Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat Summary, Explanation, Theme | ICSE Class 9 English Poem

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Skimbleshanks The Railway Cat Summary

 

ICSE Class 9 English Poem Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat Summary, Line by Line Explanation, Theme, Poetic Devices along with difficult word meanings from Treasure Chest Book

 

Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat – Are you looking for Theme, Summary and Poem Explanation for ICSE Class 9 English Poem Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat from Treasure Chest (A Collection of ICSE Poems and Short Stories) book. Get Summary, Theme, Explantion, Poetic Devices along with difficult word meanings.

 

Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat ICSE Class 9 English 

By T.S. Eliot

Introduction to Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat

“Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat” by T.S. Eliot is a poem from Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats. 

“Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat” is a lighthearted and playful poem that celebrates the world of cats and their unique personalities. Skimbleshanks is a cat who lives and works on a Night Mail train. The cat takes his job seriously and ensures the smooth running of the train, showcasing the value everyday actions can have. 

Trivia – T.S. Eliot was a ‘cat man’. He owned many during his life and fondly gave them unusual names like Skimbleshanks, Jennyanydots, Growltiger, Gilbert, Rum Tum Tugger, Macavity, Gus etc. He wrote many cat poems describing the personality of cats and their human counterparts.
 

 

See Video of Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat

Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat Summary

 

At a Glance

  • Everyone onboard the Night Mail is looking for Skimble without whom the train cannot depart.
  • Skimble appears and the train starts moving towards the North. 
  • Skimble supervises everyone by patrolling the entire train.
  • Skimble ensures a comfortable journey for all the passengers. 
  • Skimble ensures that the cabins are neat and clean and that every passenger gets his morning tea as per his taste.
  • Skimble is always fresh and alert during his night watch as he drinks his tea.
  • At every station he walks up and down to check that all is well.
  • When the train enters Gallowgate he is there to help passengers get off the train.
  • Skimbleshanks, with a wave of his tail, waves goodbye to passengers of the Midnight Mail.

 

Detailed Summary of Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat

 

The poem starts with a frantic scene at 11:39 pm. The Night Mail is ready to leave, but there’s a problem – Skimbleshanks is missing. Everyone is searching for him, worried that the train can’t depart without him. The tension builds as the signal for departure is about to change, and the passengers are getting restless. Finally, at 11:42, Skimbleshanks appears! He seems relaxed, having been busy in the luggage van, but his presence solves the problem and allows the train to leave.

 

With a single flash of his eyes, Skimbleshanks communicates that everything is alright. This mysterious gesture leads to the train moving. The poem playfully portrays Skimbleshanks as someone in charge, overseeing everyone on the train, from the driver and guards to even the passengers.

Skimbleshanks patrols the train, keeping an eye on both first and third-class passengers. His presence ensures a sense of order and discourages any improper behaviour. The poem suggests Skimbleshanks is watchful and disapproves of excessive fun. Passengers remain quiet when he’s around, knowing he doesn’t tolerate pranks.

 

Skimbleshanks’ has an important role in ensuring a smooth train journey. With him on board, “nothing goes wrong” on the Night Mail.

 

The passengers feel pleasant finding their own designated compartment (“den”) with their name on the door. The train is neat and clean with newly folded sheets and a dust-free floor. The compartment offers customizable lighting, make it dark or bright. Even a small washbasin is there for passengers. A guard politely inquires about the passenger’s tea preference and Skimble will oversee that the guard meets all the requirements. 

 

Skimbleshanks, the “Railway Cat.”  keeps the train free of mice, adding another layer of comfort to the journey for the passengers. Despite the passengers sleeping soundly, Skimbleshanks stays alert, indulging in a quick cup of tea while keeping watch. He makes stops at various stations like Crewe and Carlisle, unseen by passengers, and even interacts with the stationmaster. Finally, at Dumfries, he chats with the police. 

 

The poem ends with Skimbleshanks bidding farewell to a passenger at Gallowgate, promising to see them again on the “Midnight Mail,” solidifying his role as the ever-present guardian of the night train.

Poem Explanation

Poem:

There’s a whisper down the line at 11.39

When the Night Mail’s ready to depart,

Saying “Skimble where is Skimble has he gone to hunt the thimble?

We must find him or the train can’t start.”

 

Word Meaning:

whisper: murmur

thimble: a small pitted cup worn on the finger that protects it from being pricked or poked by a needle while sewing.   

 

Explanation:

The first stanza tells us something important is about to happen. The train, called the Night Mail, is all set to leave but Skimble, who seems to be an important person, is missing. The train literally cannot depart without him.

The question “has he gone to hunt the thimble?” is a humorous way of expressing concern.  A thimble is a small sewing tool, unlikely to be something Skimble would be looking for, so it hints that he might be distracted or simply not where he should be. 

 

Poem:

All the guards and all the porters and the stationmaster’s daughters

They are searching high and low,

Saying “Skimble where is Skimble for unless he’s very nimble

Then the Night Mail just can’t go.”

 

Word Meaning

high and low: at all places

nimble: moving with ease; agile

 

Explanation:

A large number of people involved in the search:

  • Guards: They are responsible for the safety and security of the train.
  • Porters: They help passengers with luggage and boarding.
  • Stationmaster’s daughters: This detail suggests everyone available is coming forward to help find Skimbleshanks.

They are looking everywhere they can think of to find Skimble as Skimble’s absence is a major obstacle to the train’s departure. The night mail cannot travel unless Skimble is moving in it.

 

Poem:

At 11.42 then the signal’s nearly due

And the passengers are frantic to a man –

Then Skimble will appear and he’ll saunter to the rear:

He’s been busy in the luggage van!

 

Word Meaning:

frantic: quite restless

saunter: walk in a slow, relaxed way

the rear: backside

 

Explanation:

At 11.42 the railway signal is due to which everybody is worried and restless. “To a man” is an idiom meaning “including everyone” (in this case, all the passengers). 

Then, Skimbleshanks appeared just in time and walked to the back of the train. He had been occupied with a task at the luggage van.

 

Poem:

He gives one flash of his glass-green eyes

And the signal goes “All Clear!”

And we’re off at last for the northern part

Of the Northern Hemisphere!

 

Explanation:

With a simple action, Skimbleshanks ensures the train’s departure on time. The flash could be Skimbleshanks’ way of signifying that whatever he was doing in the luggage van is complete. “All Clear!” indicates the signal has changed, now allowing the train to proceed. The delay is over and the train is finally moving. The train is set to travel a vast distance, to the northernmost part of the Northern Hemisphere.

 

Poem:

You may say that by and large it is Skimble who’s in charge

Of the Sleeping Car Express.

From the driver and the guards to the bagmen playing cards

He will supervise them all, more or less.

Down the corridor he paces and examines all the faces

Of the travellers in the First and the Third;

He establishes control by a regular patrol

And he’d know at once if anything occurred.

 

Word Meaning:

patrol: act of going around an area to see if everything is fine

 

Explanation:

Skimbleshanks holds a position of authority. It’s not an official position but a generally accepted fact. Skimbleshanks supervises and keeps an eye on the driver, guards and bagmen. 

“Sleeping Car Express” implies a luxurious train with compartments for passengers to sleep, hinting at a comfortable and smooth journey. Skimbleshanks is vigilant and patrols around and also observes the passengers in all the compartments.

Skimbleshanks has an almost supernatural awareness of everything happening on the train.

 

Poem:

He will watch you without winking and he sees what you are thinking

And it’s certain that he doesn’t approve

Of hilarity and riot, so the folk are very quiet

When Skimble is about and on the move.

You can play no pranks with Skimbleshanks!

He’s a Cat that cannot be ignored;

So nothing goes wrong on the Northern Mail

When Skimbleshanks is aboard.

 

Word Meaning:

folk: here, folk refers to people aboard the train

hilarity: amusement involving noisy laughter

riot: unbecoming behaviour /chaos

pranks: tricks

 

Explanation:

Skimbleshanks is very serious about his work. He stares intently at everyone and he can read minds as well. Everyone is quiet when Skimbleshanks is on his rounds because he does not accept tricky behaviour. Nobody dares to play pranks on him. Due to the watchful nature of Skimbleshanks, nothing could go wrong on the train when he is aboard. 

 

Poem:

Oh, it’s very pleasant when you have found your little den

With your name written up on the door.

And the berth is very neat with a newly folded sheet

And there’s not a speck of dust on the floor.

There is every sort of light-you can make it dark or bright;

There’s a handle that you turn to make a breeze.

There’s a funny little basin you’re supposed to wash your face in

And a crank to shut the window if you sneeze.

 

Word Meaning:

den: small cabin

berth: a seat to sleep

speck: a tiny spot

crank: a bar and handle in the shape of I that you can pull or turn

 

Explanation:

This stanza focuses on the passenger’s experience and the comfort provided by the train compartment. 

It is an absolute pleasure for the passengers to enter the train compartment bearing their name. The berth is neat with a freshly folded clean sheet. 

The train has all kinds of facilities- a handle to open the window to let the air in, a basin to wash your face and a handle to shut the window if you find the breeze too cold that makes you sneeze.

 

A vivid picture of a well-appointed and comfortable train compartment is painted by details like personalized names, clean bedding, adjustable lighting highlights the luxurious nature of the Sleeping Car Express.

 

Poem:

Then the guard looks in politely and will ask you very brightly

“Do you like your morning tea weak or strong?”

But Skimble’s just behind him and was ready to remind him,

For Skimble won’t let anything go wrong.

And when you creep into your cosy berth

And pull up the counterpane,

You ought to reflect that it’s very nice

To know that you won’t be bothered by mice –

You can leave all that to the Railway Cat,

The Cat of the Railway Train! 

 

Word Meaning:

brightly: cheerfully

creep into: move softly

cosy: comfortable

reflect: think

bothered: troubled

counterpane: a bedspread

 

Explanation:

When passengers were settling in, a guard would come to ask how they would like their morning tea- weak or strong. Skimble would be right behind the guard to ensure that he gets the passengers morning tea as per their liking because if the guard forgets, Skimble could remind him.

As passengers pull off the bedspread to sleep in their cosy berth, they can be assured that there would be no mice under their bed, all thanks to the railway cat. Thus with Skimble around, nothing could go wrong. 

 

Overall, the stanza emphasizes passenger comfort and subtly connects it to Skimbleshanks’ presence. The humor lies in his self-importance and the implication that even small details like tea service fall under his watchful eye. The readers have a sense of security and appreciation for Skimbleshanks’ unique role on the train.

 

Poem:

In the watches of the night he is always fresh and bright;

Every now and then he has a cup of tea

With perhaps a drop of Scotch while he’s keeping on the watch,

Only stopping here and there to catch a flea.

You were fast asleep at Crewe and so you never knew

That he was walking up and down the station;

You were sleeping all the while he was busy at Carlisle,

Where he greets the stationmaster with elation.

But you saw him at Dumfries, where he speaks to the police

 

Word Meaning:

flea: a blood-sucking insect

elation: excited cheerfulness

 

Explanation:

This stanza portrays Skimbleshanks’ dedication and tireless work ethic throughout the night, using some interesting imagery and humor.

Skimble is alert and fresh. This is because he has tea, possibly with a shot of alcohol. He only stops to catch a stray flea on the train. 

While all passengers on board are fast asleep, Skimble inspects the station at Crewe, happily greets the stationmaster at Carlisle and inquiries after policemen at Dumfries. 

 

Overall, the stanza paints a picture of Skimbleshanks as a dedicated and vigilant protector. He remains alert and active throughout the night, taking small breaks for refreshments and personal needs. The contrast between the passengers’ sleep and his activity emphasises his unseen contribution to the smooth running of the train journey.

 

Poem:

If there’s anything they ought to know about:

When you get to Gallowgate there you do not have to wait –

For Skimbleshanks will help you to get out!

He gives you a wave of his long brown tail

Which says: “I’ll see you again!

You’ll meet without fail on the Midnight Mail

The Cat of the Railway Train.” 

 

Word Meaning:

wave: movement to say or suggest something

 

Explanation:

When the train finally stops at Gallowgate, Skimble helps the passengers to get off the train. He waves his long brown tail to bid farewell to the passengers. His tail appears to say till we meet again and you are sure to meet the railway cat aboard the Midnight Mail on your next journey. 

 

Overall, this stanza creates a sense of a bond or connection between Skimbleshanks and the passenger. It leaves the reader with a positive and memorable impression of the cat and his role on the train. The poem ends by emphasizing the cyclical nature of the journey and the possibility of future encounters with Skimbleshanks, the ever-present guardian of the Midnight Mail.
 

 

Title Analysis of the Poem Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat

The title effectively introduces the poem’s main character and establishes the backdrop of the cat being a railway cat. Skimbleshanks is an unusual name for a cat and the image of a “railway cat” invites the reader to approach the poem with a sense of wonder and amusement.

 

By placing Skimbleshanks’ name first, the title emphasizes his importance as the central character. The title clarifies that the poem is about a cat named Skimbleshanks and its connection to the railway. It sets the stage for a story that unfolds within the world of trains and travel.

Hence, the title of the poem is apt. 

 

 

Theme of  Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat

 

  1. Perfectionism 

Skimbleshanks is a perfectionist who deeply cares for every passenger’s railway experience. He arrives at the scene just in time so that the train leaves on schedule. He supervises everyone on-board and ensures there is peace and quiet on the train so that the passengers can sleep well. He ensures the experience is perfect with 

..the berth is very neat with a newly folded sheet

And there’s not a speck of dust on the floor.

 

Skimbleshanks is such a perfectionist that he can judge the thoughts and needs of the passengers just by looking at their faces. He does not differentiate between the passengers travelling in the first class and the third class compartment. 

Nothing is hidden from the railway cat, Skimbleshanks.

 

  1. Duty and Responsibility

Skimbleshanks, the railway cat, takes his job very seriously. The poem highlights the importance of dedication and finding pride in fulfilling one’s responsibilities. Skimbleshanks’ dedication and efficiency make him a vital part of the train’s operation.

 

  1. Figure of Authority

Skimbleshanks stands for an authority figure, who plays a very important role in the smooth functioning of the train. He is kind and benevolent and demands respect. He appears just in time and then the train’s signal turns green. It then heads north. Being an authority figure he influences all the railway men. 

 

From the driver and the guards to the bagmen playing cards

He will supervise them all, more or less

 

The authority figure needs to be aware at all times. He examines the faces of all passengers irrespective of the compartment class they travel in. He is so sharp that he knows what all someone is thinking just by looking at the face.

Skimbleshanks checks the stations and collects news from the stationmaster and policemen while all the passengers are fast asleep. Everyone can sleep peacefully with the assurance that the authority figure is taking care of everything. 

 

  1. Train Journey

The train is a night train from London to Scotland across the length of Britain. Skimbleshanks’ ensures a comfortable train journey for all passengers. 

The compartments in the train are neat and clean. Compartments have lights that could be made dim or bright. The cabin has a fan, a washbasin and a window handle to open and shut the window close. The guards are polite and inquire about passenger’s preference for tea. 

The passengers have a good night’s sleep and when the destination arrives, Skimbleshanks ensures that all passengers get off the train with ease and promises another luxurious journey when the passenger takes this train again.

 

For Skimbleshanks will help you get out!

He gives you a wave of his long brown tail
 

 

Setting of the Poem  Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat

 

Skimbleshanks is described as “The Railway Cat”, who lives on the Night Mail, an overnight express train that travels on the British West Coast Main Line between London Euston and Glasgow Central (Scotland). There are references in the poem of a number of stations of England and Scotland like Crewe, Carlisle, Dumfries and Gallowgate that establish the setting as 20th century England. 

The poem begins at a station at 11.39 at night when the train is about to depart but cannot do so without Skimbleshanks. Finally, the train leaves the station at 11.42 when Skimbleshanks appears from the luggage van. 

There are a number of words related to a train journey like Night Mail, Sleeping Car Express, the station-master, the first and third class, the Northern mail, cosy berth etc. Besides, the facilities provided in the train to make the journey pleasant and safe for the passengers, immediately connect the readers and they imagine that they themselves are a part of the train journey. 
 

 

Narration Style of  Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat

 

The poem is a narrative poem, because it tells a story. It is also a descriptive poem as it describes the main character, Skimbleshanks. 

The poem is narrated in third person. Although it is not possible to identify who the speaker is, it may be a passenger who often travels by Midnight Mail since he knows exactly how the passengers are treated onboard the train and what Skimbleshanks does throughout the journey. 

 

“So nothing goes wrong on the Northern Mail

When Skimbleshanks is aboard.”

 

Besides, the narrative has successfully portrayed a comfortable journey at night that the passengers experience while aboard a Night Mail train. There is no noise or disturbance at all. 

 

Rhyme Scheme

The rhyming pattern used in the poem is ABCBDEFE.

 

There’s a whisper down the line at 11.39

When the Night Mail’s ready to depart,

Saying “Skimble where is Skimble has he gone to hunt the thimble?

We must find him or the train can’t start.”

All the guards and all the porters and the stationmaster’s daughters

They are searching high and low,

Saying “Skimble where is Skimble for unless he’s very nimble

Then the Night Mail just can’t go.”

At 11.42 then the signal’s nearly due

And the passengers are frantic to a man –

Then Skimble will appear and he’ll saunter to the rear:

He’s been busy in the luggage van!

 

Rhythm 

The poet doesn’t only use rhyme at the end of lines, but he also uses internal rhyme in every alternate line. For example-

 

  • Skimble and nimble
  • Appear and near
  • Guards and cards
  • Paces and faces
  • Winking and thinking 
  • Riot and quiet
  • Light and bright

 

Foreshadowing: The line “You’ll meet without fail on the Midnight Mail” foreshadows Skimbleshanks’ continued presence in the reader’s future journeys.
 

 

Poetic Devices in  Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat

 

  1. Alliteration – the repetition of a consonant sound at the start of closely placed words.

 

“He will watch you without winking and he sees what you are thinking”

“Saying “Skimble where is Skimble for unless he’s very nimble”

 

  1. Imagery

It refers to the words and phrases used to help the reader form images that focus on their sense of smell, touch, sight, hearing and taste.

 

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!”

 

  1. Hyperbole

Hyperbole refers to 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. This is an exaggeration and implies that the train goes to the northernmost part of Britain. 

 

  1. Metaphor

 “In the watches of the night he is always fresh and bright” uses a metaphor to describe Skimbleshanks’ alertness throughout the night.

 

  1. Personification

To personify is to give an animal or inanimate object human traits. 

In the poem, Skimbleshanks is described as a human being. He is 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.

 

Skimbleshanks is described with human actions and behaviors again-

“he has a cup of tea

With perhaps a drop of Scotch”

He drinks tea, when he keeps watch, greets the stationmaster, and speaks to the police. This makes him seem more important and in charge.

 

 

Related Link : ICSE Class 9 English Language and Literature Syllabus 2024-25

 

Also See  : 

ICSE Class 9 English Summary

 

ICSE Class 9 English Important Question Answers

 

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