“The Naming of Cats” by T.S. Eliot: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “The Naming of Cats” by T.S. Eliot

“The Naming of Cats” by T.S. Eliot first appeared in 1939 in the collection Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats. This whimsical poem explores the various ways cats can be named, emphasizing their unique qualities and personalities. The main idea is that a cat’s name should reflect their individual characteristics, whether it’s their appearance, behavior, or even a random word that simply sounds right. Eliot’s playful and imaginative approach to naming cats makes this poem a delightful and memorable piece of literature.

Text: “The Naming of Cats” by T.S. Eliot

The Naming of Cats is a difficult matter,
     It isn’t just one of your holiday games;
You may think at first I’m as mad as a hatter
When I tell you, a cat must have THREE DIFFERENT NAMES.
First of all, there’s the name that the family use daily,
     Such as Peter, Augustus, Alonzo, or James,
Such as Victor or Jonathan, George or Bill Bailey—
     All of them sensible everyday names.
There are fancier names if you think they sound sweeter,
     Some for the gentlemen, some for the dames:
Such as Plato, Admetus, Electra, Demeter—
     But all of them sensible everyday names,
But I tell you, a cat needs a name that’s particular,
     A name that’s peculiar, and more dignified,
Else how can he keep up his tail perpendicular,
     Or spread out his whiskers, or cherish his pride?
Of names of this kind, I can give you a quorum,
     Such as Munkustrap, Quaxo, or Coricopat,
Such as Bombalurina, or else Jellylorum—
     Names that never belong to more than one cat.
But above and beyond there’s still one name left over,
     And that is the name that you never will guess;
The name that no human research can discover—
     But THE CAT HIMSELF KNOWS, and will never confess.
When you notice a cat in profound meditation,
     The reason, I tell you, is always the same:
His mind is engaged in a rapt contemplation
     Of the thought, of the thought, of the thought of his name:
          His ineffable effable
          Effanineffable
Deep and inscrutable singular name.

Annotations: “The Naming of Cats” by T.S. Eliot

Line Number	Text	Annotation
1-2	The Naming of Cats is a difficult matter, It isn’t just one of your holiday games;	Sets the tone for the poem, establishing that naming cats is a serious and complex task.
3-4	You may think at first I’m as mad as a hatter When I tell you, a cat must have THREE DIFFERENT NAMES.	Introduces the central idea of the poem: a cat needs three distinct names.
5-8	First of all, there’s the name that the family use daily, Such as Peter, Augustus, Alonzo, or James, Such as Victor or Jonathan, George or Bill Bailey— All of them sensible everyday names.	Describes the first type of name: the common, everyday name used by the family.
9-12	There are fancier names if you think they sound sweeter, Some for the gentlemen, some for the dames: Such as Plato, Admetus, Electra, Demeter— But all of them sensible everyday names,	Introduces the second type of name: the more formal, literary name.
13-16	But I tell you, a cat needs a name that’s particular, A name that’s peculiar, and more dignified, Else how can he keep up his tail perpendicular, Or spread out his whiskers, or cherish his pride?	Emphasizes the importance of a unique and dignified name for a cat to maintain their sense of self.
17-20	Of names of this kind, I can give you a quorum, Such as Munkustrap, Quaxo, or Coricopat, Such as Bombalurina, or else Jellylorum— Names that never belong to more than one cat.	Introduces the third type of name: the secret, individual name known only to the cat.
21-24	But above and beyond there’s still one name left over, And that is the name that you never will guess; The name that no human research can discover— But THE CAT HIMSELF KNOWS, and will never confess.	Reinforces the mystery and significance of the cat’s secret name.
25-28	When you notice a cat in profound meditation, The reason, I tell you, is always the same: His mind is engaged in a rapt contemplation Of the thought, of the thought, of the thought of his name:	Suggests that cats often meditate on their secret names.
29-32	His ineffable effable Effanineffable Deep and inscrutable singular name.	Describes the cat’s secret name as something beyond human understanding.

Literary And Poetic Devices: “The Naming of Cats” by T.S. Eliot

Device	Definition	Example from Poem	Explanation
Anaphora	Repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or lines	“Such as Peter, Augustus, Alonzo, or James, / Such as Victor”	The repetition of “Such as” emphasizes the abundance of everyday names.
Assonance	Repetition of vowel sounds within words	“Effable effanineffable”	The repeated “e” and “a” sounds create a musical, rhythmic quality in the description of the cat’s name.
Caesura	A pause in the middle of a line, often marked by punctuation	“When I tell you, a cat must have THREE DIFFERENT NAMES.”	The pause before “a cat must have” breaks the rhythm, emphasizing the importance of the statement.
Consonance	Repetition of consonant sounds within or at the end of words	“Of the thought, of the thought, of the thought”	The repetition of “t” creates a rhythmic and repetitive emphasis on the idea of deep thought.
Enjambment	The continuation of a sentence or phrase beyond the end of a line	“Of the thought, of the thought, of the thought of his name”	The line runs on without a pause, drawing out the idea of the cat’s deep contemplation of its name.
Hyperbole	Exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally	“When I tell you, a cat must have THREE DIFFERENT NAMES.”	The use of hyperbole exaggerates the complexity of naming a cat for dramatic and humorous effect.
Imagery	Language that appeals to the senses	“Keep up his tail perpendicular, / Or spread out his whiskers”	Vivid descriptions help the reader visualize the cat’s proud and dignified stance.
Internal Rhyme	Rhyme within a line of poetry	“His ineffable effable”	The rhyme between “ineffable” and “effable” within the same line adds to the playful tone of the poem.
Irony	A contrast between expectation and reality	“The name that no human research can discover—”	There’s an ironic twist that humans, despite all efforts, can never know the secret name of the cat.
Metaphor	A figure of speech that directly compares two unlike things	“Mad as a hatter”	The metaphor compares the speaker’s ideas about naming cats to the madness of a hatter, highlighting the absurdity of the concept.
Onomatopoeia	A word that phonetically imitates the sound it describes	“Effanineffable”	The word mimics the ineffable nature of the cat’s name through its sound, almost as though the name is beyond pronunciation.
Paradox	A statement that seems contradictory but reveals a truth	“Effanineffable”	The word itself is a paradox, combining “effable” (something expressible) with “ineffable” (something beyond expression), highlighting the mystery.
Personification	Attributing human qualities to non-human entities	“The CAT HIMSELF KNOWS, and will never confess.”	The cat is personified as being capable of knowledge and introspection, giving it a mysterious, almost human quality.
Polysyndeton	The use of several conjunctions in close succession	“Or spread out his whiskers, or cherish his pride”	The repeated use of “or” in this line adds a rhythm and makes the actions seem more deliberate and significant.
Repetition	Repeating words or phrases for emphasis	“Of the thought, of the thought, of the thought”	The repetition of “thought” emphasizes the depth of the cat’s contemplation of its name.
Rhyme Scheme	A pattern of rhyming words at the end of lines	“games / names / James”	The consistent rhyme scheme adds a musical quality to the poem, making it more engaging and memorable.
Simile	A figure of speech comparing two unlike things using “like” or “as”	“You may think at first I’m as mad as a hatter”	The comparison to the “mad hatter” helps emphasize the speaker’s unusual or eccentric views on the importance of naming cats.
Symbolism	The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities	“A name that no human research can discover—”	The secret name of the cat symbolizes the deep, unknowable aspects of identity that remain hidden even from close observers.
Tautology	Redundant repetition of the same idea in different words	“His ineffable effable / Effanineffable”	The speaker redundantly repeats the idea of the cat’s name being “ineffable” through playful, tautological phrasing to emphasize its indescribability.

Themes: “The Naming of Cats” by T.S. Eliot

1. The Importance of Identity: Eliot suggests that a cat’s name is a crucial part of their identity, as it reflects their unique qualities and personality. He emphasizes that a cat needs a name that is both particular and peculiar to maintain their sense of self and pride. This theme is evident in the lines, “A name that’s peculiar, and more dignified, Else how can he keep up his tail perpendicular, Or spread out his whiskers, or cherish his pride?” By suggesting that a cat’s name is essential for their self-esteem and well-being, Eliot highlights the importance of identity in general.  
2. The Mystery and Intricacy of Language: The poem explores the complex nature of language and how it can be used to convey meaning. Eliot suggests that the cat’s secret name is something beyond human understanding, a “deep and inscrutable singular name.” This theme highlights the limitations of human language and the existence of deeper, more mysterious meanings. By suggesting that there are aspects of reality that cannot be fully captured or expressed through language, Eliot invites readers to contemplate the limitations of human understanding.
3. The Playfulness of Imagination: “The Naming of Cats” is a whimsical and imaginative poem that celebrates the joy of language and creativity. Eliot’s playful approach to naming cats and his use of unusual and evocative words contribute to the overall lighthearted tone of the poem. For example, the names “Munkustrap, Quaxo, or Coricopat” are both playful and imaginative, and they contribute to the poem’s sense of fun and wonder. Through his imaginative use of language, Eliot encourages readers to embrace their own creativity and imagination.
4. The Connection Between Humans and Animals: Although the poem focuses on cats, it also explores the relationship between humans and animals. By suggesting that cats have their own unique identities and experiences, Eliot implies that animals are not simply objects but sentient beings with their own thoughts and feelings. This theme is evident in the lines, “When you notice a cat in profound meditation, The reason, I tell you, is always the same: His mind is engaged in a rapt contemplation Of the thought, of the thought, of the thought of his name.” These lines suggest that cats have their own inner lives and experiences, and that they are capable of deep thought and reflection.  

Literary Theories and “The Naming of Cats” by T.S. Eliot

1. Formalism: Formalism focuses on the intrinsic elements of a literary work, such as its form, structure, and language. In “The Naming of Cats,” Eliot employs various formal techniques to create a playful and engaging poem. The repetition of the phrase “The Naming of Cats” at the beginning of the poem establishes a rhythmic pattern, while the rhyme scheme contributes to the poem’s musicality. Eliot also uses alliteration and internal rhyme to enhance the poem’s sound and rhythm. For example, the lines “Such as Peter, Augustus, Alonzo, or James” and “Such as Plato, Admetus, Electra, Demeter” employ alliteration, while the lines “A name that’s particular, A name that’s peculiar” use internal rhyme.
2. Deconstruction: Deconstruction is a critical theory that challenges the idea of a fixed meaning in a text. It focuses on the underlying contradictions and ambiguities within a work. In “The Naming of Cats,” the contradiction between the idea of a secret, individual name and the desire for a name that is both particular and peculiar can be explored through a deconstructive lens. While the poem suggests that a cat’s secret name is unique and personal, it also implies that this name is something that cannot be revealed or understood. This contradiction highlights the limitations of language and the impossibility of fully capturing meaning.
3. Psychoanalysis: Psychoanalysis is a critical theory that analyzes the psychological motivations of characters and authors. In “The Naming of Cats,” the symbolism of the cat’s secret name can be interpreted through a psychoanalytic lens. The name can be seen as a representation of the cat’s unconscious self, a hidden part of their identity that is difficult to access or understand. This interpretation suggests that the poem is exploring deeper psychological themes, such as the unconscious mind and the desire for identity.

Critical Questions about “The Naming of Cats” by T.S. Eliot

• What is the significance of the “three different names” for a cat?
• The three names represent different layers of a cat’s identity, reflecting its complexity and individuality. The first name, “the name that the family use daily”, symbolizes how society and individuals are recognized in everyday life. The second name, “fancier names if you think they sound sweeter”, reflects a cat’s unique and dignified nature, suggesting that names can convey more personal or artistic elements. Finally, the third name, “the name that no human research can discover”, represents the innermost, secret identity that is known only to the cat itself, symbolizing the mystery and unknowability of an individual’s true essence.
• How does T.S. Eliot use humor and whimsy to convey the theme of individuality in the poem?
• Eliot uses humor through the exaggerated complexity of naming cats, implying that “The Naming of Cats is a difficult matter” despite the seemingly simple task. The whimsical idea that “a cat must have THREE DIFFERENT NAMES” emphasizes the uniqueness of each cat. The playful tone is further enhanced by fanciful names like “Munkustrap, Quaxo, or Coricopat”, which are absurd yet dignified, illustrating how individuality is expressed in unconventional and surprising ways. This mixture of humor and whimsy supports the theme that identity is multi-faceted and often more intricate than it appears.
• What role does mystery play in the poem, particularly in relation to the third name?
• Mystery is central to the poem, especially regarding the third name that “no human research can discover”. Eliot builds an aura of intrigue around this secret name, suggesting that even though humans may try to understand it, “THE CAT HIMSELF KNOWS, and will never confess.” This adds depth to the idea of identity, implying that there is a part of every being that remains unknowable, even to those closest to them. The cat’s introspective nature, engaged in “profound meditation”, emphasizes this hidden knowledge, symbolizing that personal identity contains an inner mystery that cannot be fully grasped by others.
• How does the poem reflect human characteristics and experiences through the portrayal of cats?
• Eliot’s poem anthropomorphizes cats, attributing human-like behaviors and emotions to them, which allows the reader to reflect on their own experiences of identity and individuality. The idea that a cat has “a name that’s peculiar, and more dignified”, as well as a secret inner self, mirrors the complexity of human identity, where individuals have both public personas and private, deeply personal aspects. Additionally, the description of a cat in “profound meditation”, contemplating its secret name, reflects human tendencies toward introspection and the search for self-understanding. Through these depictions, the poem invites readers to explore their own multifaceted identities.

Literary Works Similar to “The Naming of Cats” by T.S. Eliot

1. “Jabberwocky” by Lewis Carroll: Similar for its playful use of invented words and nonsensical language that creates a whimsical and imaginative tone.
2. “The Owl and the Pussycat” by Edward Lear: Shares a whimsical, fantastical approach to animal characters and uses a rhythmic, lyrical structure to engage readers.
3. “The Pied Piper of Hamelin” by Robert Browning: Both poems anthropomorphize animals (or creatures) and use rhythmic verse to tell a story with underlying meanings about identity and mystery.
4. “The Walrus and the Carpenter” by Lewis Carroll: Like Eliot’s poem, this work presents animals with human traits, exploring deeper themes in a playful, surreal manner.
5. “Macavity: The Mystery Cat” by T.S. Eliot: Another poem from Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, it shares themes of mystery, individuality, and the enigmatic nature of cats with “The Naming of Cats”.

Representative Quotations of “The Naming of Cats” by T.S. Eliot

Quotation	Context	Theoretical Perspective
“The Naming of Cats is a difficult matter”	The opening line, introducing the main idea that naming a cat is a complex and serious process.	Structuralism: Language and naming systems are crucial for understanding identity, and Eliot plays with the structural complexity of names to explore layers of meaning.
“a cat must have THREE DIFFERENT NAMES”	Stresses the idea that each cat requires three distinct names, representing different aspects of its identity.	Psychoanalysis: This could symbolize the layers of human identity, with the conscious, subconscious, and unconscious selves reflected in the three names.
“Such as Peter, Augustus, Alonzo, or James”	Refers to the ordinary, everyday names given to cats by their families.	Sociolinguistics: Highlights how social conventions and familiar names shape identity in everyday contexts, showing how language functions in social interactions.
“a name that’s peculiar, and more dignified”	Describes the second type of name, which is unique and noble, unlike common names.	Existentialism: Focuses on individual uniqueness and the search for personal meaning beyond the conventional, emphasizing the importance of self-definition.
“THE CAT HIMSELF KNOWS, and will never confess”	Refers to the third name, the secret name that only the cat knows and will never reveal to humans.	Deconstruction: This line suggests an unknowable truth about identity, revealing the limitations of language and human understanding in fully capturing the essence of a being.
“His mind is engaged in a rapt contemplation”	Describes the cat deep in thought about its mysterious name.	Phenomenology: Reflects on the subjective experience and inner consciousness of the cat, emphasizing the inward, reflective process of knowing oneself.
“His ineffable effable / Effanineffable”	Plays with the paradox of the cat’s name being both expressible and inexpressible, a mystery beyond words.	Linguistic Relativity: Highlights the limitations and power of language in conveying meaning, particularly in how it shapes thought and reality, as seen in the paradoxical name.
“Keep up his tail perpendicular”	Describes the proud, dignified posture of a cat who knows its special name.	Symbolism: The cat’s posture symbolizes self-pride and confidence, representing the external expression of one’s inner identity and secret knowledge.
“Of the thought, of the thought, of the thought of his name”	Repetition emphasizing the depth and significance of the cat’s contemplation of its true name.	Postmodernism: The repetitive structure reflects the endless process of searching for identity and meaning, suggesting that it is an ever-evolving, recursive journey.
“Names that never belong to more than one cat”	Refers to the unique nature of certain names, which are specific to individual cats.	Individualism: Stresses the importance of individual identity and personal uniqueness, rejecting the idea of a collective or uniform sense of self.

Suggested Readings: “The Naming of Cats” by T.S. Eliot

1. Eliot, T. S. Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats. Faber & Faber, 1939.
2. Lewis, C. S. The Allegory of Love: A Study in Medieval Tradition. Oxford University Press, 1936.
3. The T. S. Eliot Society: A Guide to T. S. Eliot. https://sites.lsa.umich.edu/tseliotsociety/
4. Poetry Foundation: “The Naming of Cats” by T. S. Eliot. https://poets.org/poem/naming-cats