doing complicated long division sums.	Adds to the image of Macavity as a cunning and intelligent criminal.
36	Macavity, Macavity, there’s no one like Macavity,	Again, emphasizes Macavity’s uniqueness.
37	There never was a Cat of such deceitfulness and suavity.	Describes Macavity’s cunning and charm.
38	He always has an alibi, and one or two to spare:	Suggests that Macavity is always prepared to explain his whereabouts.
39	At whatever time the deed took place—MACAVITY WASN’T THERE!	Reiterates Macavity’s ability to avoid suspicion.
40	And they say that all the Cats whose wicked deeds are widely known	Suggests that Macavity may be controlling other criminal cats.
41	(I might mention Mungojerrie, I might mention Griddlebone)	Names two other well-known criminal cats.
42	Are nothing more than agents for the Cat who all the time	Implies that Macavity is the mastermind behind the crimes of other cats.
43	Just controls their operations: the Napoleon of Crime!	Compares Macavity to Napoleon Bonaparte, suggesting that he is a cunning and powerful criminal leader.

Literary And Poetic Devices: “Macavity: The Mystery Cat” by T.S. Eliot

Device	Definition	Example	Explanation
Alliteration	Repetition of initial consonant sounds in closely placed words.	“Macavity’s a Mystery Cat: he’s called the Hidden Paw.”	The repetition of the ‘M’ sound creates a musical quality and emphasizes Macavity’s mysterious nature.
Allusion	Reference to another work or cultural element.	“the Napoleon of Crime”	This allusion to Napoleon suggests Macavity’s cunning and strategic nature in the world of crime.
Antithesis	Juxtaposition of contrasting ideas in balanced phrases.	“He’s outwardly respectable. (They say he cheats at cards.)”	This contrast highlights Macavity’s deceptive character—seemingly respectable but actually criminal.
Hyperbole	Exaggerated statements not meant to be taken literally.	“His powers of levitation would make a fakir stare.”	This exaggeration underscores Macavity’s extraordinary abilities, enhancing his mysterious persona.
Imagery	Descriptive language that appeals to the senses.	“His coat is dusty from neglect, his whiskers are uncombed.”	The imagery evokes a vivid picture of Macavity’s appearance, suggesting his disheveled and unkempt nature.
Metaphor	A figure of speech that makes a comparison between two unlike things.	“a fiend in feline shape, a monster of depravity.”	This metaphor characterizes Macavity as a wicked being, emphasizing his evil nature while associating it with feline traits.
Personification	Attributing human qualities to animals or inanimate objects.	“He sways his head from side to side, with movements like a snake.”	This personification gives Macavity a sinister and sneaky demeanor, enhancing his cunning character.
Repetition	Repeating words or phrases for emphasis.	“Macavity, Macavity, there’s no one like Macavity.”	The repetition reinforces the uniqueness and notoriety of Macavity, making him memorable to the reader.
Rhyme	A correspondence of sound between words or the endings of words.	“He’s the bafflement of Scotland Yard, the Flying Squad’s despair.”	The use of rhyme creates a rhythmic quality that makes the poem more engaging and musical.
Simile	A comparison using “like” or “as.”	“with movements like a snake.”	This simile emphasizes Macavity’s stealth and agility, enhancing the image of him as a cunning character.
Symbolism	The use of symbols to signify ideas and qualities.	“the Hidden Paw”	This symbolizes Macavity’s elusive nature, suggesting he is always hidden and hard to catch, embodying mystery.
Tone	The attitude of the writer toward the subject.	The playful yet sinister tone throughout the poem.	The tone contributes to the overall characterization of Macavity as both a charming and nefarious figure, balancing humor with a sense of danger.
Irony	A contrast between expectation and reality.	“But when a crime’s discovered, then Macavity’s not there!”	This irony highlights Macavity’s cleverness, as he always escapes just when he is needed, defying expectations of a typical criminal.
Oxymoron	A combination of contradictory or incongruent words.	“deceitfulness and suavity.”	This oxymoron illustrates the complex nature of Macavity, being both charming and deceptive at the same time.
Onomatopoeia	A word that phonetically imitates, resembles, or suggests the sound it describes.	Not explicitly present, but the sounds in “Macavity’s not there!” create an audible rhythm.	While not a direct example, the poem’s rhythmic quality enhances the overall reading experience, contributing to its playful tone.
Alliteration	Repetition of the initial consonant sounds in closely placed words.	“He’s a fiend in feline shape.”	The ‘f’ sound creates a rhythm and draws attention to Macavity’s dual nature as both a cat and a villain.
Paradox	A statement that contradicts itself but may reveal a truth.	“He always has an alibi, and one or two to spare.”	This paradox emphasizes Macavity’s cunning nature, as having an alibi contradicts the expectation of being caught, revealing his mastery of evasion.
Climax	The point of highest tension in a narrative.	The line “But when a crime’s discovered, then Macavity’s not there!” marks a peak of tension.	This moment highlights Macavity’s ultimate cunning and the frustration of those trying to catch him, creating a pivotal point in the poem’s narrative.
Quatrain	A stanza of four lines, often with alternating rhymes.	The poem is composed of multiple quatrains.	These quatrains help structure the poem, contributing to its rhythmic quality and enhancing the playful tone.

Themes: “Macavity: The Mystery Cat” by T.S. Eliot

• Mystery and Elusiveness
• One of the central themes of “Macavity: The Mystery Cat” is the idea of mystery and elusiveness. Macavity, referred to as “the Hidden Paw,” embodies a sense of intrigue as he deftly evades capture despite being a master criminal. The repeated line, “Macavity’s not there!” emphasizes his ability to disappear just when he is most needed, which creates an aura of enigma around his character. This theme suggests that Macavity is not just a cat but a figure of legend, capable of defying the law and the expectations of those who seek him.
• Deception and Cunning
• Deception is a prominent theme in the poem, as Macavity is portrayed as a figure who thrives on trickery and cunning. Described as “a fiend in feline shape,” he uses his charm and intelligence to manipulate those around him. The lines “He always has an alibi, and one or two to spare” highlight his resourcefulness and the lengths he goes to evade justice. This theme underscores the cleverness of Macavity, suggesting that true mastery lies in one’s ability to outsmart others and maintain an image of respectability while engaging in wrongdoing.
• Authority and Crime
• The poem explores the theme of authority in relation to crime, illustrating how Macavity operates outside the bounds of societal norms. He is “the bafflement of Scotland Yard,” indicating that even the authorities are unable to catch him. The reference to “the Flying Squad’s despair” further emphasizes his ability to undermine law enforcement. Through Macavity’s actions, Eliot critiques the efficacy of authority figures and suggests that crime can exist in a way that outsmarts and eludes those who are supposed to uphold the law
• Duality of Nature
• The theme of duality is present in Macavity’s character, which embodies both charm and malevolence. He is outwardly respectable, yet his actions reveal his deceptive nature, as illustrated in the line “He’s outwardly respectable. (They say he cheats at cards.)” This juxtaposition highlights the complexity of his character—Macavity is not merely a villain; he possesses traits that make him intriguing and relatable. The theme of duality invites readers to consider the multifaceted nature of individuals, suggesting that one can be both charming and treacherous, reflecting the contradictions within human behavior.

Literary Theories and “Macavity: The Mystery Cat” by T.S. Eliot

Literary Theory	Application	References from the Poem
Formalism	Focuses on the poem’s internal structure, language, and literary devices.	“The bafflement of Scotland Yard, the Flying Squad’s despair”; “His powers of levitation would make a fakir stare”; “He sways his head from side to side, with movements like a snake”
New Criticism	Emphasizes the close reading of the text to uncover its meaning and unity.	“Macavity’s a Mystery Cat”; “He’s broken every human law, he breaks the law of gravity”; “He always has an alibi, and one or two to spare”
Structuralism	Analyzes the underlying structures and patterns within the text.	The repeated refrain “Macavity’s not there!”; The contrasting descriptions of Macavity as a “master criminal” and a “respectable” cat

Critical Questions about “Macavity: The Mystery Cat” by T.S. Eliot

Literary Works Similar to “Macavity: The Mystery Cat” by T.S. Eliot

1. “The Tyger” by William Blake: This poem explores the enigmatic and fearsome nature of a creature, echoing the theme of mystery and the duality of creation found in Macavity’s character.
2. “The Raven” by Edgar Allan Poe: Featuring an elusive bird that embodies the themes of loss and the supernatural, this poem shares a similar atmosphere of intrigue and the uncanny.
3. “Jabberwocky” by Lewis Carroll: With its playful language and whimsical creatures, this poem captures the essence of a fantastical world where cunning and absurdity reign, much like the playful yet sinister nature of Macavity.
4. “The Hunting of the Snark” by Lewis Carroll: This narrative poem presents a quest for an elusive creature, paralleling Macavity’s ability to evade capture while employing clever wordplay and humor.
5. “The Pied Piper of Hamelin” by Robert Browning: Similar to Macavity, the Piper is a charismatic figure who uses his cunning to manipulate others, illustrating themes of charm and deception in a narrative style.

Representative Quotations of “Macavity: The Mystery Cat” by T.S. Eliot

Quotation	Context	Theoretical Perspective
“Macavity’s a Mystery Cat: he’s called the Hidden Paw—”	Introduction of Macavity as a mysterious and elusive figure.	Formalism: The use of a metaphor to characterize Macavity.
“He’s the bafflement of Scotland Yard, the Flying Squad’s despair:”	Highlights Macavity’s ability to evade law enforcement.	New Criticism: The poem’s exploration of themes of crime and justice.
“He’s broken every human law, he breaks the law of gravity.”	Suggests Macavity’s supernatural abilities.	Structuralism: The repetition of the phrase “he breaks” emphasizes Macavity’s defiance.
“And when you reach the scene of crime—Macavity’s not there!”	Reinforces Macavity’s elusive nature.	Formalism: The use of a refrain to create a sense of mystery.
“His powers of levitation would make a fakir stare,”	Emphasizes Macavity’s extraordinary abilities.	New Criticism: The poem’s exploration of the supernatural.
“He sways his head from side to side, with movements like a snake;”	Suggests Macavity’s sinister nature.	Structuralism: The use of simile to create a vivid image.
“He’s a fiend in feline shape, a monster of depravity.”	Paints Macavity as a villainous character.	Formalism: The use of strong language to create a sense of fear.
“He always has an alibi, and one or two to spare:”	Highlights Macavity’s cunning.	New Criticism: The poem’s exploration of the theme of deception.
“There may be a scrap of paper in the hall or on the stair—”	Suggests that Macavity may leave behind clues but is always able to evade detection.	Structuralism: The use of foreshadowing to create suspense.
“And they say that all the Cats whose wicked deeds are widely known”	Suggests that Macavity may be controlling other criminal cats.	Formalism: The use of symbolism to represent organized crime.

Suggested Readings: “Macavity: The Mystery Cat” by T.S. Eliot

1. Priscilla Preston. “A Note on T. S. Eliot and Sherlock Holmes.” The Modern Language Review, vol. 54, no. 3, 1959, pp. 397–99. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/3720909. Accessed 27 Sept. 2024.
2. HART, HENRY. “T. S. ELIOT’S AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL CATS.” The Sewanee Review, vol. 120, no. 3, 2012, pp. 379–402. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/41495433. Accessed 27 Sept. 2024.
3. ELIOT, T. S., and Edward Gorey. “Macavity: The Mystery Cat.” The American Poetry Review, vol. 11, no. 4, 1982, pp. 8–8. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/27776963. Accessed 27 Sept. 2024.
4. Johnson, Loretta. “Feeling the Elephant: T.S. Eliot’s Bolovian Epic.” Journal of Modern Literature, vol. 37, no. 4, 2014, pp. 109–29. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2979/jmodelite.37.4.109. Accessed 27 Sept. 2024.
5. KING, DON W. “Quorum Porum: The Literary Cats of T. S. Eliot, Ruth Pitter, and Dorothy L. Sayers.” Plain to the Inward Eye: Selected Essays on C. S. Lewis, ACU Press, 2013, pp. 121–40. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctv310vncq.13. Accessed 27 Sept. 2024.