Bihar Board Class 12th English (Rainbow Part 2 Poetry) Chapter 7 Macavity: The Mystery Cat) Solutions

Write T for true and F for false statements

(a) Macavity is an ordinary cat

Answer: F (False). Macavity is not an ordinary cat; he is described as a mysterious master criminal with supernatural abilities.

(b) Macavity is an outlaw.

Answer: T (True). Macavity is indeed an outlaw as he breaks every human law and is a master criminal.

(c) Macavity is always there on the scene of the crime.

Answer: F (False). The central mystery of Macavity is that he is never found at the scene of the crime.

(d) Macavity can be found in the basement

Answer: F (False). The poem states that you may seek him in the basement, but he will not be there.

(e) The poet finds Macavity lazy and half-asleep.

Answer: F (False). The poet says that when you think Macavity is half-asleep, he is actually wide awake and alert.

(f) lt can be seen in the by-street

Answer: T (True). The poem mentions you may meet him in a by-street, but this is before a crime is discovered. Once the crime is known, he vanishes.

(g) Mungojerrie and Griddlebone are also cats.

Answer: T (True). Mungojerrie and Griddlebone are other cats mentioned in the poem, but they are mere agents compared to Macavity.

(h) The poet is really angry with Macavity.

Answer: F (False). The poet's tone is not of anger but of amused fascination and wonder at Macavity's cleverness and mystery.

(i) The poet compares Macavity to Napolean.

Answer: T (True). Macavity is called the "Napoleon of Crime," comparing his criminal genius to the military genius of Napoleon Bonaparte.

B.1.2. Answer the following questions briefly

Question 1.
Why does the poet call Macavity, a mystery cat?

Answer: The poet calls Macavity a mystery cat because he possesses an uncanny ability to disappear without a trace immediately after committing a crime. Despite being known as a master criminal, he is never found at the scene, leaving everyone baffled.

Question 2.
What are the adjectives that have been used to describe Macavity’s character?

Answer: The poet uses several striking adjectives to describe Macavity's character. He is called a "mystery cat," the "Hidden Paw," a "master criminal," a "fiend in feline shape," a "monster of depravity," and the "Napoleon of Crime."

Question 3.
Why is Macavity termed a “Criminal”?

Answer: Macavity is termed a criminal because he systematically breaks laws. He loots larders, rifles jewel-cases, steals milk, breaks things, and even takes important documents from government offices, making him a notorious lawbreaker.

Question 4.
What is suggested by the phrase ‘power of levitation’?

Answer: The phrase 'power of levitation' suggests a supernatural ability to float or rise in the air against the law of gravity. It highlights Macavity's mysterious and almost magical skill in escaping, which would amaze even a fakir (a holy man known for such feats).

Question 5.
What would you do if a cat enters your kitchen? Would you keep a cat as a pet?

Answer: If a stray cat entered my kitchen, I would gently shoo it away to maintain hygiene. As for keeping a pet, I would love to have a well-behaved, affectionate cat as a companion, provided I can care for it properly.

Long Answer Questions

Question 1.
Discuss the poet’s impression of Macavity, the mystery cat Why does he call it mysterious?

Answer: The poet, T.S. Eliot, is fascinated and amused by Macavity. His impression is not of anger but of wonder at this cat's brilliant criminal mind. He calls Macavity mysterious because the cat commits all sorts of crimes—from petty thefts to stealing state secrets—yet is never present when the crime is discovered. His flawless disappearances and lack of evidence make him an enigma.

Question 2.
Macavity is never there “Elaborate”.

Answer: The phrase "Macavity is never there" is the core idea of the poem. No matter what crime occurs—a looted larder, a rifled jewel-case, a broken greenhouse, or missing secret documents—when authorities arrive to investigate, Macavity has already vanished. He is always a mile away, seemingly resting or doing sums, with a perfect alibi. This makes him untraceable and the despair of law enforcement.

Question 3.
Why does the poet call Macavity ‘outwardly respectable ?’ Discuss.

Answer: The poet calls Macavity 'outwardly respectable' in a tone of humorous irony. It means that on the surface, Macavity might appear like a normal, well-mannered cat, perhaps even dignified. However, this respectability is just a facade to hide his true nature as a cunning, depraved criminal who cheats at cards and commits serious crimes behind this mask of normalcy.

Question 4.
There are other cats like Mungojerrie and Griddlebone, but there’s no one like Macavity. Explain.

Answer: While cats like Mungojerrie and Griddlebone are also known for their wicked deeds, they are merely small-time agents or helpers. Macavity is in a league of his own. He is the mastermind, the "Napoleon of Crime," who controls their operations. His level of deceit, intelligence, and success in evading capture is unmatched, making him unique and unparalleled among feline criminals.

Question 5.
Make a list of crimes Macavity is capable of.

Answer: Macavity is capable of a wide range of crimes, including:

1. Stealing milk.
2. Looting the kitchen larder.
3. Rifling jewel-cases and stealing jewelry.
4. Breaking greenhouse glass.
5. Damaging the trellis.
6. Stealing important treaties from the Foreign Office.
7. Taking secret plans and drawings from the Admiralty.
8. Providing perfect alibis for his crimes.

Question 6.
What would you do to tame Macavity?

Answer: Taming a clever cat like Macavity would require patience and strategy. I would try to channel his intelligence and energy into positive activities using engaging toys and puzzle feeders. Consistent, gentle training with rewards for good behavior, coupled with a loving and stimulating environment, might help reform his criminal tendencies. However, his genius might make him a charming handful!

Question 7.
Do you find the poem humorous ? Give your comments on the poem.

Answer: Yes, the poem is highly humorous. T.S. Eliot uses a light-hearted and playful tone to describe a cat as if it were a master criminal like a character from a detective story. The exaggeration of his crimes (stealing treaties, defying gravity) and the frustration of Scotland Yard are comical. It's a witty piece that entertains while painting a vivid picture of a mischievous pet.

Question 8.
Give in short the summary of the poem, ‘Macavity”. The Mvctcry [cat [B.M.2009A]
Or, Write a short note on the poem, ‘Macavity” The Mystery cat.

Answer: "Macavity: The Mystery Cat" by T.S. Eliot is a humorous poem about a brilliant, ginger cat who is a master criminal. Macavity breaks all laws—human and natural (like gravity)—by committing crimes ranging from stealing milk and jewels to pilfering secret government documents. The central joke is that despite his notorious reputation, he is never found at the scene of the crime, baffling Scotland Yard. He is always far away, crafting a perfect alibi. The poem compares him to other mischievous cats like Mungojerrie and Griddlebone but crowns him the undisputed "Napoleon of Crime" for his deceitful genius.

C. 3. Composition

Write a short essay in about 150 words on the following:

(a) Your favourite pet

Answer:

My Favourite Pet My favourite pet is my dog, Bruno. He is a golden retriever, full of energy and affection. Bruno is more than just a pet; he is a loyal member of our family. His intelligence is remarkable—he understands commands and can even sense our moods, offering comfort when we are sad. Every evening, his enthusiastic welcome when I return home washes away the day's tiredness. We play fetch in the garden, and his antics never fail to make us laugh. Taking care of him, from feeding him nutritious food to taking him for walks, is a joyful responsibility. Bruno has taught me lessons in unconditional love, loyalty, and living in the moment. He is my constant companion and a true blessing in my life.

(b) Animals in prison.

Answer:

Animals in Prison The idea of animals in prison is a poignant one. While sometimes necessary for rehabilitation or for housing stray animals, it raises ethical concerns. Animals, like humans, value their freedom. Confinement in small, barren cages can lead to stress, boredom, and behavioral issues. They cannot understand why their freedom has been taken away. It is our moral duty to ensure that if animals must be kept in shelters or enclosures, they are provided with a humane environment. This includes clean living spaces, proper veterinary care, nutritious food, and opportunities for exercise and mental stimulation. The ultimate goal should be rehabilitation and finding them loving forever homes, not permanent imprisonment.

D. Word Study : D.2. Word-formation

Form words from the following nouns and verbs by adding a suffix to them: gravity, baffle, national, profound, jovial, celebrate

Answer:
gravity — gravitation
baffle — bafflement
national — nationality
profound — profundity
jovial — joviality
celebrate — celebration

D.3. Word meaning

Ex. 1. Match the words in Column A with their meaning in Column B :

Answer:
(1) Paw — (e) foot of an animal
(2) Stare — (f) look sternly
(3) Dusty — (b) covered with dust
(4) Depravity — (a) moral corruption; being away from the correct path
(5) Astray — (a) away from the correct path
(6) Suavity — (c) smooth politeness; having an elegant manner
(7) Alibi — (d) an excuse or proof of being elsewhere

E. Grammar

Ex. 1. Fill in the blanks selecting suitable words given in the bracket against each sentence:

Answer:
(i) If you went to him, he would help you. (go, went)
(ii) Their footprints were seen there. (was, were)
(iii) When you reach here, I will help you. (reach, will reach)
(iv) The boy whose father lives here is my friend. (whom, whose)
(v) Manoj is the boy who can do anything. (who, whom)
(vi) Sita is engaged in some important work today. (in, with)
(vii) He is more than a poet. (than, but)
(viii) She controls herself even in a critical situation. (contro, controls)
(ix) He has broken every human law. (broke, broken)
(x) There may be a point of discussion. (a, the)

Comprehension Based Questions with Answers

1. & 2. Read the following extracts of the poem and answer the questions that follow...

Questions:
1. Who composed these lines to describe whom?
Answer: These lines were composed by the poet T.S. Eliot to describe a mysterious feline character named Macavity.

2. What is Macavity? What is so special about him?
Answer: Macavity is a mystery cat, a master criminal. What is special about him is his ability to commit crimes and then vanish completely from the scene, making him impossible to catch.

3. What does the poet mean by ‘power of levitation’?
Answer: It means the supernatural ability to float in the air, defying gravity. The poet uses it to emphasize Macavity's magical and elusive nature.

4. Whose bafflement and despair is Macavity?
Answer: Macavity is the bafflement of Scotland Yard (the London police headquarters) and the despair of its Flying Squad (the rapid-response police unit).

5. What kinds of law has Macavity broken?
Answer: Macavity has broken every human law related to crime and property. He has also broken the natural "law of gravity" through his supposed power of levitation.

6. Is anyone there like Macavity?
Answer: No, there is no one like Macavity. He is unique in his criminal genius and mysterious disappearances.

3. Read the following extracts of the poem and answer the questions that follow...

Questions:
1. Describe the appearance of Macavity?
Answer: Macavity is a tall, thin, ginger-colored cat. His eyes are deep-set and sunken, his forehead is wrinkled as if in deep thought, and his head is dome-shaped. His coat is dusty from lack of grooming, and his whiskers are untidy.

2. How does it move?
Answer: Macavity moves with a sinuous, swaying motion similar to that of a snake.

3. What does he do with his head?
Answer: He sways his head slowly from side to side.

4. What is the position when one thinks him half asleep?
Answer: When one thinks he is half-asleep and off-guard, he is actually fully awake and alert, observing everything.

5. What kind of cat is Macavity?
Answer: Macavity is a "ginger cat," which refers to his orange-brown fur color, and he has a lean, tall physique.