CBSE Class 8 English Chapter 13 Macavity - The Mystery Cat NCERT Solutions

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CBSE Class 8 English Chapter 13, 'Macavity - The Mystery Cat,' introduces students to a feline character unlike any other. This poem, through its witty verses, paints a picture of Macavity as a criminal mastermind, a cat who is always one step ahead of the law. The NCERT Solutions for this chapter delve into the poem's exploration of Macavity's elusive nature, his uncanny ability to commit crimes and disappear without a trace. We will examine the poet's use of humor and exaggeration to portray Macavity as a formidable, yet comical, figure. The solutions aim to clarify the poem's themes, analyze its literary devices, and help students appreciate the clever characterization of this extraordinary cat. Understanding Macavity means understanding how poetry can create memorable and intriguing characters, even those who defy all logic and capture.

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BoardCBSE
ClassClass 8
SubjectEnglish
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
ChapterChapter 13 Macavity - The Mystery Cat (Poem)

Chapter summary

This chapter's NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English focus on T.S. Eliot's poem 'Macavity - The Mystery Cat'. The solutions guide students through understanding Macavity's character as a feline criminal mastermind who defies logic and law. They cover Macavity's elusive nature, his comparison to a master criminal, and the poet's use of hyperbole to emphasize his mysterious and mischievous qualities. The exercises prompt analysis of the poem's language and themes, making it a valuable resource for grasping the essence of this popular poem.

Learning outcomes

  • Understand the character of Macavity as a mysterious and elusive cat.
  • Analyze the poet's use of exaggeration and figurative language.
  • Identify the characteristics of a master criminal as depicted in the poem.
  • Explain Macavity's ability to evade the police and defy natural laws.
  • Interpret the poet's tone and attitude towards the character of Macavity.
  • Answer comprehension questions based on the poem's stanzas.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • Poem Comprehension
  • Character Analysis
  • Macavity's Nature
  • Master Criminal
  • Elusiveness
  • Defiance of Law
  • Figurative Language
  • Hyperbole
  • Poetic Devices
  • T.S. Eliot
  • Mystery
  • Cats in Literature

Important topics

  • Macavity's character traits
  • Poet's use of exaggeration
  • Comparison to a master criminal
  • Macavity's ability to escape
  • Symbolism of the cat

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Questions and Solutions

Question 1

Read the first stanza and think. (i) Is Macavity a cat really? (ii) If not, who can Macavity be?
Solution:

(i) No, Macavity is not a cat in the literal sense. The poem uses the image of a cat to describe a character with specific traits.

(ii) Macavity represents a fictional character, a master criminal, whose actions and evasiveness are likened to those of a cunning rogue or a notorious outlaw.

Question 2

Complete the following sentences. (i) A master criminal is one who (ii) The Scotland Yard is baffled because (iii) Nobody can catch Macavity at the scene of crime because Macavity moves much faster than them.
Solution:

(i) A master criminal is one who possesses exceptional skill in committing crimes and evading the law, often outsmarting authorities.

(ii) The Scotland Yard is baffled because, despite their efforts and investigations, they are consistently unable to find any trace of Macavity at the scene of the crime.

(iii) Nobody can catch Macavity at the scene of crime because Macavity moves much faster than them, allowing him to escape before any capture can be made.

Question 3

"A cat, I am sure, could walk on a cloud without coming through". (Jules Verne) Which law is Macavity breaking in the light of the comment above?
Solution:

In light of the comment suggesting a cat could walk on a cloud, Macavity is depicted as breaking the fundamental law of gravity. This implies he possesses an almost supernatural ability to defy natural physical constraints.

Question 4

Read stanza 3, and then, describe Macavity in two or three sentences of your own.
Solution:

Macavity is portrayed as a tall, exceedingly thin cat with deep-set eyes and a forehead furrowed with deep thought. His head is highly domed, his coat appears dusty and unkempt, and his whiskers are not properly combed, giving him a dishevelled yet imposing appearance.

Question 5

Say 'False' or 'True' for each of the following statements. (i) Macavity is not an ordinary cat. (ii) Macavity cannot do what a fakir can easily do. (iii) Macavity has supernatural powers. (iv) Macavity is well-dressed, smart and bright. (v) Macavity is a spy, a trickster and a criminal, all rolled in one.
Solution:

(i) True. Macavity exhibits extraordinary abilities and behaviours that set him apart from ordinary cats.

(ii) False. The poem states that Macavity's powers of levitation would make a fakir stare in disbelief, implying he can do things even a fakir cannot.

(iii) True. His ability to disappear instantly and seemingly defy natural laws suggests he possesses powers beyond the ordinary.

(iv) False. Macavity is described as having a dusty coat and sunken eyes, not as being well-dressed, smart, or bright in appearance.

(v) True. The poem describes him as a spy, a trickster, and a criminal, encompassing all these roles in his character.

Question 6

Having read the poem, try to guess whether the poet is fond of cats. If so, why does he call Macavity a fiend and monster?
Solution:

Yes, it is likely the poet is fond of cats. He calls Macavity a 'fiend' and a 'monster' not out of genuine dislike, but as a form of literary exaggeration (hyperbole) to emphasize the cat's extraordinary criminal cunning and mysterious nature. By using such strong terms for a cat, the poet creates a memorable and impactful character who embodies mischief and elusiveness, traits that can be humorously associated with feline behaviour.

Question 7

Has the poet used exaggeration for special effect? Find a few examples of it and read those lines aloud.
Solution:

Yes, the poet has extensively used exaggeration for special effect to highlight Macavity's mysterious and formidable character. These exaggerations serve to emphasize his unparalleled ability to commit crimes and escape detection, making him seem almost superhuman. Examples include:

  • "He's the bafflement of Scotland Yard, the Flying Squad's despair." This line exaggerates the police's inability to catch Macavity, portraying him as a complete enigma.
  • "He breaks the law of gravity." This is a clear exaggeration suggesting Macavity can perform feats that defy natural physical laws.
  • "His powers of levitation would make a fakir stare." This highlights his extraordinary, almost magical, ability to rise or float, surpassing even a skilled fakir.
  • "He's a fiend in feline shape, a monster of depravity." These strong terms are hyperbolic descriptions used to emphasize the extreme wickedness and cunning attributed to Macavity.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing Macavity as a literal cat instead of a symbolic character.
  • Underestimating the poet's use of hyperbole for effect.
  • Failing to connect Macavity's actions to the traits of a criminal.
  • Misinterpreting the poet's fondness for cats despite calling Macavity a 'fiend'.

Revision tips

  • Read the poem aloud to appreciate its rhythm and T.S. Eliot's wordplay.
  • Focus on the descriptive adjectives used for Macavity and their implications.
  • Compare Macavity's actions to those of a real cat and a human criminal.
  • Note down examples of exaggeration used by the poet to emphasize Macavity's mysterious nature.
  • Discuss with classmates the symbolic meaning of Macavity.

Practice MCQs

Q1. What is Macavity's primary characteristic as described in the poem?

Q2. Why is Scotland Yard baffled by Macavity?

Q3. Which natural law does Macavity seem to break?

Q4. How is Macavity's physical appearance described?

Q5. What does the poet mean by calling Macavity a 'fiend' and a 'monster'?

Frequently asked questions

What is the main theme of the poem 'Macavity - The Mystery Cat'?

The main theme is the portrayal of Macavity as an archetypal criminal mastermind, who is elusive, mischievous, and seems to operate beyond the reach of law and logic, all depicted through the persona of a cat.

Who is Macavity in the poem?

Macavity is presented as a mysterious and highly intelligent cat who is also a master criminal. He is known for his ability to commit crimes and escape without being caught, baffling even the police.

Why does the poet call Macavity a 'fiend' and a 'monster'?

The poet uses these strong terms as exaggeration (hyperbole) to emphasize Macavity's exceptionally cunning, depraved, and mysterious nature, making him seem almost supernatural in his criminal abilities.

How does Macavity evade capture?

Macavity evades capture by being incredibly swift and clever. He is always one step ahead of the police, and by the time they arrive at the scene of the crime, he has already disappeared.

What does the line 'He breaks the law of gravity' mean?

This line is an example of exaggeration, suggesting that Macavity can perform feats that defy natural laws, like levitation or moving in impossible ways, further highlighting his mysterious and extraordinary nature.

Is Macavity a real cat?

No, Macavity is a fictional character created by the poet T.S. Eliot. He uses the image of a cat to represent a cunning, elusive, and law-breaking entity.

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