SKIMBLESHANKS: THE RAILWAY CAT

-Thomas Stearns Eliot

PLOT/ SUMMARY

“Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat” is a narrative poem by T.S. Eliot that was published in his book
“Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats.” It tells the story of Skimbleshanks, an extraordinary cat
doing extraordinary acts on the train named ‘Night Mail’. The cat is portrayed as the manager of
the train and has a keen eye for details.
The speaker of the poem is one of the passengers of the train. The Night Mail is ready to leave
the station but it cannot because the Skimbleshanks, the supervisor of the train is missing.
Skimbleshanks is described as a ginger tabby cat with white paws, a charming fellow with a
twinkle in his eyes. People know him for his impeccable manners along with a strict sense of duty.
He is an overseer at the “Night Mail” which is set for North, everything runs efficiently. Everyone
becomes restless as Skimble, the cat is nowhere to be seen. However at exactly 11:42, he appears
walking relaxed signaling the train could go ”All clear”.
The cat is portrayed as the manager of the train and has a keen eye for details. He does not
differentiate between first-class and third-class passengers. He makes sure there is not a speck
of grime on the floor. All the berths are neatly covered with a newly folded sheet. He is always
kind to everybody and keeps everything well-ordered and tidy. Skimbleshanks, who is very
specific, likes everything to be the way it should be; therefore, the train is kept systematized and
the passengers have a happy journey. Thus, they travel on the Night Mail again. His regular patrol
eliminates all likelihoods of fights or mirth allowing every passenger to have a comfortable
slumber. He makes the little stuff, like getting morning tea ready or keeping the mice away, taken
care of. Now and then, he is spotted drinking a cup of tea with a drop of Scotch but always
watchful and agile.
The poet describes how the cat safeguards the railway passengers throughout their journey and
wins back their faith and admiration in this poem. As the train stops by many places like Dumfries,
Carlisle, Crewe and Gallowgate, the poet talks about the various deeds done by the cat. Every
time the train stops at a particular station, Skimble gets down, greets the people-in-charge and

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even exchange talk with the cops. The train passes through different stations, crosses England
and finally reaches Scotland where the passengers are ready to set out.
Throughout the journey, he provides them the comfort of morning tea, good night sleep and a
comfortable drop at the station. Lastly, Skimbleshanks waves a goodbye to the fellow passengers
with his brown tail, after the journey is over; wishing to see them again on their next journey on
this ‘Midnight Mail’. He is a vital part of the journey and so, shall never be absent from the
‘Sleeping Car Express’.

ANALYSIS / CRITICAL ANALYSIS / CRITICAL APPRECIATION:

In the diverse, yet not independent realm of literature, T.S. Eliot stands as an enduring luminary,
renowned for his poetic craftsmanship that weaves together the threads of language, imagery,
and emotion. One of his captivating compositions, “Skimbleshanks,” holds a special position in
the tapestry of his literary canon. Taken from “Old Possum's book of Practical Cats” (1939), a
compilation of modernist non-sense poems in the tradition of Edward Lear, the poem examines
the looming impact of order amidst chaos and how, only through an anthropomorphic lens, can
this hegemonic force be properly examined.
The title itself sets the entire premise of the poem purporting the vast importance which a single
cat has on the entire life and process of the train. In the first paragraph, lines such as "There's a
whisper down the line at 11:39..." and "At the 11:42, the signal's nearly due" serve to express a
sense of rushed urgency and a temporal tension which the poet wants the readers to experience.
The 'frantic search to a man' as well as even the involvement of the "stationmaster's daughters"
in the search for Skimbleshanks can be perceived as the ceaseless search for a voice of authority
amidst chaos, however unlikely the voice might be to fit the ideal requirements. 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 is not just a mere
cat, but also 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

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quashed. Eliot's choice of the claustrophobic train setting also manages to heighten
Skimbleshanks' omnipotence and omniscience. The brief appearances of the stations such as
Carlisle and Dumfries even do not manage to shake off Skimbleshanks as he is also involved and
present there.
Despite its easy-going nature, an observant reader can identify slight allusions to Nazism in the
poem and the never-ending ceaseless sense of being monitored and controlled offers the poem
a depth which can only be termed as subtle.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE TITLE:

First off, Skimbleshanks, the story's hero and a cat connected to the railway, is appropriately
described by the title. This gives readers a vivid idea of what the plot may be about and the part
that Skimbleshanks may perform. The term "Railway Cat," which is an exhilarating and unique
idea, is also included in the title. Potential readers are more likely to be fascinated by the title
itself, since it attracts their attention and piques their inquisitiveness. The title also gives a
humorous and whimsical feel to it while the mention of a cat and the use of the name
"Skimbleshanks" lend charm and originality to it.
Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat written by T.S.Eliot is a narrative poem that tells us about
Skimbleshanks, an extraordinary cat who maintains discipline on the train named ‘Night Mail’ by
exerting his authority. The cat is portrayed as the manager of the train. Through the title itself,
Eliot describes the importance and significance of his presence who turns out to be one of the
most important passengers in the railway. From the very first, the poet tells that the train cannot
begin its journey until Skimble arrives. Skimble has a keen eye for details and does not
differentiate between first-class and third-class passengers. He makes sure there is not a speck
of dust on the floor. It is he who gives the ‘green signal’ for the journey. He takes up multiple
roles- supervisor, stationmaster’s friend, and even a patrolling police officer. He keeps a watchful
eye on everyone to ensure a peaceful environment in the mail. Despite his imposing nature, he
is always kind to everybody and even wins back the passenger’s trust and respect at the end
when they travel on the train again.
The title also hints at the political situation prevalent in Europe at the time of writing of this
poem. The cat acts as a symbol for the autocrat – “He will watch everywhere in the train and he
sees what you are thinking.” It offers the image of a ubiquitous, omniscient figure who watches
everything evocative of a surveillance state. Skimble’s controlling nature, constant vigilance over
the crew and passengers and maintenance of order and discipline remind one of a dictatorial
figure or the strict Big Brother who overseers everything in an authoritarian way. The passengers
and crew are also very quiet; there’s no merriment or disturbance around which points towards

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the environment where freedom and joy are stifled in favour of order and discipline. The speaker
here, representative of all the travelers on the train, feels content and complacent on finding
everything in order.
To conclude, the cat of the Railway Train is an amusing creature who is quite responsible, duty-
conscious and respectful, despite his dubious role in controlling everyone.

THEMES:

Anthropomorphism as a Tool of Power--

T.S. Eliot has employed the device of anthropomorphism in his work “Old Possum's Book of
Practical Cats” (1939) from where the poem 'Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat' has been
sampled from. Anthropomorphism refers to the attribution of human characteristics or
behaviour to a god, animal, or object. Therefore, in the poem Skimbleshanks or the railway cat
has been humanized and shown to be a domineering overlord of the train. Through his physical
dissimilarity, the readers are aware that he is different from others, thereby subtly making his
status removed from the rest of the train crew further adding to the position of authority he
commands.
Lines like "He will supervise them all, more or less." and "He's a Cat that cannot be ignored;"
further put forth the notion that the authority which Skimbleshanks wields cannot be ignored
nor scoffed at; besides at the same time reinforcing the fact that he is, after all, a cat.
"There's a whisper down the line at 11.39 When the Night Mail's ready to depart..." serve to
express a sense of rushed urgency and a temporal tension which the poet wants the readers to
experience. The 'frantic search to a man' as well as even the involvement of the
"stationmaster's daughters" in the search for Skimbleshanks can be perceived as the ceaseless
search for a voice of authority amidst chaos, however unlikely the voice might be to fit the ideal
requirements. 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 is not just a mere cat, but also 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.

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The notion that "You can play no pranks with Skimbleshanks!" and that he's a "Cat that cannot
be ignored" reinforces his dominance.

Theme of Absolute Control-

The poem represents the notions of absolute control and lordship over one's territory with the
character of Skimbleshanks. He is the true overseer and overlord of the night mail which does
not even leave without his say. He has the final say in all the operations of the train and it is
only with his go-ahead that the night mail can even depart. Skimbleshanks' hands-on
involvement ensures smooth functioning however it also warns against the outward show of
perfect law and order in a dictatorial regime. Though people enjoy the calm and peace, they are
not free.

Skimbleshanks' omnipresence-
From the very onset of the poem, the eponymous Skimbleshanks emerges as almost an
unnerving supernatural force of observation and omnipresence. His absence is regarded as an
unnatural matter as all search every nook and cranny for him, including the stationmaster's
daughter:
“All the guards and all the porters and the stationmaster's daughters
They are searching high and low..."
He makes the little stuff, like getting morning tea ready or keeping the mice away, taken care
of. Now and then, he is spotted drinking a cup of tea with a drop of Scotch but always watchful
and agile. The passengers and crew are also very quiet; there’s no merriment or disturbance
around which points towards the environment where freedom and joy are stifled in favour of
order and discipline.
Skimbleshanks' eerie presence at Crewe, Carlisle and Dumfries denotes that he is, in fact,
present in every station that the train stops and examines and patrols the Night Mail further
heightening the notion that Skimbleshanks is not merely a railway cat but the true hegemon of
the wheels ; omniscient, omnipresent and omnipotent.
The cat acts as a symbol for the autocrat – “He will watch everywhere in the train and he sees
what you are thinking.” It offers the image of a ubiquitous, omniscient figure who watches
everything evocative of a surveillance state. Skimble’s controlling nature, constant vigilance
over the crew and passengers and maintenance of order and discipline remind one of a
dictatorial figure or the strict Big Brother who overseers everything in an authoritarian way.

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FIGURES OF SPEECH:

Alliteration-
Alliteration is the repetition of an initial consonant sound in words that are in close proximity to
each other. The poet uses these words that start with the same sound to create a rhythmic effect.
“He will watch you without winking and he sees what you are thinking” and “Saying Skimble
where is Skimble for unless he’s very nimble” are alliterations used in the poem.

Imagery-
Imagery can be defined as a speaker's use of words to create a vivid mental picture or physical
sensation. It represents objects, actions and ideas in such a way that it appeals to our physical
senses.
The poem provides vivid details through descriptive language “newly folded sheet” creating a
sense of comfort and cleanliness: “And the berth is very neat with a newly folded sheet / And
there’s not a speck of dust on the floor.”
Another visual imagery in the poem is when Skimbleshanks’ eyes are described as green like the
green signal of the train. He flashes his eyes and the signal mimics the colour of his eyes.
“He gives one flash of his glass-green eyes
And the signal goes “All Clear!”

Hyperbole-
A hyperbole is a rhetorical device that is mainly used to make something look and sound a lot
better than it actually is. In other words, it can be said to be a form of exaggeration.
“And we’re off at last for the northern part
Of the Northern Hemisphere!”
The northern part of the Northern Hemisphere is the North Pole. Eliot uses exaggeration to imply
that the train goes to the northernmost part of Britain.

Metaphor-
A metaphor is a figure of speech that directly refers to one thing by mentioning another. It may
provide clear or hidden similarities between two different ideas.
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 “In the watches of the night he is always fresh and bright” uses a metaphor to describe
Skimbleshanks’ alertness throughout the night.

Personification-
Personification is a figure of speech that is used to attribute human characteristics to
something that is not human. It can also be used to personify an abstract quality.
In the poem, Skimbleshanks is described as a human being. He has been depicted as a figure of
great importance in the train’s operation. Skimbleshanks is shown “greeting the stationmaster”
and “speaking to the police,” giving him human-like qualities that showcase his role as an
unofficial guardian.
“Where he greets the stationmaster with elation.
But you saw him at Dumfries, where he speaks to the police”
When the guard asks the passengers about his preference of tea, but Skimble’s just behind him
and was ready to remind him so that the guard does not forget the passenger’s preference and
the passengers have a good travel experience without any interference. Skimble is shown with
human actions and behaviors like drinking tea, keeping watch, greeting the stationmaster and
even speaking to the police. This makes him seem more important and in charge.

EXTRA QUESTIONS:

➢ What does the ‘little den’ signify? How is it made cozy?

The ‘little den’ signifies individual sleeping berths allotted to the travelers to help them
travel comfortably throughout the night.
The den is made comfortable for the commuters by keeping the berth spick-and-span
every day with newly folded sheets. There is never a speck of dust found on the floors
with every sort of light, light or dark, beside the bed.

➢ What impression do you form of Skimble?

Skimble showcases as a cat who is dutiful and unswerving towards his work. He knows
how to make people around him pleased be it his passengers or on-the-go people like
policeman. He gets down the train and never forgets to greet anyone. He is considerate,
caring and wary of his customers’ needs and comforts and never leaves any chance to
criticize.

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➢ How do you view the cat’s last gesture of the ‘Cat of the Railway Train’? Is it benevolent
or sinister?

Though Skimble’s waving goodbye seems like a benevolent gesture, it also subtly
underscores his position of authority and control over the train’s world that the
passengers inhabit during the journey.