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Explain the following line with reference to the context. He always has an alibi, and one or two to spare - English

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प्रश्न

Explain the following line with reference to the context.

He always has an alibi, and one or two to spare

थोडक्यात उत्तर
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उत्तर

  • Reference: These words are from the poem, “ Macavity – the mystery cat” written by T.S. Eliot.
  • Context: The poet says these words while describing the deceitful and clever nature of Macavity.
  • Explanation: Macavity breaks the laws of the land regularly. But gets away before the long arm. of the law reaches the spot of crime. He always has an alibi (one or more to spare) to escape from being caught. This proves his cleverness.
  • Comment: The wit of Macavity needs high commendation.
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Poem (Class 11th)
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पाठ 4.2: Macavity - The Mystery Cat - Exercises [पृष्ठ १३०]

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सामाचीर कलवी English Class 11 TN Board
पाठ 4.2 Macavity - The Mystery Cat
Exercises | Q E. v. | पृष्ठ १३०

संबंधित प्रश्‍न

Mention the qualities the child in the poem symbolises.


Fill in the blanks choosing the words from the box given and complete the summary of the poem:

The poet Okara in this narrative monologue painfully condemns the (a)______ displayed by adults, both in their words and actions. Here, a father laments to his son about the negative changes that creep into the attitude and behaviour of humans, when they grow into (b)______. He says that people used to be (c)______ when they laugh and the honesty would be reflected in their eyes. But, people of modern times laugh (d)______. Their handshakes used to be warm and happy conveying a sense of togetherness, but nowadays the handshakes have become a mere (e)______. He warns his son that people are not trust-worthy and have become so selfish that they are concerned only about their own (f)______benefits. People utter words of welcome and exchange (g)______, but those words come only from the tip of their tongues and not from the depth of their hearts. Humans have learnt the art of changing their (h)______ expressions according to situations merely to ensure social acceptance. They wear(i)______ and exhibit multiple faces. The narrator admits that he has also changed into a hypocrite. However, he tells his son that though he (j)______ his expressions, he does all these against his will. He says he wants to become a (k)______ again and laugh genuinely. He wants to (l)______ the unreal things and (m)______how to laugh as he had done once upon a time. When he laughs before the (n)______, he sees no expression. His teeth are bare like that of the (o)______of a snake. So, he asks his son to show him how to laugh the way he used to laugh when he was a kid like him.

relearn adults facial
personal fangs child
fakes superficially duplicity
genuine unlearn falsity
masks mirror pleasantries

Interpret each of the following expression used in the poem, in one or two line.

hands search my empty pockets


Interpret each of the following expression used in the poem, in one or two line.

to unlearn all these muting things


Explain the following line with reference to the context.

I have learned to wear my faces Like dresses …


Why does the poet feel glad that he does not play any game?


Underline the alliterated word in the following line.

For this most modest physiques…


Find out the rhyme scheme of the given stanza.

One infant grows up and becomes a jockey

Another plays basketball or hockey

This one the prize ring hates to enter

That one becomes a tackle or center…


Read the lines given below and answer the question that follow.

If this belief from heaven be sent,

If such be Nature’s holy plan.

  1. What does ‘heaven’ refer to?
  2. Why does the poet call it ‘holy’?

Read the following line and identify the figure of speech used in each extract.

To her fair works did Nature link

The human soul that through me ran.


Read the following line and identify the figure of speech used in each extract.

What Man has made of Man?


The poet experiences sadness because ______.


The poem speaks of ______.


Read the poem once again and complete the summary using the words given in the box.

‘Macavity – The Mystery Cat’ is a humorous poem, where the poet T.S. Eliot describes the mysterious (a) _______of a shrewd vile cat. He commits a crime at every possible opportunity. He is an elusive master (b)______who leaves no evidence after he commits a crime. Even the Scotland Yard, the London (c) ______ agency is unable to arrest him. The Flying Squad is (d) ______ because every time they rush to the crime spot to seize Macavity, he is not there. He breaks the human law as well as the law of (e) ______. He baffles even a (f) ______ with his powers of levitation. Macavity appears tall and thin with (g)______ eyes. He is always preoccupied with some serious (h) ______. His coat is dusty and his (i)______are unkempt. Macavity is a (j) ______in the guise of a cat. He appears to be outwardly (k) ______ but his actions disprove it. Macavity loots the (l)______, ransacks the jewel-case, and breaks the (m)______glass but wonder of wonders he is not to be found anywhere there. He is always a mile away from the scene of crime, happily relaxing or doing difficult (n) ______ sums. He is clever at making up an (o) ______every time he plots a crime. All the notorious cats are nothing but the (p) ______Macavity, the Napoleon of Crime.

larder whiskers
respectable criminal
devil thought
sunken division
agents detective
alibi desperate
fakir qualities
gravity greenhouse

Read the given lines and answer the question that follow.

Macavity’s a Mystery Cat: he’s called the Hidden Paw…

  1. Does the poet talk about a real cat?
  2. Why is he called the Hidden Paw?

Read the given lines and answer the question that follow.

‘It must have been Macavity!’ but he’s a mile away.

  1. What is Macavity blamed for?
  2. Where is he?

Explain the following line with reference to the context.

His powers of levitation would make a fakir stare


Give four instances where the poet has used alliteration in the poem.


Which line is repeated in the poem? What is the effect created by this repetition?


What does the ladder symbolize?


Read the given line and answer the question that follow.

Defeat we repel, courage our fort;

  1. How do we react to defeat?
  2. Which is considered as our stronghold?

Read the given line and answer the question that follow.

He, who does not stoop, is a king we adore. We bow before competence and merit;

  1. Who is adored as a king?
  2. What is the figure of speech used in the first line?

Discuss the following topic in groups of five and choose a representative to sum up the view and share them with the class.

‘Success is not final, failure is not fatal.’ It is the courage and perseverance that counts.


Discuss the following topic in groups of five and choose a representative to sum up the view and share them with the class.

Successful people neither brood over the past nor worry about the future.


Explain the following line with reference to the context in about 5 to 8 line:

All murdered – for within the hollow crown

That rounds the mortal temples of a king Keeps Death his court, …”


Explain the following line with reference to the context in about 5 to 8 line:

“How can you say to me, I am a king?”


Pick out the alliteration from the following lines:

“And tell sad stories of the death of kings:”


Based on your reading of King Richard’s speech, answer the following questions in about 100 - 150 words each. You may add your own ideas if required to present and justify your point of view.

What are the causes for King Richard’s grief?


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