Get notes, line-by-line explanation, summary, questions and answers, critical analysis, word meanings, workbook solutions (Evergreen and Morning Star), extras, competency based questions, and pdf of the poem Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat by T. S. Eliot which is part of ICSE Class 9 English (Treasure Chest). However, the notes should only be treated for references and changes should be made according to the needs of the students.
Line-by-line explanation of the poem
There’s a whisper down the line at 11.39 / When the Night Mail’s ready to depart,
There are rumors or talks along the railway just before the night train is set to leave.
Saying “Skimble where is Skimble has he gone to hunt the thimble? / We must find him or the train can’t start.”
The people are searching for Skimbleshanks, the cat. The mention of “hunt the thimble” is playful, referencing a children’s game, and suggests he might be off on some trivial pursuit. Yet, his presence is crucial for the train to depart.
All the guards and all the porters and the stationmaster’s daughters / They are searching high and low, / Saying “Skimble where is Skimble for unless he’s very nimble / Then the Night Mail just can’t go.”
Everyone, from the guards to the stationmaster’s daughters, is looking for Skimbleshanks. They believe the train can’t proceed without him.
At 11.42 then the signal’s nearly due / And the passengers are frantic to a man / Then Skimble will appear and he’ll saunter to the rear: / He’s been busy in the luggage van!
At 11:42, just minutes before departure, and as the passengers are growing anxious, Skimbleshanks appears, having been occupied in the luggage compartment of the train.
He gives one flash of his glass-green eyes / And the signal goes “All Clear!” / And we’re off at last for the northern part / Of the Northern Hemisphere!
Skimbleshanksās piercing green eyes signify everything is in order. Once he arrives, the train departs, heading north.
You may say that by and large it is Skimble who’s in charge / Of the Sleeping Car Express. / From the driver and the guards to the bagmen playing cards / He will supervise them all, more or less.
Skimbleshanks is effectively in control of the train, overseeing everything and everyone, including the staff.
Down the corridor he paces and examines all the faces / Of the travellers in the First and the Third; / He establishes control by a regular patrol / And he’d know at once if anything occurred.
He patrols the corridors, scrutinizing the passengers. He maintains order and instantly knows if something is amiss.
He will watch you without winking and he sees what you are thinking / And it’s certain that he doesn’t approve / Of hilarity and riot, so the folk are very quiet / When Skimble is about and on the move.
Skimbleshanks is observant, and his presence commands respect and quietness among the passengers.
You can play no pranks with Skimbleshanks! / He’s a Cat that cannot be ignored; / So nothing goes wrong on the Northern Mail / When Skimbleshanks is aboard.
No one dares to act out or play tricks when Skimbleshanks is on duty. His presence ensures everything runs smoothly.
Oh, it’s very pleasant when you have found your little den / With your name written up on the door. / And the berth is very neat with a newly folded sheet / And there’s not a speck of dust on the floor. / There is every sort of light-you can make it dark or bright; / There’s a handle that you turn to make a breeze. / There’s a funny little basin you’re supposed to wash your face in / And a crank to shut the window if you sneeze.
These lines depict the comfort and neatness of the train berths, highlighting the amenities available.
Then the guard looks in politely and will ask you very brightly / “Do you like your morning tea weak or strong?” / But Skimble’s just behind him and was ready to remind him, / For Skimble won’t let anything go wrong.
Even when other staff interacts with passengers, Skimbleshanks oversees them, ensuring quality service.
And when you creep into your cosy berth / And pull up the counterpane, / You ought to reflect that it’s very nice / To know that you won’t be bothered by mice / You can leave all that to the Railway Cat, / The Cat of the Railway Train!
Passengers can rest easy, knowing Skimbleshanks will handle any issues, like a mouse problem, for example.
In the watches of the night he is always fresh and bright; / Every now and then he has a cup of tea / With perhaps a drop of Scotch while he’s keeping on the watch, / Only stopping here and there to catch a flea.
Skimbleshanks remains vigilant at night, taking only short breaks for tea or to deal with minor nuisances like fleas.
You were fast asleep at Crewe and so you never knew / That he was walking up and down the station; / You were sleeping all the while he was busy at Carlisle, / Where he greets the stationmaster with elation.
The passengers, unaware of Skimbleshanks’s activities at various stations, sleep peacefully.
But you saw him at Dumfries, where he speaks to the police / If there’s anything they ought to know about: / When you get to Gallowgate there you do not have to wait / For Skimbleshanks will help you to get out!
He interacts with authorities like the police and assists passengers during stops.
He gives you a wave of his long brown tail / Which says: “I’ll see you again! / You’ll meet without fail on the Midnight Mail / The Cat of the Railway Train.”
Skimbleshanks offers a parting gesture with a flick of his tail, implying that he’ll always be present on the Midnight Mail train, ensuring passengers will meet him again the next time they travel.
Word meanings
Skimbleshanks: The name of the cat, the main character of the poem.
Night Mail: Refers to a night train service, possibly one that carried mail as well as passengers.
Thimble: A small protective shield, usually made of metal or plastic, worn on a finger or thumb for sewing or stitching.
Stationmaster: An official in charge of a railway station.
Nimble: Quick and light in movement or action; agile.
Luggage van: A compartment or carriage on a train designed to store luggage.
Glass-green eyes: Refers to the unique eye color of the cat, Skimbleshanks.
Northern Hemisphere: The half of the Earth that lies north of the equator.
Sleeping Car Express: A train service where passengers can sleep in beds in specially designed compartments.
First and the Third: Refers to the first and third class compartments or sections of the train.
Hilarity and riot: Great enjoyment, excitement, or fun.
Counterpane: Another term for bedspread or quilt.
Watches of the night: Different periods or shifts during the night.
Crewe, Carlisle, Dumfries, Gallowgate: These are all places in the UK, suggesting that the poem’s train journey takes place across the UK.
Drop of Scotch: Referring to a small amount of Scotch whiskey.
Elation: Great happiness and exhilaration.
Summary of the poem
At a busy train station, just before midnight, everyone’s getting ready for the Night Mail’s trip. But there’s a problem ā Skimbleshanks, the main cat, is missing! The train workers are super worried because they believe the train can’t go without him. Right when everyone’s getting super anxious, at 11:42 pm, Skimbleshanks pops out from the luggage area, signaling that it’s okay to start the trip.
As the train moves, Skimbleshanks is like the boss. He watches over everyone: the person driving the train and all the passengers. Whether you’re in the fancy seats or the regular ones, he’s there, making sure everyone’s okay and nothing crazy is happening. Everyone feels safe knowing he’s around.
It’s really cool to think of passengers getting comfy in their clean beds, all thanks to Skimbleshanks. He makes sure the little stuff, like getting morning tea ready or keeping annoying mice away, is taken care of. Even when it’s super late and everyone else is sleeping, he’s still up, maybe having a cup of tea or a small drink.
Every time the train stops at a station, Skimbleshanks says hello to the people in charge and talks a bit with the cops. And when the train finally gets to where it’s going, he says bye to everyone with a wave of his tail, as if saying “see you soon.”
So, Skimbleshanks is really important to the Night Mail. He’s not just a cat; he’s like a protector, a friend, and the one who makes sure every trip is fun and safe.
Critical analysis of the poem
T.S. Eliot’s “Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat” offers an engaging narrative set within the bustling world of the railway. At a cursory glance, it might seem like a whimsical portrayal of a cat’s adventures aboard the Night Mail train, but a deeper examination reveals a commentary on the omnipresence and control exerted by Skimbleshanks, evoking the image of an overlord who holds sway over his domain.
From the outset, the sense of urgency and importance surrounding Skimbleshanks’ presence is evident. The entire operation of the Night Mail train seems contingent upon him. This is not just a beloved pet missing but a crucial cog in the machinery. The frantic searches of the guards, porters, and even the stationmaster’s daughters underscore his importance.
As the narrative unfolds, Eliot artfully ascribes a host of almost superhuman qualities to Skimbleshanks. His punctuality, the flash of his glass-green eyes that signals an “All Clear,” and his vigilance in examining passengers all contribute to the aura of an all-seeing overseer. He’s not just a mere cat; he’s the force that keeps everything in order, ensuring the world (in this case, the train) runs as it should. His ability to “watch you without winking” and know “what you are thinking” further heightens this perception.
The passengers’ behaviors, characterized by their silence and respect when Skimbleshanks is “about and on the move,” resonate with the behaviors one might expect in the presence of a powerful ruler or overlord. The notion that “You can play no pranks with Skimbleshanks!” and that he’s a “Cat that cannot be ignored” reinforces his dominance.
Furthermore, the comforts and securities aboard the train, such as the absence of mice and the assurance of a neat berth, are attributed to Skimbleshanks’ influence. It’s as if, under his watchful eyes, everything falls into place, and any potential for disorder or discomfort is preemptively quashed.
Eliot’s choice of settings and scenes, ranging from the quiet hours of the night to the bustling stations of Crewe and Carlisle, paints Skimbleshanks as both omnipresent and omnipotent. He’s everywhere, ensuring everything is as it should be, from the smallest detail to the grand operation of the train itself.
Themes of the poem
Absolute Control: Skimbleshanks’s presence is essential for the train’s departure, indicating his absolute control over the train’s operations. The train cannot move without his approval.
Surveillance: Skimbleshanks constantly monitors everyone, from the staff to the passengers. “He will watch you without winking and he sees what you are thinking.” This line suggests an omnipresent, omniscient figure who observes everything, reminiscent of a surveillance state.
Suppression of Dissent: The passengers and crew are “very quiet” when Skimbleshanks is around, and there is no “hilarity or riot.” This might suggest an environment where freedom of expression and joy is stifled in favor of order and discipline.
Inescapable Presence: No matter where one goes or what time it is, Skimbleshanks is there. His omnipresence can be comforting to some but also oppressive to others, as he is always watching and supervising.
Fear and Respect: The phrase “You can play no pranks with Skimbleshanks! He’s a Cat that cannot be ignored” indicates that he commands a mix of respect and fear. There’s a sense that one shouldn’t cross him.
Anthropomorphism as a Tool of Power: By attributing human characteristics to Skimbleshanks, such as drinking tea and supervising, he is elevated from a mere cat to a figure of authority and dominance.
About the author
Born in Missouri on 26 September 1888, Thomas Stearns Eliot later moved to England when he was 25 and eventually became a British citizen. In his early years, Eliot suffered from a congenital double inguinal hernia, which restricted his ability to engage in many physical activities. Consequently, he often found himself detached from his peers.
This isolation, however, nurtured his affinity for literature. Once he discovered the joy of reading, he was soon captivated by tales of wild adventures, stories from the Wild West, and the exciting escapades in Mark Twain’s Tom Sawyer. His friend, Robert Sencourt, remarked about how a young Eliot would frequently immerse himself in massive books, often choosing a cozy spot in the window-seat.
From 1898 to 1905, Eliot pursued his studies at Smith Academy, the preparatory division for boys of Washington University. Here, he delved into languages such as Latin, Ancient Greek, French, and German. The world of poetry beckoned him at the age of 14, significantly influenced by Edward Fitzgerald’s rendition of the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam.
Eliot’s literary prowess is renowned, particularly for his works like The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock and The Waste Land. Additionally, he penned seven notable plays, with Murder in the Cathedral standing out. His exemplary contributions to literature were recognized with the Nobel Prize in 1948.
In the 1930s, under the pseudonym “Old Possum”, Eliot composed delightful cat poems, often sending them as letters to his godchildren. A known cat enthusiast, Eliot had several cats, endearingly naming them with whimsical tags such as Jellylorum, Pettipaws, Wiscus, and George Pushdragon. These poems inspired Andrew Lloyd Webber’s 1981 musical, Cats, in which the character Skimbleshanks, derived from Eliot’s work, is depicted as a spirited and lively figure.
Evergreen workbook answers/solutions
Multiple Choice Questions
1. The poem highlights implicitly the theme of :
(a) efficiency of the authoritarian regime
(b) punctuality of the train
(c) efficiency at the cost of privacy and freedom
(d) perfect discipline
Answer: (c) efficiency at the cost of privacy and freedom
2. Select the option that shows the correct relationship between the statements (1) and (2).
1. Skimbleshanks ensures peace and quiet on the train and he takes care of the needs of all passengers.
2. He is very duty-conscious.
(a) 1 is a cause for 2.
(b) 1 is an example of 2.
(c) 1 is independent of 2.
(d) 1 is a contradiction of 2.
Answer: (b) 1 is an example of 2.
3. Which of the following reminds you of Skimble being somewhat of a detective ?
(a) Skimble does not get anything wrong.
(b) He examines the faces of all passengers and even reads what they are thinking.
(c) He ensures that all the passengers are served their morning tea.
(d) He talks to the police and reports if there is anything to report.
Answer: (d) He talks to the police and reports if there is anything to report.
4. Which of these statements is NOT true?
(a) Skimble is quite meticulous.
(b) He does not approve of unruly behaviour.
(c) He sleeps when all the passengers are asleep.
(d) He does not let anything go wrong.
Answer: (c) He sleeps when all the passengers are asleep.
5. ‘He will watch you without winking…’
Select the option that shows the same literary device as used in the line mentioned above.
(a) Love’s not Time’s fool
(b) And thought the air must rush as fresh/To swallows on the wing
(c) My spirit flew in feathers then.
(d) She has a heart of stone.
Answer: (a) Love’s not Time’s fool
6. ‘All the passengers are frantic to a man’.
What does the phrase ‘to a man’ imply in the above-line?
(a) all men
(b) each man
(c) one man
(d) unanimously, without exception
Answer: (d) unanimously, without exception
7. Who is the speaker in the poem ?
(a) the poet
(b) one of the passengers on the train
(c) all the passengers
(d) the cat
Answer: (b) one of the passengers on the train
8. What kind of situation is presented in the poem ?
(a) realistic
(b) absurd but amusing
(c) amusing
(d) serious
Answer: (b) absurd but amusing
9. Choose the option that correctly describes Skimbleshanks :
(a) amusing
(b) alert
(c) dull
(d) uncaring
Answer: (b) alert
10. The cat has been treated like a human being.’ Which figure of speech is involved in it?
(a) alliteration
(b) metaphor
(c) pensonification
(d) none of the above
Answer: (c) pensonification
11. What kind of tone is adopted by the speaker ?
(a) light and colloquial
(b) solemn
(c) serious
(d) sarcastic
Answer: (a) light and colloquial
12. Which of these statements is NOT true?
(a) The cat offers morning tea to the passengers.
(b) The cat watches all the passengers and their actions and thoughts.
(c) The cat is the most important one on the train.
(d) The train is heading towards the far North.
Answer: (a) The cat offers morning tea to the passengers.
13. What is the whisper all around at 11.39?
(a) It is very cold
(b) Where is Skimble ?
(c) I want my tea
(d) How is Skimble ?
Answer: (b) Where is Skimble ?
14. The destination of the train is towards ……………….. .
(a) The South
(b) The North
(c) The West
(d) The East
Answer: (b) The North
15. Which of the cat’s acts is most amusing?
(a) its remaining busy in the luggage van
(b) its having a drop of Scotch to fresh himself
(c) its watching all the faces carefully
(d) its going on regular patrol
Answer: (b) its having a drop of Scotch to fresh himself
16. Which of these would you associate with Skimble ?
(a) conscientious
(b) silly
(c) intruding
(d) dictatorial
Answer: (d) dictatorial
Comprehension Passages
PASSAGE-1
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow :
There’s a whisper down the line at 11.39
When the Night Mail’s ready to depart,
Saying āSkimble where is Skimble has he gone to hunt the thimble?
We must find him or the train can’t start.”
All the guards and all the porters and the stationmaster’s daughters
They are searching high and low,
(i) Which type of imagery is used in Line 1?
Answer: Auditory imagery is used in Line 1, as indicated by the word “whisper.”
(ii) Who is the speaker? What does he observe? Is it normal?
Answer: The speaker is one of the travellers on the train, representing all travellers as āweā. He observes that there is a whisper down the line when the Night Mail is ready to depart, with people asking where Skimble is and stating that the train cannot start without him. He sees all the guards, porters, and the stationmaster’s daughters searching high and low for Skimble. This situation is not normal; it is an absurd and amusing situation, as a train’s departure depending on a cat is highly unusual.
(iii) What is surprising about Skimble?
Answer: What is surprising about Skimble is his immense importance; the train, the Night Mail, cannot start without him. Everybody is restless because Skimble, the cat, is nowhere to be seen, and the train cannot leave without the green signal given by him.
(iv) What tells you that Skimble is dutiful?
Answer: The line “He’s been busy in the luggage van!” suggests that Skimble is dutiful. While everyone was frantically searching for him because the train couldn’t start, Skimble was apparently engaged in his responsibilities in the luggage van.
(v) What causes commotion among all the passengers and the railway crew?
Answer: The commotion among all the passengers and the railway crew is caused by the fact that Skimble, the cat who is in charge of the Night Mail, is missing. Without his clearance, the train cannot start, leading to all the guards, porters, and the stationmaster’s daughters looking for him restlessly, and the passengers becoming frantic.
PASSAGE-2
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow :
They are searching high and low,
Saying āSkimble where is Skimble for unless he’s very nimble
Then the Night Mail just can’t go.”
At 11.42 then the signal’s nearly due
And the passengers are frantic to a man ā
Then Skimble will appear and he’ll saunter to the rear;
He’s been busy in the luggage van!
(i) Who are they? In which mood are they?
Answer: “They” refers to all the guards, all the porters, and the stationmaster’s daughters. They are in a restless and anxious mood, searching high and low for Skimble because the train cannot depart without him. The passengers, too, are described as being frantic.
(ii) Who is Skimble? Why is he so important?
Answer: Skimble is the Railway Cat, the cat in charge of the Night Mail. He is so important because unless he is present, the Night Mail just cannot go; the train cannot leave without his clearance.
(iii) What does Skimble do on the train?
Answer: In this particular extract, it is revealed that Skimble has been busy in the luggage van. More broadly, Skimble is in charge of the train; he supervises everyone, including the driver, the guards, and the passengers, moves about in the first and third class compartments, examines the faces of all travellers, and establishes control by a regular patrol.
(iv) What does he ensure?
Answer: By appearing, Skimble ensures that the Night Mail can finally depart, as the signal for departure is given once he is present. More generally, he ensures that everything is normal on the train, that everyone observes the rules, and that riotous behaviour is not approved of.
(v) What does the use of exclamation sign at the end of last line here suggest?
Answer: The use of the exclamation sign at the end of the line “He’s been busy in the luggage van!” suggests surprise, amusement, and a sense of anticlimactic revelation. After the frantic search, the discovery that the crucial cat was simply occupied with his duties in the luggage van is presented as an amusing and interesting turn of events.
PASSAGE-3
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow :
He gives one flash of his glass-green eyes
And the signal goes āAll Clear !”
And we’re off at last for the northern part
Of the Northern Hemisphere!
(i) Give reason for the restlessness among the passengers early in the poem?
Answer: The restlessness among the passengers early in the poem was because Skimble, the cat in charge of the Night Mail, was missing. The train could not depart without his clearance, leading to the passengers becoming frantic to a man.
(ii) What tells you about the importance of the cat?
Answer: The fact that the train only departs after Skimble gives “one flash of his glass-green eyes” and the signal goes “All Clear!” highlights the cat’s supreme importance. The train’s departure is entirely dependent on his signal.
(iii) Where is the train heading towards? Why has no particular city of its destination been mentioned?
Answer: The train is heading towards “the northern part Of the Northern Hemisphere!” No particular city of its destination has been mentioned because the destination is deliberately kept vague. It might be Scotland, or even further north like Norway or Scandinavia, but this vagueness contributes to the absurd and fantastical nature of the poem, suggesting the cat’s railway network is somewhat crazy.
(iv) Which of the actions of the cat are quite amusing?
Answer: The action of the cat giving “one flash of his glass-green eyes” to signal “All Clear!” for the train to depart is quite amusing. The idea of a cat performing such an official and crucial duty is inherently comical and contributes to the poem’s amusing tone.
(v) Who, in your opinion, does the cat represent? Why?
Answer: In my opinion, if the poem is taken seriously beyond its surface amusement, the cat, Skimble, can represent a symbol of a clever dictator or a Big Brother figure. This is because he supervises everything that everyone does, keeps a strict watch, and even seems to see what one is thinking. He establishes complete control, and while this might appear to ensure order and peace, it also implies a regime where individuals might get privileges at the cost of freedom, which is a characteristic of such authoritarian figures.
PASSAGE-4
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow :
You may say that by and large it is Skimble who’s in charge
Of the Sleeping Car Express.
From the driver and the guards to the bagmen playing cards
He will supervise them all, more or less.
Down the corridor he paces and examines all the faces
Of the travellers in the First and the Third;
He establishes control by a regular patrol
And he’d know at once if anything occurred.
(i) What does the poem focus on, and why?
Answer: The poem focuses on Skimbleshanks, the Railway Cat, detailing his role as the one in charge of the Sleeping Car Express, his supervisory duties, and the control he establishes. It does so because Skimble is presented as the most important figure on the Night Mail, and his presence is necessary for the train’s operation, allowing the poet to explore this absurd premise either for pure amusement or to touch upon deeper themes of authority and control.
(ii) Which actions of the cat remind you of an authority figure?
Answer: Several actions of the cat described in this extract remind me of an authority figure. These include the statement that “it is Skimble who’s in charge,” his supervision of everyone “From the driver and the guards to the bagmen playing cards,” his pacing down the corridor to examine “all the faces Of the travellers,” his establishment of “control by a regular patrol,” and his ability to “know at once if anything occurred.” These actions are characteristic of a manager, a police officer, or even a more controlling figure like Big Brother.
(iii) Why does nothing go wrong on the Northern Mail?
Answer: Nothing goes wrong on the Northern Mail because Skimbleshanks is aboard and in charge. He supervises everyone and everything meticulously, establishes control through regular patrols, and would know at once if anything occurred, thereby ensuring order and the smooth running of the train.
(iv) What does the cat do when the train reaches its destination?
Answer: When the train reaches its destination, Skimble is there to bid goodbye to passengers. He gives a wave of his long brown tail, which conveys the message, “I’ll see you again!”
(v) Why does the cat dislike ‘hilarity’ and noisy merriment?
Answer: The cat dislikes ‘hilarity’ and noisy merriment because he does not approve of amusement and riotous behaviour. He ensures that everything is normal and that people are quiet when he is about. Such behaviour would disrupt the order and control he meticulously maintains on the train, and if seen as a dictatorial figure, it would be contrary to the disciplined atmosphere he enforces.
PASSAGE-5
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow :
He will watch you without winking and he sees what you are thinking
And it’s certain that he doesn’t approve
Of hilarity and riot, so the folk are very quiet
When Skimble is about and on the move.
You can play no pranks with Skimbleshanks !
He’s a Cat that cannot be ignored;
So nothing goes wrong on the Northern Mail
When Skimbleshanks is aboard.
(i) Who is ‘he’ referred to in Line 1? What does this line suggest?
Answer: ‘He’ in Line 1 refers to Skimbleshanks, the Railway Cat. The line “He will watch you without winking and he sees what you are thinking” suggests his intense, constant surveillance and an almost omniscient ability to perceive even the thoughts of the passengers, indicating a total and inescapable watchfulness.
(ii) When do the passengers feel secure, and why?
Answer: Passengers feel secure when Skimbleshanks is aboard because his presence ensures that nothing goes wrong on the Northern Mail. He maintains order, prevents any “hilarity and riot,” and supervises everything, leading to a smooth and trouble-free journey. This provides a kind of assurance, and passengers feel happy and complacent finding everything in order.
(iii) What does the assertion about Skimble in the last three lines convey?
Answer: The assertion in the last three lines ā “You can play no pranks with Skimbleshanks! He’s a Cat that cannot be ignored; So nothing goes wrong on the Northern Mail When Skimbleshanks is aboard” ā conveys Skimble’s absolute authority, his unignorable and formidable presence, and his complete effectiveness in maintaining order and ensuring the flawless operation of the train. It emphasizes his power and the pervasive impact of his vigilance.
(iv) What are some of the duties performed by Skimble?
Answer: Some of the duties performed by Skimble include giving the “All Clear” signal for the train’s departure, supervising all staff from the driver to the guards, patrolling the corridors and examining travellers, ensuring a quiet and orderly atmosphere by disapproving of hilarity and riot, overseeing services like the provision of morning tea, protecting passengers from mice, keeping watch throughout the night at various stations, speaking to the police if necessary, and bidding passengers farewell at their destination.
(v) What tells you that Skimble is a stern leader?
Answer: Several things tell me that Skimble is a stern leader. The fact that “he doesn’t approve Of hilarity and riot, so the folk are very quiet When Skimble is about and on the move” indicates his strictness. Furthermore, the direct warning, “You can play no pranks with Skimbleshanks!” and the description of him as “a Cat that cannot be ignored” emphasize his no-nonsense approach and the authority he commands, which are characteristic of a stern leader who demands conformity.
PASSAGE-6
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow :
Oh, it’s very pleasant when you have found your little den
With your name written up on the door.
And the berth is very neat with a newly folded sheet
And there’s not a speck of dust on the floor.
There is every sort of light-you can make it dark or bright;
There’s a handle that you turn to make a breeze.
There’s a funny little basin you’re supposed to wash your face in
And a crank to shut the window if you sneeze.
(i) What does ‘little den’ signify? How is it made cosy?
Answer: ‘Little den’ signifies the passenger’s small, private cabin or compartment on the train. It is made cosy by thoughtful details such as having the passenger’s name written on the door, a very neat berth with a newly folded sheet, an immaculately clean floor with no dust, adjustable lighting, a handle to create a breeze, a basin for washing, and a crank to shut the window, all contributing to a comfortable and well-ordered space.
(ii) What facilities are available in the ‘little den’?
Answer: The facilities available in the ‘little den’ include a personalized touch with the name written on the door, a neat berth with fresh linen, a dust-free floor, versatile lighting options (dark or bright), a control for air circulation (a handle to make a breeze), a small basin for washing one’s face, and a crank to close the window, for instance, if one sneezes, to prevent cold.
(iii) How does Skimble ensure that the passengers have no trouble during the journey?
Answer: Skimble ensures that passengers have no trouble during the journey by maintaining perfect order and overseeing all aspects of their comfort and safety. He ensures their compartments, or ‘little dens’, are clean and well-equipped with all necessary amenities. He also makes sure they receive their morning tea according to their preference and are not disturbed by mice. His overall constant vigilance ensures that “nothing goes wrong on the Northern Mail,” contributing to a trouble-free experience for the passengers.
(iv) What impression do you form of Skimble?
Answer: I form the impression of Skimble as an extraordinarily meticulous, highly efficient, and authoritative cat who is in complete command of the train. He appears almost supernaturally competent, ensuring every detail is perfectly arranged for the passengers’ comfort and safety. This creates a very pleasant and orderly environment. However, there’s also an undercurrent of his constant, pervasive surveillance and strictness, which, depending on interpretation, could be seen as either very reassuring or slightly unnerving, especially if one considers the symbolic representation of him as a dictatorial figure.
(v) In what way does the poet make the cat a hilarious creature?
Answer: The poet makes the cat a hilarious creature primarily by placing him in an absurd situation: a cat being the official in charge of a major train like the Sleeping Car Express. Assigning him complex human-like responsibilities, such as supervising staff, inspecting passenger compartments with such detail, ensuring punctuality, and even partaking in human-like habits such as having a cup of tea with a drop of Scotch, is inherently comical. The serious and detailed manner in which these very un-cat-like duties are described further amplifies the humour, making us amused by the very idea of a cat running a mail train.
PASSAGE-7
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow :
Then the guard looks in politely and will ask you very brightly
āDo you like your morning tea weak or strong?”
But Skimble’s just behind him and was ready to remind him,
For Skimble won’t let anything go wrong.
And when you creep into your cosy berth
And pull up the counterpane,
You ought to reflect that it’s very nice
To know that you won’t be bothered by ŃŃŃŠµā
You can leave all that to the Railway Cat,
The Cat of the Railway Train!
(i) What has made the passengers and the crew of the Night Mail restless earlier in the context?
Answer: Earlier in the poem, the passengers and the crew of the Night Mail were made restless by the disappearance of Skimbleshanks. Since he was the one in charge and the train could not depart without him, his absence caused considerable anxiety and a frantic search.
(ii) How does the cat perform his task as a supervisor?
Answer: The cat performs his task as a supervisor with meticulous attention to detail. In this extract, he is shown to be “just behind” the guard who is attending to a passenger’s tea preference, “ready to remind him” to ensure the task is done correctly because “Skimble won’t let anything go wrong.” This close monitoring of staff illustrates his supervisory role. He also ensures passengers are not bothered by mice, which is another aspect of his supervision for passenger comfort.
(iii) ‘… Skimble won’t let anything go wrong.’ How does he do this?
Answer: Skimble ensures that nothing goes wrong through his constant and thorough vigilance and direct supervision. He is always present, observing and ready to intervene, as seen by him being “just behind” the guard. His regular patrols, his disapproval of any disorder, and his overall authoritative presence act as a deterrent and a control mechanism, ensuring that all operations run smoothly and correctly.
(iv) How does the cat provide all comforts to the passengers?
Answer: The cat provides all comforts to the passengers by ensuring that their needs are attended to meticulously. This includes making sure the guard politely inquires about their morning tea preferences and that this service is executed correctly. He also ensures they have cosy berths and are not troubled by mice. These specific comforts, along with the general order and smooth running of the train under his supervision, contribute to the passengers’ overall comfort.
(v) Which of the cat’s actions could make us wonder whether he is more than a mere cat?
Answer: Several of the cat’s actions could make us wonder whether he is more than a mere cat. These include his overarching responsibility as the one in charge of the Sleeping Car Express, his ability to give the signal for the train to start, his detailed supervision of human staff like the guards, his apparent understanding of complex passenger needs such as tea preferences and protection from mice, his reported ability to know what people are thinking, his human-like habits such as drinking tea and Scotch, and his interactions with stationmasters and police. Such intelligent, responsible, and authoritative behaviours are far beyond those of a typical cat, suggesting a personified or symbolic character.
PASSAGE-8
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow :
In the watches of the night he is always fresh and bright;
Every now and then he has a cup of tea
With perhaps a drop of Scotch while he’s keeping on the watch,
Only stopping here and there to catch a flea.
You were fast asleep at Crewe and so you never knew
That he was walking up and down the station;
(i) What role is played by the Cat on the Night Mail? Is it serious or hilarious or both?
Answer: The Cat, Skimbleshanks, plays the crucial role of the overall supervisor and manager of the Night Mail. He is responsible for its punctuality, the orderliness on board, and the comfort and safety of all passengers. This role is portrayed as both serious and hilarious. It is serious in terms of the dedication and meticulousness with which Skimble performs his duties, ensuring everything is in perfect order. It is hilarious because these complex, human-level responsibilities are being carried out by a cat, and the poem blends his official duties with cat-like behaviours, such as having tea and Scotch while on watch, only to pause to catch a flea.
(ii) Bring out the humour in Line 4 in the passage.
Answer: The humour in Line 4, “Only stopping here and there to catch a flea,” arises from the comical juxtaposition of Skimble’s dignified, human-like role as a vigilant guard (who even enjoys tea and Scotch) with a sudden, very mundane, and instinctual cat-like action. This abrupt shift from a figure of authority performing serious duties to a creature indulging in a typical animalistic behaviour like catching a flea is incongruous and amusing, momentarily deflating his grand persona and highlighting the absurdity of the situation.
(iii) What does the cat do to keep all the passengers comfortable?
Answer: To keep all passengers comfortable, the cat remains “always fresh and bright” during the “watches of the night,” diligently “keeping on the watch.” Even when passengers are fast asleep at stations like Crewe, he is actively “walking up and down the station,” ensuring everything is secure and in order. His general vigilance, coupled with specific actions like ensuring well-appointed compartments, correct tea service, and protection from mice, all contribute to the passengers’ comfort throughout their journey.
(iv) What does the cat not allow anyone to do?
Answer: The cat does not allow any form of disorder or unruly behaviour. Specifically, he does not approve of “hilarity and riot,” ensuring that “the folk are very quiet” when he is present. Furthermore, it is made clear that “You can play no pranks with Skimbleshanks,” meaning he does not tolerate any mischievous or disruptive actions.
(v) How would you view the last gesture of the ‘Cat of the Railway Train’? Is it benevolent or sinister?
Answer: I would primarily view the last gesture of the ‘Cat of the Railway Train’ ā where he gives a wave of his long brown tail which says, “I’ll see you again! You’ll meet without fail on the Midnight Mail” ā as benevolent within the overall amusing and charming context of the poem. It seems like a polite and friendly farewell, offering reassurance of his continued presence and service. However, if one considers the alternative interpretation of Skimble as a symbol of a dictator or a Big Brother figure, the phrase “You’ll meet without fail” could carry a slightly sinister undertone, implying an inescapable surveillance. Given the poem’s dominant light-hearted tone, the benevolent interpretation feels more fitting, though the description of him as “polite, despite his dubious role in controlling everything and everybody” acknowledges this potential duality.
Project Assignment
1. Who is the ‘Cat of the Railway Train’? What impression do I form of him?
Answer: The ‘Cat of the Railway Train’ is Skimble, who is presented as the most important figure on the Night Mail. His presence is necessary because he is in charge of the train, specifically the Sleeping Car Express. He is the one who gives the ‘green signal’ for the journey to commence.
I form a multifaceted impression of him. On one hand, Skimble appears as an amusing creature who is quite responsible, duty-conscious, and polite. He is seen in multiple roles: a supervisor, a stationmaster’s friend, and a patrolling police officer. He roams through both first and third-class compartments, ensuring a peaceful atmosphere and keeping a watchful eye on everyone. He supervises everyone from the driver and guards to the bagmen playing cards, and even the passengers, examining their faces and establishing control through regular patrols. He seems to know if anything occurs and even sees what travellers are thinking. Skimble does not approve of amusement and riotous behaviour, ensuring that everything is normal and rules are observed. He keeps an eye on the guard to ensure every passenger gets their morning tea as per their liking and also ensures that every passenger has a cosy sleep. He remains alert and agile, sometimes with a cup of tea or a drop of scotch.
On the other hand, if I consider a deeper interpretation, Skimble can be seen as a symbol of a clever dictator. The image of Big Brother watching all comes to be associated with him, as he supervises everything that everyone does, keeps a strict watch, and even sees what one is thinking. In this light, Skimble acquires the role of a Big Brother figure who, in dictatorial regimes, controls everybody and everything, a ‘Cat that cannot be ignored.’ He may look funny or silly, but his behaviour is serious.
2. Discuss the role of the cat on the train of which he is the official incharge.
Answer: As the official incharge of the Night Mail, Skimbleshanks plays a comprehensive and indispensable role. His primary responsibility is to ensure the train can depart; indeed, the train cannot start without him. He is found busy in the luggage van just before departure and gives the “All Clear!” signal with a flash of his glass-green eyes.
Once the train is moving, Skimble is in charge of the Sleeping Car Express. His supervisory role extends to everyone on board, from the driver and the guards to the bagmen playing cards, and all the travellers in both First and Third class. He establishes control by conducting regular patrols down the corridor, examining all the faces, and he would know at once if anything occurred. He meticulously watches passengers, even seeing what they are thinking, and does not approve of hilarity and riot, ensuring that folk are very quiet when he is about. Because of his presence, nothing goes wrong on the Northern Mail, and he is a cat that cannot be ignored.
Skimble also ensures passenger comfort and order. He is just behind the guard to remind him about passenger preferences for morning tea, ensuring nothing goes wrong. He also ensures passengers are not bothered by mice, allowing them to sleep cosily. Throughout the night, he remains fresh and bright, keeping watch, sometimes with a cup of tea or a drop of Scotch, and only stopping to catch a flea. While passengers sleep, he walks up and down the station at stops like Crewe and is busy at Carlisle, greeting the stationmaster with elation. He even acts as a sort of detective, speaking to the police at Dumfries if there’s anything they ought to know. Finally, when the train reaches its destination, like Gallowgate, Skimbleshanks helps passengers get out and bids them goodbye with a wave of his long brown tail, which says, “I’ll see you again!” He is a constant presence on the Midnight Mail.
3. Is the poem merely comical? Discuss in the context of the poem.
Answer: The poem ‘Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat’ can be approached in two ways, and it is not necessarily merely comical.
The first response to the poem is indeed that it is an absurd, amusing poem with no philosophical intent. It can be read as an amusing poem and nothing else, written for pure amusement. The very idea of a cat being in charge of a mail train, giving signals, supervising staff, ensuring passenger comfort, drinking tea with scotch, and even interacting with police, is inherently comical and absurd. The play with words and the rhythm resembling a locomotive contribute to this light, entertaining quality.
However, the poem also allows for a second response at an intellectual level. It is possible to take the poem more seriously and analyse it, perhaps in the context of the political situation in Europe at the time of its writing. In this interpretation, the cat, Skimble, becomes a symbol of a clever dictator. The image of Big Brother watching all can be associated with the cat who supervises everything that everyone does, keeps a strict watch, and even sees what one is thinking. Though he may look funny or silly, his behaviour is serious. Some of the cat’s furtive movements can evoke the image of Big Brother. Thus, the poem can be seen to warn against the outward show of perfect law and order in a dictatorial regime. While people under such a regime might enjoy calm and peace, they are not free, obtaining privileges at the cost of freedom, which is perhaps too heavy a price.
Therefore, while the poem is certainly amusing and has a light, entertaining surface, it also contains deeper meanings and can be interpreted as a commentary on control and authority, suggesting it is more than just a comical piece.
Morning Star workbook answers/solutions
Multiple Choice Questions II
1. What was the cause of confusion at 11.39 pm?
(a) The signal was not working.
(b) The train was late.
(c) The train was not ready.
(d) Skimble was no where to be found.
Answer: (d) Skimble was no where to be found.
2. The word ānimbleā means.
(a) quick
(b) short
(c) eat
(d) sleep
Answer: (a) quick
3. āHe gives one flash of his glass-green eyesā and what happens?
(a) The stationmaster gives the signal
(b) The train begins its journey
(c) Skimbleshanks drives the train
(d) Ticket Collector checks the tickets.
Answer: (b) The train begins its journey
4. How does Skimble establish his absolute control?
(a) By speaking to the stationmaster
(b) By a regular patrol
(c) By following the guard
(d) By talking to the passengers
Answer: (b) By a regular patrol
5. When Skimbleshanks is aboard
(a) no one could play pranks.
(b) all the passengers are tense.
(c) he drinks tea.
(d) he creates a havoc.
Answer: (a) no one could play pranks.
6. Which of the following is pleasant for the passengers?
(a) The berth is neat and clean
(b) Thereās not a speck of dust on the floor
(c) The light and fan are operative
(d) All of the above.
Answer: (d) All of the above.
7. What does Skimble remind the guards?
(a) The passengers choice of morning tea
(b) To wake up the passengers
(c) That he wonāt let anything go wrong
(d) That the station would arrive soon.
Answer: (a) The passengers choice of morning tea
8. The Railway Cat is
(a) bright and energetic.
(b) lazy.
(c) bored.
(d) loving.
Answer: (a) bright and energetic.
9. The whispering started at ____ and Skimbleshanks appeared at___
(a) 11:39 pm, 11:47 pm.
(b) 11:49 pm, 11:52 pm.
(c) 11:39 pm, 11:42 pm.
(d) 11:49 pm, 11:50 pm.
Answer: (a) 11:39 pm, 11:47 pm
10. When everyone was looking for Skimbleshanks where was he?
(a) Eating
(b) In the luggage van
(c) Sleeping
(d) Playing games
Answer: (b) In the luggage van
11. The Railway Cat speaks to _____ at the Dumfries station.
(a) his friend
(b) a passenger
(c) the guards
(d) the police
Answer: (d) the police
12. How did Skimble bid goodbye to the passengers?
(a) By shaking hands
(b) By waving his tail
(c) By making loud noises
(d) By hugging the passengers
Answer: (b) By waving his tailā
Context Questions
Extract 1
Thereās a whisper down the line at 11.39
When the Night Mailās ready to depart,
Saying āSkimble where is Skimble has he gone to hunt the
thimble?
We must find him or the train canāt start
(i) Whatās the whisper down the line who all are whispering?
Answer: The whisper down the line is that the Night Mail is ready to depart, but Skimbleshanks is missing. The guards, porters, and the stationmasterās daughters are the ones whispering, searching for him.
(ii) Who is the Skimble? what work does he do?
Answer: Skimbleshanks, also known as the Railway Cat, is responsible for ensuring the smooth operation of the Night Mail train. He supervises the train, maintaining order and ensuring everything is in place before the train can depart.
(iii) What does āhunt the thimbleā mean? What was Skimble doing at this time?
Answer: “Hunt the thimble” is a phrase suggesting that Skimble is difficult to find, as if playing a game of hide-and-seek. At this time, Skimble was likely busy in the luggage van, attending to his duties.
(iv) Why canāt the train start without Skimbleshanks? How did the tray finally start?
Answer: The train cannot start without Skimbleshanks because he is essential for the operation and supervision of the train. The train finally started when Skimbleshanks appeared from the luggage van, signalling that everything was in order.
(v) Did it depend on time? How did the scene at the train change after Skimble appeared?
Answer: Yes, the train was on a schedule, but it could not leave until Skimbleshanks ensured everything was in place. Once Skimble appeared, the passengers calmed down, and the train departed smoothly.
Extract 2
All the guards and all the porters and the stationmasterās daughters
They are searching high and low,
Saying āSkimble where is Skimble for unless heās very nimble
Then the Night Mail just canāt go
(i) Identify and name two figures of speech used in this extract?
Answer: The figures of speech are:
- Alliteration: “Skimble where is Skimble” (repetition of the ‘S’ sound).
- Hyperbole: “The Night Mail just canāt go” (exaggeration of the importance of Skimbleshanks).
(ii) Why is it important for Skimbleshanks to be on the train?
Answer: It is important because Skimbleshanks ensures that everything runs smoothly, from supervising the staff to keeping order among the passengers. Without him, the train cannot depart.
(iii) Why would Skimble need to be very nimble?
Answer: Skimbleshanks needs to be nimble to quickly attend to his various duties, ensuring the trainās timely departure and smooth operation.
(iv) Who are āThey in the second line? Why are they frantic? Did they calm down? How?
Answer: “They” refers to the guards, porters, and the stationmaster’s daughters. They are frantic because the train cannot leave without Skimbleshanks. They calm down once Skimbleshanks appears and takes charge.
(v) Imagine you are onboard this train, describe the manhunt for Skimble.
Answer: The manhunt for Skimbleshanks would involve everyone searching the train, looking in every compartment and luggage van, asking passengers and staff, with increasing anxiety as the departure time approached.
Extract 3
You may say that by and large, it is Skamble whoās in charge
Of the Sleeping Car Express
From the driver and the guards to the bagmen playing cards
He will supervise them all, more or less.
Down the corridor, he paces and examines all the faces
Of the travellers in the First and the Third;
He establishes control by a regular patrol
And heād know at once if anything occurred.
(i) Who will supervise them all (the staff)? Who are they who need supervision?
Answer: Skimbleshanks supervises everyone on the train, including the driver, guards, and even the bagmen playing cards.
(ii) Whose faces does the supervisor examine? What can he gauge from their faces?
Answer: Skimbleshanks examines the faces of the passengers in the First and Third classes. He can gauge if anything is amiss or if passengers are causing trouble.
(iii) Briefly describe how he establishes control. Why does he pace the corridor?
Answer: Skimbleshanks establishes control by regularly patrolling the train, checking on passengers and staff. He paces the corridor to maintain order and to quickly respond if anything goes wrong.
(iv) Do you think the supervisor can do the same in other modes of transport plane, bus, metro? State how
Answer: In other modes of transport, a supervisor could play a similar role, though it would vary. On a plane, for example, the supervisor would ensure safety protocols are followed, while on a bus or metro, they might ensure punctuality and passenger behavior.
(v) Why do you think the train is called Sleeping Car Express? How does the supervisor ensure that the name holds true?
Answer: The train is called the Sleeping Car Express because it carries sleeping passengers. Skimbleshanks ensures that everything runs smoothly, allowing passengers to sleep peacefully without disruptions.
Extract 4
Oh, itās very pleasant when you have found your little den
With your name written up on the door.
And the berth is very neat with a newly folded sheet
And thereās not a speck of dust on the floor.
There is every sort of light-you can make it dark or bright;
Thereās a handle that you turn to make a breeze.
Thereās a funny little basin youāre supposed to wash your face in
And a crank to shut the window if you sneeze.
(i) Why is the cabin called your little den? What kind of security does it offer the passengers?
Answer: The cabin is called “your little den” because it is a personal, cozy space for each passenger. It offers security by providing a private, neat, and well-maintained place for rest.
(ii) Describe the little den, as mentioned in the extract.
Answer: The den is described as neat, with a freshly folded sheet, a dust-free floor, adjustable lighting, a small basin for washing, and a crank to close the window.
(iii) Were the passengers scared of Skimbleshanke? Give reasons for your answer.
Answer: No, the passengers were not scared of Skimbleshanks. They respected him because of his control and efficiency in ensuring a smooth journey.
(iv) What were the arrangements made for the comfortable journey of the passengers?
Answer: The passengers had neat berths, clean sheets, adjustable lighting, a small basin, and a crank for the window, ensuring comfort throughout the journey.
(v) Compare the facilities of the train cabin with the facilities of a cabin in todayās train. Would you find a Skimbleshanks today? Why?
Answer: Modern train cabins might have more advanced amenities like Wi-Fi and power outlets, but cleanliness, privacy, and adjustable lighting remain essential. However, finding a “Skimbleshanks” today is rare, as technology now handles many tasks Skimbleshanks did manually.
Extract 5
But you saw him at Dumfries, where he speaks to the police
If thereās anything they ought to know about
When you get to Gallowgate there you do not have to wait-
For Skimbleshanks will help you to get out!
He gives you a wave of his long brown tail
Which says: āIāll see you again!
Youāll meet without fail on the Midnight Mail
The Cat of the Railway Trainā
(I) What does Skimble do at Dumfries station? Why?
Answer: At Dumfries station, Skimbleshanks speaks to the police, likely providing important information to ensure the journey continues smoothly.
(ii) When do you think the train reaches its destination? Name the first and last stations of the Midnight Mail.
Answer: The Midnight Mail likely reaches its destination in the early hours. The poem doesnāt specify the exact stations, but Dumfries and Gallowgate are mentioned as stops.
(iii) Why do the passengers not have to wait to get down at Gallowgate?
Answer: The passengers donāt have to wait at Gallowgate because Skimbleshanks efficiently manages everything, ensuring they can disembark promptly.
(iv) How does Skimble bid goodbye to the passengers? What does the wave of long brown tail mean?
Answer: Skimbleshanks bids goodbye by waving his long brown tail, which suggests that he will see the passengers again, likely on another journey.
(v) Once the passengers fall asleep, what does the railway cat do?
Answer: After the passengers fall asleep, Skimbleshanks continues his duties, staying alert and occasionally having tea or interacting with the staff to ensure everything remains in order.
Extras/additional
Questions and answers
Extract 1
There’s a whisper down the line at 11.39
When the Night Mail’s ready to depart,
Saying “Skimble where is Skimble has he gone to hunt the
thimble?
We must find him or the train can’t start.”
All the guards and all the porters and the stationmaster’s
daughters
They are searching high and low,
Saying “Skimble where is Skimble for unless he’s very nimble
Then the Night Mail just can’t go.”
(i) Why is there a sense of urgency surrounding Skimble’s disappearance?
Answer: The urgency stems from the fact that the Night Mail is scheduled to depart at 11.39, and according to the poem, the train cannot leave without Skimble. This implies that he plays a crucial role in the train’s operation, creating a time-sensitive situation.
(ii) What does the phrase “hunt the thimble” suggest about the possible reasons for Skimble’s absence?
Answer: The phrase suggests that Skimble may have wandered off due to his playful and inquisitive nature, possibly chasing after a small object like a thimble. It implies that his disappearance is not likely due to any serious issue but rather his curious personality.
(iii) How does the involvement of various railway staff in the search for Skimble emphasize his importance?
Answer: The fact that guards, porters, and even the stationmaster’s daughters are involved in the search demonstrates Skimble’s significance within the railway system. Their participation highlights that he is not just a pet but a valued member of the team whose presence is essential for the train’s departure.
(iv) What can be inferred about the potential consequences if Skimble is not found in time?
Answer: If Skimble is not found before 11.39, the Night Mail will be delayed, potentially causing inconvenience to passengers and disrupting the train schedule. This underscores the importance of Skimble’s role and the potential repercussions of his absence.
(v) How does the repetition of the phrase “Skimble where is Skimble” contribute to the overall atmosphere of the extract?
Answer: The repetition of “Skimble where is Skimble” creates a sense of anxiety and urgency, mirroring the frantic search for the missing cat. It reinforces the importance of finding him quickly and adds to the suspenseful atmosphere of the scene.
Extract 5
He gives you a wave of his long brown tail
Which says: “I’ll see you again!
You’ll meet without fail on the Midnight Mail
The Cat of the Railway Train.
(i) What message is conveyed by Skimble’s “wave of his long brown tail” at the end of the journey?
Answer: The wave of his tail serves as a friendly farewell gesture, acknowledging the passengers and assuring them that he will be there for their next journey on the Midnight Mail. It reinforces his constant presence and role as a guardian of the train.
(ii) What does the phrase “You’ll meet without fail on the Midnight Mail” suggest about the reliability of the train service and Skimble’s presence?
Answer: The phrase emphasizes the dependability of both the Midnight Mail service and Skimble’s presence. It implies that the train runs consistently and that Skimble can always be found on board, ensuring a sense of familiarity and security for regular passengers.
(iii) How does the tone of this final extract contribute to the overall feeling of satisfaction at the end of the poem?
Answer: The final extract has a warm and reassuring tone, leaving the reader with a positive impression of Skimble and the Midnight Mail experience. It suggests a successful and enjoyable journey, with the promise of future encounters with the beloved railway cat.
(iv) How does the repetition of “The Cat of the Railway Train” in the final line emphasize Skimble’s unique identity?
Answer: The repetition reinforces Skimble’s unique identity and solidifies his association with the Midnight Mail. It emphasizes that he is not just any cat but “The” Cat of the Railway Train, a special and integral part of the train’s identity.
(v) What qualities of Skimble are highlighted in this final extract that solidify his status as a beloved figure on the railway?
Answer: The final extract highlights Skimble’s friendliness, reliability, and reassuring presence. His farewell wave and the promise of future encounters solidify his status as a beloved figure on the railway, appreciated by both passengers and staff for his dedication and charm.
MCQs (Knowledge Based)
1. What is the precise time mentioned when the Night Mail is ready to depart?
A. 11.42
B. 11.39
C. 11.35
D. 11.45
Answer: B. 11.39
30. What element of the poem conveys that Skimbleās control extends to both staff and passengers?
A. He manages only the mail sorting
B. He supervises everyone āFrom the driver and the guards to the bagmen playing cardsā
C. He sleeps in the luggage van
D. He delivers messages to each station
Answer: B. He supervises everyone āFrom the driver and the guards to the bagmen playing cardsā
MCQs (Competency Based)
1. (I) A certain cat gave a brief flash of green eyes.
(II) The departure signal suddenly changed to āAll Clear.ā
(a) I is a contradiction of II.
(b) I is an explanation of II.
(c) I is an example of II.
(d) I is the cause for II.
Answer: (d) I is the cause for II.
15. (I) The cat was absent from the signal cabin at exactly 11:42.
(II) He had been busy in the luggage area just moments before.
(a) I is a contradiction of II.
(b) I is an explanation of II.
(c) I is an example of II.
(d) I is the cause for II.
Answer: (b) I is an explanation of II.
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