SKIMBLESHANKS: THE RAILWAY CAT

T.S. Eliot was an American-English poet, playwright, literary critic, and editor who was a leader of
the Modernist movement in poetry in such works as The Waste Land (1922) and Four Quartets
(1943). From a very young age he was interested in literature and wrote his first poem at the age of
14. His experiments in diction, style, and versification revitalized English poetry. He expressed his
ideas and feelings in a language that is devoid of all superfluous ornamentation and is capable of
conveying the bewildering and terrifying aspects of modern life. The essential characteristics of his
poetry are acute observation, the extensive use of metaphor and ironic structure. These give us a
“green signal” to understand his poem ‘Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat’ even better.
About the poem:
Eliot wrote the cat poems in the 1930s and included them, under his assumed name “Old Possum”, in
letters to his godchildren. Eliot loved cats and owned many during his life. He was fond of giving
them Peculiar names such as Jellylorum, Pettipaws, Wiscas and George Pushdragon.
Skimbleshanks is a character in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s 1981 musical Cats, which is based on
Eliot’s book. The character is portrait as a bright and energetic orange tabby cat who lives and works
on the Night Mails. It’s a beloved poem that has been adapted into several stage productions,
including the popular musical Cats.
Summary
“Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat” is a poem by T.S. Eliot that was published in his book “Old
Possum’s Book of Practical Cats.” It tells the story of Skimbleshanks, a ginger tabby cat who works
on a train as a kind of inspector and supervisor, making sure everything runs smoothly.
The Night Mail is ready to leave the station but it cannot because the supervisor of the train is not
available. Skimbleshanks is missing. When we question who this person is, we come to know that this
is a tabby cat who was late because he was busy in the luggage van. Only after that, the signal could
go “All clear”. The train is set for North.
Skimble supervises everything on the train and everyone from the third-class passengers to the first -
class passengers. His regular patrol eradicates all possibilities of fights or laughter and allows every
passenger to have a cosy sleep free from the trouble of rats. Now and then he is spotted drinking a cup
of tea or Scotch but always alert and agile.
The train passes different stations, crosses England and finally reaches Scotland where the passengers
are ready to set out. Throughout the journey the cat provides them comfort of morning tea, good night
sleep and a comfortable drop at the station. Finally, Skimbleshanks waves a goodbye to the fellow
passengers after the journey is over wishing to see them again on their next journey on the Midnight
mail as the cat was an integral part of the journey and would never be absent from the Sleeping Car
Express.
TEXT LINE WISE EXPLANATION

There’s a whisper down the line at

People start asking about Skimble when it is 11.39pm
11.39

When the Night Mail’s ready to depart, The night mail is ready to leave

Saying “Skimble where is Skimble has Everybody asks ” where has Skimble gone? Has he gone to find his thimble?”
he gone to hunt the thimble? Thimble: a metal/plastic cap to protect the finger while sewing

We must find him or the train can’t

Without Skimble, the train cannot start.
start.”

All the guards and all the porters and the Everybody start searching Skimble – the guards, the goods carriers, the
stationmaster’s daughters stationmaster’s daughters.

They are searching high and low, Every place was searched thoroughly.

Saying “Skimble where is Skimble for

Everyone said that Skimble has to be very nimble or agile/fast
unless he’s very nimble

Then the Night Mail just can’t go.” or else the train will be delayed!

At 11.42 then the signal’s nearly due Already it is 11:42 and a few minutes more would mean the train is delayed

And the passengers are frantic to a man Now the passengers know that without Skimble, the green signal won’t be given. So
— they are restless and mad. They create a lot of commotion together.

Then Skimble will appear and he’ll Then finally, Skimble will appear and in a very relaxed manner, move to the rear side
saunter to the rear: of the train

He’s been busy in the luggage van! He was working in the luggage van for so long!!

He gives one flash of his glass-green His glass green eyes itself serves as a signal for the train.
eyes Symbol: how important his presence is.

And immediately the signal goes green which means all is clear and the train may
And the signal goes “All Clear!”
move.

And we’re off at last for the northern

Finally we are ready to start our journey to the northern part
part

Of the Northern Hemisphere! Of the northern hemisphere.

You may say that by and large it is

It is clear to all that Skimble is the one who is in-charge of everything on the train
Skimble who’s in charge

Of the Sleeping Car Express. Named Sleeping Car Express

From the driver and the guards to the

Whether it is the driver, the guards or the Bagman (traveling salesmen) playing cards
bagmen playing cards

He will supervise them all, more or less. Skimble supervises everybody.

Down the corridor he paces and From one corridor to the other, he paces up and down and takes a good note of all the
examines all the faces people on the train

Of the travellers in the First and the

He check the travelers in the first class and also in the third class
Third;

He establishes control by a regular He has the train completely under his control by constantly moving up and down the
patrol train keeping a continuous watch on the passengers’ activities

And he’d know at once if anything

He could immediately tell if anything is wrong.
occurred.

He will watch you without winking and

He will look into your eyes without blinking and can read your mind
he sees what you are thinking
 All Important THEMES:
Work and Duty – Skimbleshanks is portrayed as a diligent and dedicated worker who takes his job
on the train very seriously, ensuring that everything runs smoothly. The poem highlights the
importance of work and the role of workers in society.
Diligence and Discipline – Skimbleshanks is disciplined and focused on his job, which is highlighted
through his attention to detail and his ability to manage and coordinate the work of others on the train.
Teamwork and Collaboration – The poem emphasizes the importance of teamwork and
collaboration, as Skimbleshanks works closely with the train crew and passengers to ensure the
smooth running of the train.
Order and Control – The poem highlights the importance of order and control in the running of the
train and suggests that these are essential for a successful and efficient operation.
Dictator: the authoritarian role of the cat is also highlighted to some extent. He supervises everything
that everybody else does. Anything wrong is at once reported for action. This ensures smooth
functioning however it also warns against the outward show of perfect law and order in a dictatorial
regime. Though people enjoy calm and peace, they are not free.
STYLE:
The style of “Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat” can be described as light and whimsical, with a
playful tone that is typical of T.S. Eliot’s poetry. The poem is written in rhyming couplets and
features a regular meter, which gives it a sing-song quality that is easy to read and remember. Eliot
also makes use of vivid imagery and sensory language to bring the world of the train to life, painting a
rich and detailed picture of Skimbleshanks’ daily routines and the various sights, sounds, and smells
of the train.
It is a lyrical narrative of an absurd experience watched by one passenger on that Night Mail.
Although no regular stanzas are maintained, abcd rhyme scheme is followed. Internal rhymes are also
maintained and it somewhat works well with the rhythmic movement of the train and also adding to
the amusing effect of a supervising cat on a Sleeping Car Express. The silly experience of a cat
personified as a human being do evoke in us the image of the Big Brother watching all that one does
and thinks. The diction is quite appropriate to build up the rhythm.
“He establishes control by a regular patrol”
Additionally, the poem includes elements of personification, with Skimbleshanks being portrayed as a
human-like character with a job to do and a sense of purpose. Overall, the style of the poem is both
accessible and engaging, making it a popular choice among readers of all ages.
Important short questions:
1. Who is Skimbleshanks?
2. What is Skimbleshanks’ job on the train?
3. How does Skimbleshanks ensure that everything runs smoothly on the train?
4. What does Skimbleshanks do when the train goes around a curve?
5. What is the theme of the poem?
6. What is the style of the poem?
7. What literary device does T.S. Eliot use to bring Skimbleshanks to life?
8. What is the significance of the poem’s setting on a train?
9. How does the poem explore the idea of teamwork and collaboration?
10. What is the message of the poem?
1. Introduction:
 Title: Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat
 Author: T.S. Eliot
2. Main Points: a. Skimbleshanks's Role and Importance
 Supervisor of the Sleeping Car Express.
 Ensures smooth operation of the train.
  Monitors and supervises the entire train crew.
b. Description of Skimbleshanks
 Sleek, distinguished cat with glass-green eyes.
 Commands respect and exudes authority.
 Observant, vigilant, and attentive.
c. Routine Responsibilities
 Patrols train corridors, inspects compartments.
 Interacts with passengers, addresses concerns.
 Monitors crew performance, ensures adherence to rules.
d. Skimbleshanks's Traits
 Dependable, diligent, dedicated.
 Keen observation skills, proactive approach.
 Ensures safety, comfort, and satisfaction of passengers.
e. Interactions with Passengers and Crew
 Polite, helpful, professional demeanor.
 Addresses passengers' needs promptly.
 Fosters pleasant atmosphere, camaraderie onboard.
Other Activities:
 Tea Preferences: Listens to passengers' preferences for morning tea,
ensuring it's served according to their liking.
 Staying Awake: Takes occasional breaks during the night, having tea with a
drop of Scotch to stay alert while keeping watch over the train's operation
3. City Entry and Route:
 Enters cities against the gradient, facing challenges of hillsides and other
natural elements.
 Negotiates difficult terrains to ensure the train's smooth passage into urban
areas.
 Overcomes obstacles such as steep inclines and winding tracks,
demonstrating skill and determination in navigating the railway route.
4. Encounters with Urban Landscapes:
 Passes by factories and industrial areas, observing the bustling activities of
the city.
 Skimbleshanks navigates through the urban landscape, ensuring the train's
safe passage amidst the hustle and bustle of city life.
Reference to Chessmen:
  The poem metaphorically refers to Skimbleshanks and his role on the train as
if he were a chess piece, strategically positioned to oversee the operation and
ensure everything runs smoothly.
 This imagery highlights Skimbleshanks's importance and control over the
train, akin to a skilled player maneuvering chess pieces on a board.
5. Additional Details:
Interactions with Specific Individuals:
 Stationmaster: Greets with elation at Carlisle.
 Police: Speaks to them at Dumfries, updates them on station matters.
 Passengers: Addresses their needs and concerns, ensures their comfort
throughout the journey.

Places Skimbleshanks Passes Through:

 Crewe: Walks up and down the station while passengers are asleep.
 Carlisle: Greets the stationmaster with elation.
 Dumfries: Speaks to the police, updates them on any relevant information.
 Gallowgate: Helps passengers disembark from the train.

1. Repetition:
 Example: "Saying 'Skimble where is Skimble has he gone to hunt the thimble?'"
2. Personification:
 Example: "He gives one flash of his glass-green eyes"
3. Metaphor:
 Example: "From the driver and the guards to the bagmen playing cards / He will
supervise them all, more or less."
4. Imagery:
 Example: "And the berth is very neat with a newly folded sheet / And there’s not a
speck of dust on the floor."
5. Symbolism:
 Example: Skimbleshanks symbolizes order and control on the train, ensuring
everything runs smoothly.
6. Alliteration:
 Example: "Then Skimble will appear and he’ll saunter to the rear"
7. Assonance:
 Example: "You’ll meet without fail on the Midnight Mail / The Cat of the Railway
Train."
 8. Hyperbole:
 Example: "In the watches of the night he is always fresh and bright."
9. Irony:
 Example: "He greets the stationmaster with elation," where a cat's actions are
described in human terms.
10. Anaphora:
 Example: "At 11.39 then the signal’s nearly due / And the passengers are frantic to a
man—"
11. Epithet:
 Example: "The Cat of the Railway Train" referring to Skimbleshanks.

Q: How is Skimbleshanks the railway cat symbolic of the

totalitarian regimes prevalent in Germany and Italy in the
1930s?
1. Control and Authority: Skimbleshanks is depicted as having strict control over the train,
ensuring order and discipline among the crew and passengers. Similarly, totalitarian regimes
exerted control over all aspects of society, imposing strict regulations and suppressing dissent.
2. Surveillance: Skimbleshanks is portrayed as observant and vigilant, monitoring the train's
activities and passengers' behaviors. Totalitarian regimes employed extensive surveillance to
monitor citizens' activities and suppress opposition.
3. Discipline and Obedience: Skimbleshanks maintains discipline aboard the train, enforcing
rules and ensuring compliance. Totalitarian regimes emphasized obedience to authority and
punished dissent harshly.
4. Efficiency and Organization: Skimbleshanks ensures the smooth operation of the train,
demonstrating efficiency and organization. Totalitarian regimes aimed for efficient
governance and centralized control to achieve their political goals.
5. Symbol of Authority: Skimbleshanks's authoritative presence aboard the train could
symbolize the figurehead of a totalitarian leader, commanding obedience and instilling fear
among subordinates.
6. Allegory of Oppression: Skimbleshanks's role as a supervisor could be interpreted as a
metaphor for the oppressive nature of totalitarian regimes, where individuals are subjected to
strict control and surveillance.