Welcome to “Skimbleshanks Workbook Answers: ICSE Treasure Chest (Evergreen),” where we delve into the whimsical and engaging poem “Skimbleshanks,” featured in the ICSE English Literature Treasure Chest by Evergreen Publications. This post provides comprehensive and meticulously crafted answers to multiple-choice and contextual questions, enriching your understanding of T.S. Eliot’s delightful portrayal of the ever-efficient railway cat, Skimbleshanks. We thoroughly analyze the poem, unraveling the vibrant character of Skimbleshanks and his role in the world of the railway. Each question guides readers through a deeper exploration of the text, encouraging you to examine the rhythmic structure, charming imagery, and playful language that Eliot employs to bring this feline character to life. Contextual inquiries expand our understanding, inviting critical engagement with the poem’s setting and the whimsical universe of “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats.” Through this detailed examination, readers hone their analytical skills and develop a deeper appreciation for Eliot’s literary craftsmanship and the unique charm of his feline creation. Whether you are a student navigating the ICSE English Literature syllabus or a poetry enthusiast enchanted by Eliot’s work, “ICSE Treasure Chest: Skimbleshanks Workbook Answers” promises to be an invaluable companion. Join us on this literary adventure as we illuminate the path to understanding, one workbook solution at a time.
Table of Contents
Poem In Details :
The Night Mail is ready to start at the station. Everybody is restless as the cat, Skimble, is nowhere to be seen, and the train cannot leave without the green signal by him. But exactly at 11: 42 Skimble comes out of the luggage van and the signal goes ‘All clear’. The train is set for North.
Skimble is in charge of the train. He supervises everyone, the driver, the guards and the passengers. He moves about in the first and third class compartments and examines the faces of all the travellers. He establishes control by a regular patrol. He also sees what a traveller is thinking.
It is clear that Skimble does not approve of amusement and riotous behaviour. He ensures that everything is normal. He sees that everyone is on his or her seat observing the rules. He keeps an eye even on the guard and sees that every passenger gets his morning tea as per his liking. Then he ensures that every passenger has a cosy sleep. He remains alert and agile with a cup of tea or perhaps a drop of scotch. He walks up and down while the passengers are asleep.
When the destination comes, Skimble says goodbye by waving his long brown tail. that says, “I’ll see you again.” He will always be found on the Midnight Mail.
Line Wise Explanation :
1. ‘There’s a whisper… luggage van’
The poem opens on a note of suspense. The Night Mail is ready to start, but its incharge, Skimble, the cat, is missing, without whose clearance the train cannot start. All the guards, porters and the station master’s daughters are looking for the cat restlessly. But at 11.42 when the signal is due. Skimble appears from the luggage van where he has been busy. The whole situation is amusing and interesting.
2. ‘He gives … Hemisphere’
Skimble just gives one flash of his green eyes, and the signal is given. The train starts for the destination-some northern part of the Northern Hemisphere. The vague destination may be Scotland, north to London, but Scotland is not far north in the northern Hemisphere. So it could be Norway and then to Scandinavia-but it is also absurd. The cat’s railway network seems to be crazy.
3. ‘You may say… is abroad’
In this part of the poem Skimble is presented as a supervisor who ensures that everything goes well. So he keeps an eye on the driver, the guards and the bagmen playing cards. He roams about in the first class as well as the third class. He examines the faces of all passengers and even reads what they are thinking. It is here that we suspect the poet’s motive in presenting a cat as the official incharge of a train. The cat.
Skimble, thus acquires the role of Big Brother who, in dictatorial regimes, controls everybody and everything. He is a ‘Cat that cannot be ignored.’
4. ‘Oh, it’s very … if you sneeze’
The speaker here – representative of all the passengers on the train – feels happy and complacent on finding everything in order – names written on the cabins, neat berths with folded sheets and the floor absolutely clean, every type of required light, a handle to make a breeze (akin to a fan or AC), small basins to wash hands, and the device to shut the window to prevent cold and flu. The poet underlines the perfect order in the ‘territory’ run by the cat!
5. ‘Then the guard … Railway Train’
Skimble, we are told, ensures that the passengers are served their morning tea according to taste. He does not let do anything wrong. He ensures that no mouse trouble the passengers’ sleep. The passengers need not bother about anything so long as the cat is there. This is the kind of assurance, we remember, that is given to the masses by the Big Brother in totalitarian regimes.
6. ‘In the watches Railway Train’ …
While passengers sleep, the cat is awake, and keeps himself alert and agile with a cup of tea or may be a drop of scotch (something quite amusing for a cat). We also learn about another aspect of the cat :
But you saw him at Dumfries, where he speaks to the police
If there’s anything they ought to know about
The cat is, thus, a kind of detective also.
When the train reaches its destination, it is there to say goodbye to the passengers in a way that suggests ‘I’ll see you again’. The cat of the Railway Train is an amusing creature who is quite responsible, duty-conscious and polite, despite his dubious role in controlling everything and everybody.
Workbook MCQs :
Read the following questions and select the correct option:
1. Skimbleshanks ensures peace and quiet on the train and he takes care of the needs of all passengers.
2. He is very duty-conscious.
(a) 1 is a cause for 2.
(b) 1 is an example of 2.
(c) 1 is independent of 2.
(d) 1 is a contradiction of 2.
Answer :- (b) 1 is an example of 2
2. Which of the following reminds you of Skimble being somewhat of a detective?
(a) Skimble does not get anything wrong.
(b) He examines the faces of all passengers and even reads what they are thinking.
(c) He ensures that all the passengers are served their morning tea.
(d) He talks to the police and reports if there is anything to report.
Answer :- (b) He examines the faces of all passengers and even reads what they are thinking.
3. Which of these statements is NOT true?
(a) Skimble is quite meticulous.
(b) He does not approve of unruly behaviour.
(c) He sleeps when all the passengers are asleep.
(d) He does not let anything go wrong.
Answer :- (c) He sleeps when all the passengers are asleep.
4. He will watch you without winking….
Select the option that shows the same literary device as used in the line mentioned above.
(a) Love’s not Time’s fool
(b) And thought the air must rush as fresh/To swallows on the wing
(c) My spirit flew in feathers then.
(d) She has a heart of stone.
Answer :- (c) My spirit flew in feathers then.
5. All the passengers are frantic to a man’.
What does the phrase ‘to a man’ imply in the above-line?
(a) all men
(b) each man
(c) one man
(d) unanimously, without exception
Answer :- (d) unanimously, without exception
6. Who is the speaker in the poem?
(a) the poet
(b) one of the passengers on the train
(c) all the passengers
(d) the cat
Answer :- (b) one of the passengers on the train
7. What kind of situation is presented in the poem ?
(a) realistic
(b) absurd but amusing
(c) amusing
(d) serious
Answer :- (b) absurd but amusing
8. Choose the option that correctly describes Skimbleshanks:
(a) amusing
(b) alert
(c) dull
(d) uncaring
Answer :- (b) alert
9. Which of these statements is NOT true?
(a) The cat offers morning tea to the passengers.
(b) The cat watches all the passengers and their actions and thoughts.
(c) The cat is the most important one on the train.
(d) The train is heading towards the far North.
Answer :- (c) The cat is the most important one on the train.
10. The cat has been treated like a human being. Which figure of speech is involved in it?
(a) alliteration
(b) metaphor
(c) personification
(d) none of the above
Answer :- (c) personification
11. What kind of tone is adopted by the speaker?
(a) light and colloquial
(b) solemn
(c) serious
(d) sarcastic
Answer :- (c) serious
12. What is the whisper all around at 11.39?
(a) It is very cold
(b) Where is Skimble?
(c) I want my tea
(d) How is Skimble?
Answer :- (b) Where is Skimble?
13. The destination of the train is towards
(a) The South
(b) The North
(c) The West
(d) The East
Answer :- (c) The West
14. Which of the cat’s acts is most amusing?
(a) its remaining busy in the luggage van
(b) its having a drop of Scotch to fresh himself
(c) its watching all the faces carefully
(d) its going on regular patrol
Answer :- (b) its having a drop of Scotch to fresh himself
15. Which of these would you associate with Skimble?
(a) conscientious
(b) silly
(c) intruding
(d) dictatorial
Answer :- (a) conscientious
Comprehension Passages :
Passage – 1
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow :
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.
(I) Who is the speaker? What does he observe? Is it normal?
Answer :- One of the passengers on the train is the speaker. He observes that the train is about to start but Skimble, the cat, its in charge, is missing. It is not normal.
(II) What is surprising about Skimble?
Answer :- The Night Mail is ready to depart on its usual time. However, its incharge Skimble who is to give the signal is missing. All are in suspense about the whereabouts of Skimble.
(III) What tells you that Skimble is dutiful?
Answer :- Skimble is never late. He comes to give signal to the train in time.
(IV) What causes commotion among all the passengers and the railway crew?
Answer :- Skimble who is to give signal to the train to leave is nowhere to be seen. The time of its departure is fast approaching. This causes commotion among all the passengers.
(V) What duties are performed by the cat during the journey?
Answer :- Skimble being the in charge of the train ensures that everything goes well on the train. He looks after the comforts of all passengers. He ensures that there is no lawlessness
anywhere.
Passage – 2
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow :
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!
(I) Who are they? In which mood are they?
Answer :- They are guards, porters and the station master’s daughters. They are in a panicky mood.
(II) Who is Skimble? Why is he so important?
Answer :- Skimble is a cat. He is important as being the official in charge of the Night Mail, he controls everything on the train.
(III) What does Skimble do on the train?
Answer :- Skimble watches all the passengers. He takes rounds to see that everything is in order. He reports to the police if something goes wrong.
(IV) What does he ensure?
Answer :- Skimble ensures comfort to all the passengers. He ensures that nothing wrong happens on the train. He keeps a strict vigil even during the night.
(V) What impression do you form of him?
Answer :- He is duty, conscious and meticulous. He enforces law and order strictly. He is a devoted worker. He does not sleep even during the night to ensure that nothing goes wrong on the train.
Passage – 3
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow :
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!
(I) Why was there restlessness among the passengers early in the poem?
Answer :- The Night Mail was ready to depart but Skimble, its in charge was missing. Without his signal, the train would not leave. So there was restlessness among the passengers.
(II) What tells you about the importance of the cat?
Answer :- The cat is no ordinary animal. He is called Skimble and is the official in charge of the Night Mail. Itis he who supervises everything on the train.
(III) Where is the train heading towards? Why has no particular city of its destination been mentioned?
Answer :- The train is heading for the northern part of the Northern Hemisphere. No particular city of its destination is mentioned because the cat’s whole railway network seems to be crazy.
(IV) Which of the actions of the cat are quite amusing?
Answer :- The cat’s watching the passengers ‘without winking’, drinking a cup of tea with a drop of scotch, and his parting remark ‘I’ll see you again” by waving his long tail are some of his amusing actions.
(V) Whom, in your opinion, does the cat represent? Why?
Answer :- At times we feel that the cat does represent some dictator who keeps a constant eye on everybody and every action of theirs. This is confirmed when we come to know how the cat watches the face of each passenger and tries to know what they are thinking.
Passage – 4
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow :
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.
(I) Who is most important being on the Northern Mail, and why?
Answer :- Skimble, the cat, is most important on the Northern Mail. He is the in charge of the train. ‘The train cannot depart without his signal. Thus it is he who supervises everything on the train.
(II) Which actions of the cat remind you of a dictator?
Answer :- Skimble, the cat, watches all the passengers carefully. He has full control over everything going on in the train. His discreet presence everywhere reminds us of a dictator.
(III) Why does nothing go wrong on the Northern Mail?
Answer :- Skimble, the incharge of the train supervises everything minutely. He does not allow chaos anywhere. Thus he ensures that nothing goes wrong on the train.
(IV) What does the cat do when the train reaches its destination?
Answer :- The cat helps the passengers to get down. He waves his long brown tail which seems to say, “I’ll see you again”. Thus he sees off his passengers.
(V) Why does the cat dislike ‘hilarity’ and noisy merriment?
Answer :- The cat, Skimble, is a serious, disciplined being. He wants a peaceful atmosphere and no disturbance for anyone. So he dislikes any hilarity and noisy merriment.
Passage – 5
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow :
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 Shimbleshanks is aboard.
(I) Who is ‘he’ referred to in Line 1? What does this line suggest?
Answer :- ‘He’ is Skimble, the cat, the official incharge of the Night Mail.
‘The line means that Skimble is quite alert. He watches everyone on the train and even what he or she thinks.
(II) When do the passengers feel secure, and why?
Answer :- The passengers feel safe when Skimble is around and on the move. They have full faith in his capabilities to ensure that nothing goes wrong on the train.
(III) What does the assertion about Skimble in the last three lines convey?
Answer :- The assertion in the last three lines conveys the idea that Skimble is so important that he cannot be ignored.
(IV) What are some of the duties performed by Skimble?
Answer :- Skimble gives signal for the train to move. It is his duty to see that everyone remains calm and disciplined. He ensures that every passenger gets comfortable seat and their morning tea in time.
(V) What tells you that Skimble is a stern leader?
Answer :- Skimbleis a stern leader. He keeps a strict watch on everyone aboard the train. He does not approve hilarity and chaos.
Passage – 6
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow :
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 funny little basin you’re supposed to wash your face in And a crank to shut the window if you sneeze.
(I) What does ‘little den’ signify? How is it made cosy ?
Answer :- ‘The little den’ indicates the small cabin in the train compartment. It is made cosy with a clean floor, clean bed and an adjustable light.
(II) What facilities are available in the ‘little den’?
Answer :- In the small cabin of each compartment, called ‘the little den’, there is a comfortable bed to sleep in. There is an arrangement for adjustable light. A small basin is also provided for face washing. Moreover, there is a device to shut the window to prevent cold wind from outside.
(III) How does Skimble ensure that the passengers have no trouble during the journey?
Answer :- Skimble, ensures that all the passengers get a clean and peaceful surrounding, timely tea to their taste and have a sound, undisturbed sleep.
(IV) What impression do you form of Skimble ?
Answer :- Skimble is a very devoted and conscientious being. He is strict and watchful. He does not allow anything wrong on the train in his charge.
(V) In what way does the poet make the cat a hilarious creature ?
Answer :- The poet personifies the cat as a hilarious and agile creature. Some of his actions like watching the passengers without a wink, drinking tea with a drop of scotch to keep himself alert and waving his tail as a goodbye gesture are quite hilarious.
Passage – 7
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow :
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!
(I) What has made the passengers and the crew of the Night Mail restless earlier in the context?
Answer :- The Night Mail was ready to depart but its incharge, Skimble, the cat, was missing. The train could not leave without his giving the signal. This made the passengers and the crew restless.
(II) How does the cat perform his task as a supervisor?
Answer :- The cat performs all his duties as a supervisor very efficiently. He ensures all comforts to the passengers. He made certain that nothing goes wrong during the journey.
(III) Skimble won’t let anything go wrong.’ How does he do this?
Answer :- Skimble keeps a strict watch on everybody and everything. He does not allow any chaos. He looks after the needs of each and every passenger.
(IV) How does the cat provide all comforts to the passengers ?
Answer :- The cat ensures a peaceful atmosphere. He makes sure that the passengers get timely tea according to their taste and have a good, undisturbed sleep.
(V) Which of the cat’s actions could make us wonder whether he is more than a mere cat ?
Answer :- The cat’s watchful of what each passenger thinks and does and his discreet presence everywhere makes us feel that he is not conceived as a mere feline creature. He reminds us of Big Brother in a dictatorship.
Passage – 8
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow :
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;
(I) What role is played by the Cat on the Night Mail? Describe briefly .
Answer :- The cat plays the role of the train supervisor. He ensures the timely departure of the train. He provides every comfort to the passengers. He has full control on everything and everybody on the train. He does not allow anything wrong.
(II) How does the speaker view the role of the cat?
Answer :- The speaker views the role of the cat as an efficient supervisor, and perhaps as the Big Brother who watches and controls everything and everybody in his regime.
(III) What does the cat do to keep all the passengers comfortable?
Answer :- The cat ensures a peaceful atmosphere and timely tea to them. He also makes sure that they have a nice, undisturbed sleep.
(IV) What does the cat not allow anyone to do?
Answer :- The cat does not allow anyone to break any rule, make a noise or merriment and do anything that disturbs others.
(V) How would you view the last gesture of the ‘Cat of the Railway Train’? Is it benevolent or sinister?
Answer :- The cat sees off the passengers by waving his long brown tail as if saying, “I’ll see you again”. The gesture seems to be amiable, not sinister.
