Skimbleshanks The Railway Cat workbook answers

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Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat questions and answers,

Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat icse workbook answers,

Treasure chest short stories question and answers,

Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat Line to line explanation,

Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat Summary,

Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat theme,

Introduction:

“Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat” is a whimsical and delightful poem written by T.S. Eliot as part of his collection The Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats.

Skimbleshanks is portrayed in the poem as a cunning and obedient cat who keeps the train moving smoothly. In addition to giving the passengers a sense of security and credibility, Skimbleshanks is in charge of preserving order and discipline among the railway staff.

Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat by T. S. Eliot

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!

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!

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.
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.

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.
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!

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
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.”

Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat – Summary

“Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat” by T.S. Eliot, presents the life of an industrious and indispensable cat who works on the railway. The poem describes Skimbleshanks as a clever and diligent cat who keeps the train running smoothly. Skimbleshanks is responsible for maintaining order and discipline among the railway workers, and his presence brings a sense of security and credibility to the passengers. The poem highlights the punctuality and attentiveness of Skimbleshanks to his tasks and highlights his unwavering dedication to his work. He is described as a watchful and attentive train guard who is always ready to act and solve problems that arise during the journey. Eliot’s lively illustrations evoke a lively railway environment, with images of speeding trains, pulsating platforms and the rhythmic sound of wheels on the tracks. Skimbleshanks’ role as a “railway cat” is praised and his presence is seen as crucial to the smooth running of the train system. In conclusion we can say that, Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat celebrates the often overlooked individuals involved in the operation of a complex system, emphasizing the importance of dedication and reliability in their work. Through the character of Skimbleshanks, Eliot captures the sense of duty and unsung heroes that ensure the efficiency and safety of our daily lives.

Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat – Line to line explanation

Line 1 – 4

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.”

Everyone is whispering, “Where is Skimble?” and wondering if he has gone to play the silly game of chasing the thimble as the Night Mail is set to depart at 1:39. Without Skimble, the train cannot move.

Line 5 – 8

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.”

Everyone, that is, the guards, porters, and even the stationmaster’s daughters are searching for Skimble since the Night Mail would be delayed if Skimble doesn’t arrive soon.

Line 9-12

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!

Skimble who has been busy in the luggage van, unexpectedly exits from the back of the train just before the scheduled departure time of the train at 11.42.

Line 13 – 16

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!

As soon as Skimbleshanks appears, he flashes his glassy green eyes in the direction of the signal, which causes it to also turn green. And the train sets off towards the Northern Hemisphere.

Line 17 – 20

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.

The fact that Skimble is supervising the train’s driver, guards, and card-playing bagmen makes it quite evident that he is in charge of it.

Line 21-24

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.

He scans the faces of every passenger in the first and third classes as he moves along the train’s corridors. He seems to be roaming the train and keeping an eye on everything that is going on in every nook and cranny.

Line 25-28

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.

Everyone feels as though he can read their thoughts because of the intense gaze he directs in their direction. When Skimble is making his rounds, everyone is quite because he does not support riotous behaviour.

Line 29 – 32

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.

Since Skimbleshanks takes his profession seriously, no one dares to pull pranks on him. When he is on the train, nothing could possibly go wrong.

Line 33 – 36

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.

Entering the railway coach carrying your name is a tremendous delight. The sheet is well folded and clean, and the berth is tidy. There isn’t a single speck of dust anywhere.

Line 37 – 40

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.

The coach is equipped with a variety of amenities, including a handle to open the window and allow in fresh air, a sink to wash your face, and a handle to close the window if the breeze is too chilly to prevent you from sneezing.

Line 41 – 44

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.

As you are settling in a guard stops by to enquire if you would like your morning tea strong or weak. Skimble is close behind the guard to make sure he serves you your morning tea to your liking. So with Skimble about nothing can go wrong.

Line 45 – 50

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!

Thanks to the railway cat, you can rest easy knowing there won’t be any mice living under your bed as you pull back the bedspread and tuck yourself into your snug berth.

Line 51 – 54

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.

Skimble is alert and rested as he keeps the night vigil. This is as a result of his tea, which may include a shot of whisky. He only ever pauses to remove a flea that has wandered into the train.

Line 55-60

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
If there’s anything they ought to know about:

While everyone on board is sound asleep, Skimble inspects the Crewe station, cheerfully welcomes the stationmaster at Carlisle, and asks about police officers in Dumfries.

Line 61-66

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.”

When the train eventually arrives at Gallowgate, Skimble assists the passengers in disembarking. He waves his long, brown tail at the travelers as a farewell. You will definitely run into the railway cat aboard the Midnight Mail on your subsequent trip, as his tail seems to be saying until we meet again.

Theme of ‘Shimbleshanks, The Railway Cat’ by T S Eliot

Shimbleshanks, The Railway Cat – MCQ

Section A: Multiple-Choice Questions

1. What was the cause of confusion at 11.39 pm?

(a) The signal was not working.

(b) The train was late.

(d) Skimble was nowhere to be found.

2. The word ‘nimble’ means

(a) quick

(b) short

(d) sleep

3. “He gives one flash of his glass-green eyes” and what happens?

(a) The stationmaster gives the signal

(b) The train begins its journey

(d) Ticket Collector checks the tickets

4. How does Skimble establish his absolute control?

(a) By speaking to the stationmaster

(b) By a regular patrol

(d) By talking to the passengers

5. When Skimbleshanks is aboard

(a) no one could play pranks.

(b) all the passengers are tense.

(d) he creates a havoc.

6. Which of the following is pleasant for the passengers?

(a) The berth is neat and clean

(b) There’s not a speck of dust on the floor

(d) All of the above.

7. What does Skimble remind the guards?

(a) The passenger’s choice of morning tea

(b) To wake up the passengers

(d) That the station would arrive soon.

8. The Railway cat is

(a) bright and energetic.

(b) lazy.

(d) loving.

9. The whispering started at ……………. and Skimbleshanks appeared at ………………

(a) 11:39 pm, 11:47 pm.

(b) 11:49 pm, 11:52 pm.

(c) 11:39 pm, 11:42 pm.

(d) 11:49 pm, 11:50 pm.

10. When everyone was looking for Skimbleshanks where was he?

(a) Eating

(b) In the luggage van

(d) Playing games

11. The Railway Cat speaks to ………….. at the Dumfries station

(a) his friend

(b) a passenger

(d) the police

12. How did Skimble bid goodbye to the passengers?

(a) By shaking hands

(b) By waving his tail

(d) By hugging the passengers

Shimbleshanks, The Railway Cat – Questions and Answers

1. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:

(i) The whisper down the line refers to the communication among the railway workers at 11.39, when the Night Mail is ready to depart. It is not explicitly mentioned who all are whispering, but it can be assumed that the railway workers are communicating with each other.

(ii) Skimbleshanks, also known as Skimble, is the cat mentioned in the extract. He is a railway cat who has an important role at the railway station. Skimble is responsible for keeping the train running smoothly and ensuring everything is in order.

(iii) “Hunt the thimble” is a phrase used to describe Skimbleshanks’ activity of inspecting and ensuring that everything is in place on the train before it can depart. Skimble was likely checking all the compartments and ensuring that nothing important, represented metaphorically by the thimble, was missing or misplaced.

(iv) The train cannot start without Skimbleshanks because he plays a crucial role in maintaining the order and functionality of the train. He ensures that everything is in order, checks the compartments, and confirms that the train is ready for departure. Once Skimbleshanks is found and confirms that everything is set, the train can start its journey.

(v) At 11.42 when the train has to depart, Shamble comes out of the luggage van that is at the rear of the train. As soon as the guard see is glassy green eyes, he gives the green signal and the train leaves. This tells us that the train left on the nick of timeThe poem does not explicitly mention whether the train departed on time. After Skimbleshanks appears and the train is ready to depart, the scene at the train changes. There is a sense of relief and assurance as Skimbleshanks’ presence and diligent work give confidence to the workers and passengers that the train is in capable hands.

II. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:

Answer:

(i) Two figures of speech used in the poem are:

Personification: Personification is used when the whisper down the line is described as saying, “Skimble where is Skimble, has he gone to hunt the thimble?” In reality, whispers cannot speak or inquire about someone’s whereabouts. It is a poetic device that attributes human-like qualities to inanimate objects or abstract concepts.

Metaphor: The phrase “hunt the thimble” is a metaphor that represents Skimbleshanks’ diligent search for any missing or misplaced items on the train. It implies that he meticulously checks every detail, like searching for a small object, before the train can depart.

(ii) Skimbleshanks’ presence on the train is significant because he makes sure that it runs smoothly. He carries out a variety of duties as a railway cat, including examining the compartments, making sure everything is in working order, and maintaining the overall effectiveness of the train. Without Skimbleshanks, there may be hiccups, delays, or other issues while the train is travelling.

(iii) Skimbleshanks must go quickly through the train to inspect every cabin and make sure everything is in working order, thus he needs to be agile. He can perform his duties quickly and effectively thanks to his agility, ensuring that the train leaves without incident.

(iv) “They” refers to the railway workers or perhaps the individuals in charge of the train’s operation in the second line. They are in a panic because Skimbleshanks, who is important for the train to run smoothly, is not there. However, after Skimbleshanks is located, they become calm as his presence gives them confidence that the train may finally depart.

(v) The manhunt for Skimbleshanks would probably be an exciting and busy scenario for a passenger on board. Skimbleshanks would be vigorously sought after by the railway personnel, who would examine every compartment, explore different parts of the train, and shout his name. The passengers may be feeling a sense of urgency and suspense as they wait to see how the search turns out. When Skimbleshanks is found, there will be a sense of relief and assurance, and the passengers will see the relief of the railway employees and the ensuing seamless running of the train as it gets ready to go.

III. 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.

Answers:

(i) Skimbleshanks, the railway cat, will serve as the supervisor who will oversee them all. The staff personnel on the Sleeping Car Express who require supervision are the driver, the guards, and the bagmen.

(ii) Skimbleshanks, the supervisor, looks at the faces of the First and Third Class passengers. He may read their expressions, look for any indications of problem or disruption, and make sure the passengers’ safety and welfare.

(iii) Skimbleshanks takes charge by routinely patrolling the train. He paces down the hallway while studying each passenger’s face. He is able to quickly identify any suspicious or problematic activity on the train thanks to his active presence and constant observation. He makes sure that the Sleeping Car Express runs well and is secure by being watchful and alert.

(iv) Skimbleshanks, the supervisor, might not be able to play the same role in other kinds of transportation, such as trains, buses, or automobiles. He may patrol the hallways and have easy access to numerous compartments because to a train’s special features. The safety and comfort of passengers may be overseen and ensured by other supervisors or staff members in other modes of transportation, though. Depending on the manner of transportation, the precise responsibilities and methods of supervision may change.

(v) The name “Sleeping Car Express” refers to the possibility that the train features sleeping compartments or carriages where passengers can unwind and sleep during long trips. By keeping a close eye on the travellers, assessing their faces, and maintaining control through his regular patrols, Skimbleshanks, as the supervisor, makes sure that the name is true. While travelling on the Sleeping Car Express, travellers can feel safe and comfortable thanks to his presence and constant watchfulness.

IV. 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 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.

Answers:

(i) The cabin is referred to as “your little den” since it gives the passengers a feeling of privacy and tranquilly. It provides a safe, private space inside the train where people may withdraw and unwind while travelling.

(ii) The tiny den is tidy and well-kept, as it is described in the extract. The sheet in the berth is freshly folded, and there is no dust on the floor. Passengers can choose from a variety of lighting options and change the brightness to suit their tastes. There is a basin for washing one’s face, as well as a handle for controlling the air. There is also a crank to adjust the airflow or to close the window in case of sneezing.

(iii) The poem makes no mention of the travellers’ fear of Skimbleshanks. Instead, Skimbleshanks is portrayed as a conscientious and hardworking manager who makes sure the train runs well and is safe. His presence and behaviour, such as looking people in the face and taking charge, aims to reassure the passengers and make them feel secure.

(iv) The arrangement of tidy and well-maintained cabins is one of the provisions taken to ensure that passengers have a comfortable ride. A comfortable environment for the passengers is made possible by the recently folded sheet on the berth, the absence of dust on the floor, and the ability to control lighting and airflow. The goal of these measures is to make the passengers’ train ride more comfortable and enjoyable overall.

(v) There have been tremendous improvements in comfort and amenities when comparing the amenities of the train compartment in the poem to those seen in modern trains. Modern railway cars frequently come equipped with more upscale amenities including better restrooms, individual climate control, movable seats, power outlets, and Wi-Fi access. Even though Skimbleshanks-style managers are less frequent nowadays, there are still train workers and crew members in charge of making sure passengers are safe and attending to any issues or needs.

Assuring a comfortable ride and maintaining the train’s operations are divided among many crew members in today’s trains. Even though Skimbleshanks may not be the same person today, the goal of offering a comfortable and secure travel experience does not change.

V. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:

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

Answers

(i) Skimble gives the police at the Dumfries station any information they need to know by speaking with them. This implies that Skimbleshanks is watchful and helpful, actively taking part in safeguarding the security of the railway and its passengers.

(ii) The phrase “Midnight Mail” in the extract’s final line suggests that the train arrives at its destination at midnight. However, the given extract fails to mention the precise first and last stops of the Midnight Mail.

(iii) Because Skimbleshanks, the railway cat, helps the passengers get off at Gallowgate, there is no need for them to wait. He makes it easier for them to get off the train, resulting in a quick and easy escape.

(iv) Skimbleshanks waves his long, brown tail goodbye to the travellers as he departs. With this gesture, he bids you a cordial farewell and says, “I’ll see you again!” The Midnight Mail will bring them together once more, he assures the passengers by waving his tail as a sign of his presence and certainty.

(v) The poem makes no indication of what Skimbleshanks, the train cat, does after the passengers nod off. However, it may be inferred that he continues to supervise and ensure the train runs smoothly during the route based on the earlier explanations of his position and responsibilities. While travelling at night, he may continue to patrol, keep everything under control, and keep an eye out for any potential problems.

TREASURE CHEST: A Collection of ICSE Short Stories & Poems Beta Publication Workbook Answers

PROSE (Short Stories):

Std IX

1. Bonku Babu’s Friend – Satyajit Ray

2. Oliver Asks for More – Charles Dickens

3. The Model Millionaire – Oscar Wilde

4. Home-coming – Rabindranath Tagore

5. The Boy who Broke the Bank – Ruskin Bond

Std X

1. With the Photographer – Stephen Leacock

2. The Elevator – William Sleator

3. The Girl Who Can – Ama Ata Aidoo

4. The Pedestrian – Ray Bradbury

5. The Last Lesson – Alphonse Daudet

POETRY:

Std IX

1. The Night Mail – W.H. Auden

2. Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat – T.S. Eliot

3. I Remember, I Remember – Thomas Hood

4. A Doctor’s Journal Entry for August 6, 1945 – Vikram Seth

5. A Work of Artifice – Marge Piercy

Std X

1. Haunted Houses – H.W. Longfellow

2. The Glove and the Lions – Leigh Hunt

3. When Great Trees fall – Maya Angelou

4. A Considerable Speck – Robert Frost

5. The Power of Music – Sukumar Ray

Treasure Chest Workbook Solution: Evergreen Publication

Std 9 Vol – I : Poems

1. A Work of Artifice – Marge Piercy

2. Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat – T S Eliot

3. I Remember, I Remember – Thomas Hood

4. A Doctor’s Joumal Entry for August 6, 1945 – Vikram Seth

5. The Night Mail – W H Auden

6. Haunted Houses – H W Longfellow

7. The Glove and the Lions – James Leigh Hunt

8. When Great Trees Fall – Maya Angelou

9. A Considerable Speck – Robert Frost

10. The Power of Music – Sukumar Roy

Std 9 Vol – II: Short Stories

l. Bonku Babu’s Friend – Satyaji Ray

2. Oliver Asks for More – Charles Dickens

3. The Model Millionaire – Oscar Wilde

4. The Homecoming – Rabindranath Tagore

5. The Boy Who Broke the Bank – Ruskin Bond

6. With the Photographer – Stephen Leacock

7. The Elevator – William Sleator

8. The Girl Who Can – Ama Ata Aidoo

9. The Pedestrian – Ray Bradbury

10. The Last Lesson – Alphonse Daudet