The Naming of Cats Poem Question & Answers, Summary

“The Naming of Cats” poem is written by T. S. Eliot. Here you get the answers and solutions to questions given in the book Wind Chimes Class 6. For more help contact us.

Summary

“The Naming of Cats” by T.S. Eliot is a whimsical poem that explores the intricate process of naming cats. The poet argues that it is a serious matter, not to be taken lightly like a holiday game. According to Eliot, a cat must have three different names: one for everyday family use, another fancier one, and a particular, unique name known only to the cat itself. The poet emphasizes the importance of giving cats names that reflect their individuality and dignity. The poem also introduces the mysterious idea that cats have a secret, hidden name that humans can never discover. Throughout the verses, Eliot playfully describes the thoughtfulness and contemplation that cats engage in regarding their names. The repetition in the closing lines highlights the cat’s intense focus on the ineffable and singular nature of its own name. Overall, the poem is a charming exploration of the significance and complexity of naming our feline friends.

Textbook Question & Answers

Comprehension

A. Answer these questions with reference to the context.

1. It isn’t just one of your holiday games; You may think at first I’m as mad as a hatter
   a. What does ‘it’ refer to in the first line?
   b. What do you imagine holiday games to be like?
   c. Which literary device has the poet used in the second line? Explain.
2. Of names of this kind, I can give you a quorum, Such as Munkustrap, Quaxo, or Coricopat,
   a. Which kind of names is the poet referring to in these lines?
   b. How do the names mentioned in these lines sound to you?
   c. Why does the poet feel that cats should have ‘names of this kind’?
3. The reason, I tell you, is always the same: His mind is engaged in a rapt contemplation
   a. Who does ‘his’ refer to in the second line?
   b. What does the poet try to give a reason for?
   c. What is he contemplating?

Answers:

1. a. “It” refers to the naming of cats. The poet is saying that naming cats is not just a fun game people play during holidays.
   b. Holiday games are usually fun and enjoyable activities that people play when they have time off from school or work. They could be board games, outdoor games, or anything people do for fun during holidays.
   c. The poet has used a simile in the second line by saying “mad as a hatter.” This means the poet is comparing himself to a hatter (someone who makes hats) and suggesting that people might think he’s a bit crazy or eccentric.
2. a. The poet is referring to unique and special names for cats, like Munkustrap, Quaxo, and Coricopat.
   b. The names sound interesting and unusual. They are not common names like those humans have but are special names just for cats.
   c. The poet believes that cats should have unique names because it adds to their individuality and makes them stand out. These special names are just for them and make them different from other cats.
3. a. “His” refers to the cat. The poet is talking about why a cat might look like it’s deeply thinking or meditating
   b. The poet is trying to give a reason for why a cat might seem lost in thought or very focused. There’s a particular reason behind it.
   c. The cat is contemplating or thinking deeply about the thought of its own name. The poet suggests that a cat’s mind is filled with the idea and importance of its own name.

B. Answer these questions.

1. Why does the poet feel that a cat must have three different names?
2. What are some of the names that a family uses every day for their cats?
3. Why does the poet call everyday names ‘sensible’ ?
4. Why does a cat need to have a ‘name that’s particular?
5. What, according to the poet, does the cat know that nobody else knows? What does this tell you about the poet’s impression of cats?
6. Of the thought, of the thought, of the thought of his name
   What does the repetition in this line signify?
7. Do you think the personality of cats is different from that of dogs? Explain.

Answers:

1. Why does the poet feel that a cat must have three different names?

• Ans. The poet believes a cat needs three different names to show its different sides and special qualities. It’s like having a name for family, a fancy name, and a unique name that only the cat knows.

2. What are some of the names that a family uses every day for their cats?

• Ans. Everyday names for cats can be normal names like Peter, Augustus, Alonzo, James, Victor, Jonathan, George, or Bill Bailey – names people commonly use.

3. Why does the poet call everyday names ‘sensible?

• Ans. The poet calls everyday names sensible because they are practical and common, making it easy for the family to use them daily without any fuss.

4. Why does a cat need to have a ‘name that’s particular?

• Ans. A cat needs a particular name to highlight its unique and special qualities. This name should be distinct and show the cat’s individuality.

5. What, according to the poet, does the cat know that nobody else knows? What does this tell you about the poet’s impression of cats?

• Ans. The cat knows a secret name that nobody else can guess. This tells us that the poet sees cats as mysterious and private creatures with a unique identity hidden from human understanding.

6. “Of the thought, of the thought, of the thought of his name” What does the repetition in this line signify?

• Ans. The repetition emphasizes how much a cat thinks about its own name. It shows the intense focus and contemplation the cat has regarding its identity.

7. Do you think the personality of cats is different from that of dogs? Explain.

• Ans. Yes, cats and dogs have different personalities. Cats are often seen as independent, mysterious, and graceful, while dogs are known for their loyalty and sociable nature. The poet, by emphasizing the importance of a cat’s name and its contemplative nature, suggests that cats have a distinct and individualistic personality.

Another set of answers:

1. The poet believes a cat needs three names to show different aspects of its identity and uniqueness. Each name has a special purpose.
2. Everyday names for cats could be Peter, Augustus, Alonzo, James, Victor, Jonathan, George, or Bill Bailey.
3. The poet calls everyday names sensible because they are practical and make sense for regular use. They are normal names that people commonly use.
4. A cat needs a particular name to highlight its uniqueness and dignity. This special name reflects the cat’s individuality.
5. The cat knows a secret name that nobody else can discover. This suggests the poet sees cats as mysterious and having a private, special side that humans can’t fully understand.
6. The repetition emphasizes how deeply the cat thinks about its name. It shows the intense focus and contemplation the cat has regarding its own identity.
7. Yes, cats and dogs often have different personalities. Cats are often seen as more independent, mysterious, and selective in their interactions, while dogs are known for their loyalty, playfulness, and social nature. The poet seems to focus on the unique and enigmatic qualities of cats in the poem.

Another set of answers:

1. The poet thinks a cat needs three names to show its different sides and special qualities. It’s like saying a cat has many special things about it.

2. Everyday names for cats could be Peter, Augustus, Alonzo, James, Victor, Jonathan, George, Bill Bailey – regular names people might use often.

3. The poet calls them sensible because these names are practical and ordinary, like names people use every day. They make sense for everyday use.

4. A cat needs a unique name to show its special qualities and to keep its pride and grace. It’s like giving the cat a name that really suits its personality.

5. The poet says the cat knows a secret name that nobody else can guess. This shows that the poet sees cats as mysterious and having something special about them that’s only known to them.

6. The repetition emphasizes how much a cat thinks about its own name. It’s like saying the cat is deeply focused and always thinking about its identity.

7. Yes, the poet seems to suggest that cats have a unique and dignified personality. They need special names, and the poet focuses on the mysterious and contemplative nature of cats, which might be different from the more openly expressive nature of dogs.

Vocabulary

A. How has the poet TS Eliot used personification in ‘The Naming of Cats’? Discuss with suitable examples from the poem.

Answers:

Short Answer: In “The Naming of Cats,” T.S. Eliot uses personification by attributing human-like qualities to cats. For instance, he suggests that cats must have three different names, a concept typically associated with humans. The poet also describes the cat’s behavior, such as keeping its tail perpendicular and cherishing pride, as if the cat possesses human emotions and consciousness. This personification enhances the poem’s exploration of the uniqueness and complexity of cats, portraying them as individuals with distinct identities and inner lives.

Long Answer: In “The Naming of Cats,” T.S. Eliot uses personification to attribute human-like qualities to cats, treating them as if they possess human characteristics and behaviors. Here are a few examples of personification in the poem:

1. “When I tell you, a cat must have THREE DIFFERENT NAMES.”

• Here, the poet attributes the concept of having multiple names, a characteristic typically associated with humans, to cats. This personification suggests a depth of identity and significance in the naming process for cats.

2. “First of all, there’s the name that the family use daily…”

• Referring to the name that the family uses daily gives the cat a sense of belonging and integration into a human-like family structure, as if the cat is a member with its own name.

3. “Else how can he keep up his tail perpendicular, Or spread out his whiskers, or cherish his pride?”

• The poet attributes human emotions such as pride to the cat, suggesting that the cat has a sense of dignity and self-awareness. This personification elevates the cat’s behavior to a level of conscious choice and emotion.

4. “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:”

• Describing a cat in profound meditation and contemplation of its own name personifies the cat’s thought processes, suggesting a depth of self-awareness and introspection.

In each of these examples, Eliot anthropomorphizes cats by attributing human characteristics, emotions, and behaviors to them. This personification enhances the poet’s exploration of the uniqueness and complexity of cats, presenting them as creatures with a rich inner life and individuality.

Writing (Paragraph)

A. Write a paragraph or two about an animal you like. Then, discuss in pairs, and come up with three names from each category discussed by the poet for the animal. Share the names with the class.

Ans. Here we are giving sample paragraph as answers. You should draft ypur own paragraph based on what animals you like.

Sample 1. I really like dolphins 🐬💦!

I really like dolphins! They’re super playful and clever, and I love watching them swim and jump in the ocean. Dolphins are also known for being friendly and having their own way of communicating with each other, which is amazing.

Now, let’s come up with some names for our dolphin buddies! For everyday names, we could go with names like Flip, Sandy, or Splash – names that are common and easy to remember. Moving on to fancier names, how about Neptune, Crystal, or Oceania? These names sound a bit more special and elegant. And for the unique, particular names, we can choose things like Aqua Twirl, Echo Dreamer, or Starfin – names that highlight the individuality and magic of each dolphin.

Let’s share these fun names with the class and see which ones everyone likes for our playful dolphin friends!

Sample 2. Paragraph on Elephants

Paragraph 1:

I really, really like elephants! They’re big and friendly, and did you know they can remember things for a very long time? I think they’re super cool. So, when I talked with my friend, we thought of three names for our elephant friends. For everyday names, we picked Ellie, Nala, and Max because those are friendly names we hear a lot. Then, for fancier names, we chose Sultan, Maharani, and Kavi – those sound like names for special elephants in a royal family. And lastly, for particular names, we went with Jumbo Joy, Tuskington, and Seraphina – names that make each elephant feel really unique and special. We shared these names with our class to show how we can think of all kinds of names for our favorite animals!

Paragraph 2:

I absolutely just adore elephants. These majestic creatures exhibit incredible intelligence, emotional depth, and a strong sense of family. I’m always fascinated by observing their gentle nature and their close bonds within their herds. Their massive yet graceful presence, along with their distinct features like the trunk and large ears, adds to their charm. I appreciate how they display a range of emotions, from playfulness to deep mourning.

Discussing in pairs: My partner and I came up with three names for our beloved elephants. For the everyday category, we chose Ellie, Nala, and Max, as these names are commonly used and easy to remember. Moving on to the fancier category, we opted for regal names like Sultan, Maharani, and Kavi, which sound elegant and sophisticated. Finally, for the particular category, we selected unique names such as Jumbo Joy, Tuskington, and Seraphina – names that would highlight the individuality and special qualities of each elephant. Sharing these names with the class, we hoped to convey the diverse range of names one could choose for these magnificent animals, reflecting both their common and extraordinary characteristics.

Sample 3. Paragraph on Dogs

I absolutely adore dogs, and one of my favorite animals is a Golden Retriever. Golden Retrievers are known for their friendly and gentle nature. They make excellent companions with their loyalty and affectionate behavior. Their beautiful golden coats and expressive eyes add to their charm. In pairs, we discussed the different categories of names mentioned by the poet for cats. For the family-use daily names, we came up with Buddy, Daisy, and Max – names that are friendly and commonly used. For the fancier names, we thought of Apollo, Seraphina, and Reginald – names that sound elegant and sophisticated. Lastly, for the particular names, we decided on Sunnybeam, Whisper, and Starflame – unique names that reflect the individuality of a Golden Retriever. Sharing these names with the class sparked creative discussions and allowed us to appreciate the various aspects of naming our beloved pets.

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