NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English
Macavity : The Mystery Cat NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English Honeydew Poem 3
Macavity : The Mystery Cat NCERT Text Book Questions and Answers
Macavity : The Mystery Cat Working with the poem
Question 1.
Read the first stanza and think.
i. Is Macavity a cat really?
Answer:
Yes, Macavity is a mysterious ginger cat.
ii. If not, who can Macavity be?
Answer:
If not, Macavity could be a fictional character created by the poet.
Question 2.
Complete the following sentences.
Solved
- A master criminal is one who can defy the law.
- The Scotland Yard is baffled because when they reach the scene of crime. Macavity is not present.
- No one can catch Macavitv because Macavity moves much faster than them.
Question 3.
“A cat, I am sure, could walk on a cloud without coming through (Jules Verne)
Answer:
Which law is Macavity breaking in the light of the comment above?
Macavity is breaking the law of gravity.
Question 4.
Read stanza 3, and then, describe Macavity in two or three sentences of your own.
Answer:
Macavity is a tall and thin ginger cat. He is always lost in thought and has deep, sunken eyes. He has lines on his forehead because of all the thinking, and his head is shaped like a dome. This shows that he is very intelligent.
Lost in thought, he has no time for the practical things in life like combing his coat. So, his coat is dusty and uncombed. He moves stealthily like a snake from side to side. And even when he seems to be sleeping, he is wide awake, and is completely aware of what is happening around him.
Question 5.
Say ‘False’or ‘True for each of the following statements.
- Macavity is not an ordinary cat. True
- Macavity cannot do what a fakir can easily do. False
- Macavity has supernatural powers. True
- Macavity is well-dressed, smart and bright. False
- Macavity is a spy, a trickster and a criminal, all rolled in one. True
Question 6.
Having read the poem, try to guess whether the poet is fond of cats. If so, why does he call Macavity a fiend and monster?
Answer:
Yes, the poet is fond of cats. He talks about Macavity in an endearing manner. He gives a depth of character to an ordinary ginger cat and makes it seem like an extraordinary one. He calls it a fiend and monster to make us believe that the cat has supernatural powers and is not an ordinary cat.
Question 7.
Has the poet used exaggeration for special effect? Find a few examples of it and read those lines aloud.
Answer:
Yes, the poet has used exaggeration for special effect. Following are some examples of this exaggeration:
- He’s the bafflement of Scotland Yard, the Flying Squad’s despair:
- He’s broken every human law, he breaks the law of gravity.
- His powers of levitation would make a fakir stare,
- For he’s a fiend in feline shape, a monster of depravity