The Naming of Cats Poem Notes: T. S. Eliot’s poem “The Naming of Cats” explores the complexity and importance of giving cats distinct names, highlighting the different levels of names and the mysterious nature of the ultimate, private name known only to the cat itself.
Poem: The Naming of Cats
The Naming of Cats is a difficult matter, It isn’t just one of your holiday games; You may think at first I’m as mad as a hatter When I tell you, a cat must have THREE DIFFERENT NAMES. First of all, there’s the name that the family use daily, Such as Peter, Augustus, Alonzo, or James, Such as Victor or Jonathan, George or Bill Bailey— All of them sensible everyday names. There are fancier names if you think they sound sweeter, Some for the gentlemen, some for the dames: Such as Plato, Admetus, Electra, Demeter— But all of them sensible everyday names, But I tell you, a cat needs a name that’s particular, A name that’s peculiar, and more dignified, Else how can he keep up his tail perpendicular, Or spread out his whiskers, or cherish his pride? Of names of this kind, I can give you a quorum, Such as Munkustrap, Quaxo, or Coricopat, Such as Bombalurina, or else Jellylorum— Names that never belong to more than one cat. But above and beyond there’s still one name left over, And that is the name that you never will guess; The name that no human research can discover— But THE CAT HIMSELF KNOWS, and will never confess. When you notice a cat in profound meditation, The reason, I tell you, is always the same: His mind is engaged in a rapt contemplation Of the thought, of the thought, of the thought of his name: His ineffable effable Effanineffable Deep and inscrutable singular name.
Glossary:
- The Naming of Cats: The process of assigning names to cats, as described in the poem.
- holiday games: Leisure activities or pastimes typically engaged in during holidays or free time.
- mad as a hatter: A simile referring to extreme or eccentric, “crazy” or “irrational” behaviour, (originating from the character of the Mad Hatter in Lewis Carroll’s “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,” who behaves in a peculiar and irrational manner.)
- THREE DIFFERENT NAMES: Cats, according to the speaker, require three distinct names.
- sensible everyday names: Common, practical names used by families for their cats.
- fancier names: More elaborate or sophisticated names chosen for cats.
- gentlemen: Referring to male cats.
- dames: This is a dated (old) term for “women. (here “Referring to female cats)
- particular: Unique or specific.
- peculiar: Unusual or distinctive.
- perpendicular: Upright or vertical.
- cherish: enjoy and love to have something or someone whether physical or in mind like any idea, memory, thoughts etc and so being caring towards that
- quorum: A select group or gathering, a minimum number of members needed for a meeting to proceed
- ineffable: Beyond description or understanding. This means “impossible to express in words.”
- effable: Able to be expressed or described in words.
- Effanineffable: A whimsical & a playful word invented by Eliot, combining “effable” and “ineffable” to highlight the paradoxical nature of a cat’s secret name. suggesting something that is both describable and indescribable.
- inscrutable: mysterious and difficult to understand or interpret.”
- Singular: Exceptionally good or great; remarkable.
- Deep and inscrutable singular name: An enigmatic and profound name known only to the cat itself.
Summary:
“The Naming of Cats” by T.S. Eliot is a whimsical exploration of the intricate process of naming cats. The poem suggests that naming a cat is not a trivial matter but rather a significant and multi-layered endeavor. Eliot proposes that each cat must have three different names: one used by the family in daily life, another more fanciful name, and a third mysterious name known only to the cat itself.
The poem describes various types of names that can be given to cats, ranging from common and practical to unique and peculiar. It emphasizes the importance of choosing a name that reflects the cat’s individuality and dignity, enabling it to maintain its pride and identity.
Through playful language and imaginative imagery, Eliot explores the enigmatic nature of cats and the depth of their personalities. The poem suggests that cats possess a profound sense of self-awareness and contemplation, particularly regarding their own names.
Ultimately, “The Naming of Cats” celebrates the complexity and mystery of cats, highlighting the special bond between humans and their feline companions while also inviting readers to ponder the significance of names and identity.
Key Points:
- The poem uses playful language and rhyme to explore the idea that cats have three different names: a familiar name, a fancy name, and a secret name known only to the cat itself.
- Names: The poem uses various examples of different types of cat names:
- Sensible everyday names: Peter, Augustus, Victor, Jonathan, George, Bill Bailey
- Fancier names: Plato, Admetus, Electra, Demeter
- Particular names: Munkustrap, Quaxo, Coricopat, Bombalurina, Jellylorum
- Alonzo: A Spanish name meaning “noble” or “ready.”
- Demeter: The Greek goddess of agriculture and harvest.
- Munkustrap, Quaxo, Coricopat, Bombalurina, Jellylorum: These are all invented cat names used by Eliot in his poems about cats.
Stanza Wise Explanations
Stanza 1 (Lines 1-4) 1: Introduction
The Naming of Cats is a difficult matter,
It isn’t just one of your holiday games;
You may think at first I’m as mad as a hatter
When I tell you, a cat must have THREE DIFFERENT NAMES.
Explanation: The poem begins by stating that naming cats is not a simple task, not a casual game, and that some might even think the speaker is crazy for suggesting they need three names.
This stanza sets the playful tone of the poem, using hyperbole (“mad as a hatter”) and a direct address to the reader to establish an intimate connection. The rhyme scheme (ABAB) adds a sing-song quality.
Stanza 2: (Lines 5-8) The First Name
First of all, there’s the name that the family use daily,
Such as Peter, Augustus, Alonzo, or James,
Such as Victor or Jonathan, George or Bill Bailey—
All of them sensible everyday names.
Explanation: The poet introduces the first name, the one that the family uses daily. These are common, human-like names that are practical and ordinary. like Peter, Augustus, Alonzo, or James. These are ordinary, human names.
The list of names adds humour and specificity, creating a relatable image of cats with human-like identities. The repetition of “all of them sensible everyday names” emphasises the normalcy of this first layer of feline identity.
Stanza 3: (Lines 9-12) The Second Name
There are fancier names if you think they sound sweeter,
Some for the gentlemen, some for the dames:
Such as Plato, Admetus, Electra, Demeter—
But all of them sensible everyday names,
Explanation: This stanza introduces the second type of name: fancier names for cats, like Plato, Admetus, Electra, or Demeter. Some more sophisticated and elegant having a classical or literary feel as meant for gentlemen and dames.. However, the poet emphasises that even these names, though fancier, are still sensible and suitable for everyday use.
The contrast between everyday names and “fancier” names highlights the desire to give cats a bit more distinction. The names also add a touch of whimsy and evoke mythical associations.
Stanza 4: (Lines 13-16) The Importance of Names
But I tell you, a cat needs a name that’s particular,
A name that’s peculiar, and more dignified,
Else how can he keep up his tail perpendicular,
Or spread out his whiskers, or cherish his pride?
Explanation: The poet argues that a cat requires a distinctive and dignified name that suits its unique personality. The name should reflect the cat’s characteristics, helping it maintain its grace and pride. Without it, a cat can’t be truly proud or hold its tail high.
The anthropomorphic language here (keeping a tail perpendicular, cherishing pride) injects humour and underscores the poem’s playful portrayal of cats as creatures with complex inner lives.
Stanza 5: (Lines 17-20) Examples of Third Names
Of names of this kind, I can give you a quorum,
Such as Munkustrap, Quaxo, or Coricopat,
Such as Bombalurina, or else Jellylorum—
Names that never belong to more than one cat.
Explanation: This stanza provides examples of third names: Munkustrap, Quaxo, Coricopat, Bombalurina, and Jellylorum. These names are invented, strange, and unique to each cat. These names are exclusive to individual cats and should not be shared among multiple felines (cats).
The invented names are nonsensical and playful, highlighting the mysterious and unknowable nature of cats’ true identities. The repetition of “never belong to more than one cat” reinforces the individuality of these third names.
Stanza 6: (Lines 21-24) The Secret Name
But above and beyond there’s still one name left over,
And that is the name that you never will guess;
The name that no human research can discover—
But THE CAT HIMSELF KNOWS, and will never confess.
Explanation: This stanza introduces the fourth and final, though, mysterious aspect of a cat’s name: the secret name known only to the cat itself. Humans cannot guess or discover it through research, and the cat will never reveal it to others.
The mystery surrounding the secret name adds intrigue and depth to the poem. It suggests that cats possess an unknown, inner world that humans can only glimpse.
Stanza 7: (Lines 25-28) The Reason for Contemplation
When you notice a cat in profound meditation,
The reason, I tell you, is always the same:
His mind is engaged in a rapt contemplation
Of the thought, of the thought, of the thought of his name:
Explanation: This stanza explains that when a cat seems lost in thought, it is actually contemplating its secret name. The poet explains that when a cat appears deeply thoughtful or meditative, it’s because the cat is contemplating its own name. The repetition emphasises the cat’s intense focus on its identity.
This adds a humorous touch while also suggesting that cats’ seemingly aloof behavior may be due to their preoccupation with their own hidden identities.
Stanza 8: (Lines 29-32) The Unspeakable Name
His ineffable effable
Effanineffable
Deep and inscrutable singular name.
Explanation: This stanza attempts to describe the indescribable secret name with a series of invented words: ineffable (indescribable), effable (able to be spoken), effanineffable (inexpressible), and deep and inscrutable (unfathomable). This emphasises the mystery and significance of the cat’s unique name.
The nonsensical words highlight the impossibility of capturing the true essence of a cat’s secret name in human language. It conveys the idea that the essence of a cat’s identity is beyond human comprehension.
Poetic Devices
Poetic Devices in “The Naming of Cats” by T. S. Eliot (Stanza-wise): The poem relies on a variety of poetic devices to create humour, engage the reader, and explore the mysterious nature of cats. The interplay of sound, rhythm, and imagery adds depth and richness to the playful verses.
Rhyme: ABAB Rhyme Scheme: It adds a sing-song rhythm and memorability.
Stanza One:
- Hyperbole: “mad as a hatter” – Exaggerates the potential perception of the speaker’s ideas to emphasise the importance of naming cats.
- Direct Address: “You may think…” – Creates a conversational tone and draws the reader into the poem.
Stanza Two:
- List Poem: Presents a series of everyday cat names to create a familiar and relatable image.
- Repetition: “Such as…” – Adds emphasis and reinforces the ordinary nature of these names.
Stanza Three:
- Contrast: Juxtaposes everyday names with “fancier” names to highlight the desire for distinction.
- Allusion: Names like Plato and Demeter evoke mythical associations and add a touch of grandeur.
Stanza Four:
- Anthropomorphism: Attributing human characteristics to cats (“keep up his tail perpendicular,” “cherish his pride”) adds humor and emphasizes the importance of names in feline self-esteem.
- Repetition: “All of them sensible everyday names” – Creates a sense of finality and emphasizes the need for something more.
Stanza Five:
- Neologisms: Invented names like “Munkustrap” and “Bombalurina” create a sense of mystery and uniqueness for each cat.
- Repetition: “never belong to more than one cat” – Reinforces the individuality of these third names.
Stanza Six:
- Metaphor: “secret name” suggests a hidden aspect of the cat’s identity.
- Paradox: “no human research can discover” creates a sense of impossibility and intrigue.
Stanza Seven:
- Humor: The explanation for a cat’s contemplative state adds a lighthearted touch.
- Anthropomorphism: “rapt contemplation” suggests a complex inner world in cats.
Stanza Eight:
- Onomatopoeia: The invented words like “Effanineffable” attempt to mimic the sound of the unspeakable name.
- Paradox: “ineffable effable” highlights the contradiction of trying to describe the indescribable.
Over All Poetic Device:
- Anaphora: Repetition of words and phrases or clauses in successive line in the beginning – Ex. ‘Such as’ in 6th and 7th line; ‘But’ in 11th and 13th line.
- Repetition: The poem is a good example of repetitions. The repeated use of phrases or words for emphasis, such as “names” and “such as”
- Alliteration: The repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words, such as ‘s’in “sweet sounder.”
- Simile: The comparison of one thing with another using “like” or “as,” as seen in “mad as a hatter.”
- Allusion: Names like Plato and Demeter evoke mythical associations and add a touch of grandeur.
- Personification: The attribution of human characteristics to non-human entities, such as when the cat’s mind is described as being “engaged in a rapt contemplation.”
- Imagery: Vivid and descriptive language that appeals to the senses, such as “spread out his whiskers.”
- Irony: The use of language to convey a meaning that is the opposite of its literal meaning, such as the assertion that cats have three names, two of which humans can assign but the third is known only to the cat itself.
- Hyperbole: Exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally, such as when the speaker suggests that guessing the cat’s third name is impossible for humans.
- Symbolism: The use of symbols to represent abstract ideas, such as the cat’s name symbolizing its identity and essence.
These devices work together to enhance the poem’s whimsical tone and explore the complexities of naming and identity, particularly within the context of cats.
Theme of “The Naming of Cats”
The central theme of “The Naming of Cats” revolves around the importance of identity and individuality. The poem explores the idea that a name is not merely a label but an essential aspect of a cat’s identity. Eliot suggests that cats have a multi-layered identity, represented by the three different names they possess. These names reflect not only how cats are perceived by humans but also their own sense of self.
Additionally, the poem emphasizes the uniqueness of each cat and the significance of choosing a name that reflects its particular personality and dignity. Eliot highlights the idea that cats, like humans, have their own distinct traits and characteristics that define who they are.
Moreover, “The Naming of Cats” celebrates the mysterious and enigmatic nature of cats, suggesting that there is more to them than meets the eye. The poem suggests that cats possess a deeper understanding of themselves, symbolized by the third name known only to the cat itself.
Overall, the theme of identity and individuality in “The Naming of Cats” encourages readers to appreciate the complexity and uniqueness of both cats and humans and to consider the significance of names in shaping one’s sense of self.