Mr. Mistoffelees

Like all the other poems in Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats, “Mr. Mistoffelees” occurs in an unspecified city—likely London—in 20th century England. The cityscape is deliberately vague, creating a universal appeal. “Mr. Mistoffelees” does not follow a regular stanzaic pattern; instead, the poem is divided in two unequal sections. Lines rhyme throughout but not in a pattern consistent enough to be applied during the whole poem. The speaker of the poem is unnamed, but most probably identified with the poet himself, given the title of the book draws from Eliot’s nickname, “Old Possum.”

The poem’s tone is whimsical and its mood humorous. The narrative voice shifts from the imperative—“You ought” (Line 1)—to the collaborative: “And we all say: OH!” (Line 18). This adds a theatrical touch to the speaker-persona. The poem’s breezy, theatrical quality belies its rich themes, such as the importance of cultivating a child-like wonder throughout life. Though heavily inspired by the fantastical worlds of Lewis Carroll and Edward Lear, “Mr. Mistoffelees” cannot be classified as fantasy or simply described as nonsense verse. The poem occupies a

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