The Song of the Jellicles

The most prevalent literary device in “The Song of the Jellicles” and Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats is anthropomorphism. Eliot writes these poems about cats, but the cats live and act like humans. In children’s literature, anthropomorphism is common; it is popular in children’s literature because it allows authors to discuss heavy topics in a more light-hearted way. This is why many Disney movies use animals or give life to inanimate objects. The anthropomorphism allows artists the ability to keep the tone light while still exploring (sometimes dark or heavy) human themes.

The Jellicles behave like humans; specifically, they behave like rich socialites common in Europe around the 19th and 20th centuries. They dance and sing and frolic in organized parties, but Eliot merges both the human activities with other actions people associate with cats. When the Jellicles wash themselves, they do it like cats do. When they are physically described, Eliot notes their color, size, and eyes. They’re physically described in animal terms even though they act like humans.

Anthropomorphism has a long literary and cultural history. It is a central concept in many mythologies, including Greek mythology. Sometimes authors use it for the purposes just described, and sometimes authors use it to show the connection between the natural and human worlds.