Skimbleshank: The Railway Cat by TS Eliot
Skimbleshank: The Railway Cat
by TS 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 — Line by Line Explanation
Please note that the original line is written in simple fonts insides quotes "...", difficult words are explained in italicized fonts and written inside brackets. The explanation is in bold fonts.
Stanza 1
“There's a whisper down the line at 11.39” ( whisper = soft secret talk, down the line = throughout the railway station or along the railway line)
A quiet message spreads through the railway station at 11:39 at night.
“When the Night Mail's ready to depart,” (Night Mail = a night train carrying mail and passengers depart = leave)
The Night Mail train is prepared to leave the station.
“Saying ‘Skimble where is Skimble has he gone to hunt the thimble?’” (hunt the thimble = a playful expression meaning wandering or searching aimlessly)
People jokingly ask where Skimbleshanks has gone.
“We must find him or the train can't start.”
Everyone believes the train cannot leave without Skimbleshanks. (This shows how important he is.)
“All the guards and all the porters and the stationmaster's daughters” ( guards = railway officials on the train, porters = workers who carry luggage, stationmaster = the head of the railway station)
Railway workers and even the stationmaster’s daughters are searching for him.
“They are searching high and low,” ( high and low = everywhere possible)
They search everywhere.
“Saying ‘Skimble where is Skimble for unless he's very nimble’” ( nimble = quick and active)
They wonder where he is unless he is moving very quickly.
“Then the Night Mail just can't go.”
Without him, the train cannot leave. (The poet humorously exaggerates his importance.)
Stanza 2
“At 11.42 then the signal's nearly due” (signal = railway permission for the train to move, due = expected)
At 11:42 the railway signal is about to be given.
And the passengers are frantic to a man—” (frantic = worried and excited, to a man = every person)
All the passengers become anxious.
“Then Skimble will appear and he'll saunter to the rear:” ( saunter = walk slowly and confidently, rear = back part)
At last Skimbleshanks appears and walks casually toward the back of the train.
“He's been busy in the luggage van!” ( luggage van = railway compartment for baggage)
He was working in the compartment carrying luggage. ( This humorously exaggerates his importance how busy and important he is)
Stanza 3
“He gives one flash of his glass-green eyes” ( glass-green eyes = bright shining green eyes)
Skimbleshanks looks around sharply with his shining green eyes.
“And the signal goes ‘All Clear!’” ( All Clear = permission to proceed safely)
Immediately the railway signal allows the train to leave.
“And we're off at last for the northern part”
Finally the train begins its journey northward.
“Of the Northern Hemisphere!” ( Northern Hemisphere = northern half of the Earth)
The train travels toward northern Britain. (The line humorously makes the journey sound grand.)
Stanza 4
“You may say that by and large it is Skimble who's in charge” ( by and large = generally in charge = responsible)
Generally, Skimbleshanks controls everything on the train.
“Of the Sleeping Car Express.” ( Sleeping Car Express = train with sleeping compartments)
He supervises the sleeping train compartments.
“From the driver and the guards to the bagmen playing cards” ( bagmen = luggage workers)
Everyone from the driver to workers handling luggage obeys him.
“He will supervise them all, more or less.” ( supervise = manage or inspect, more or less = almost completely)
He watches over almost everyone. (These lines exaggerate his importance showing him that he manages everything and everybody obeys him)
Stanza 5
“Down the corridor he paces and examines all the faces” (paces = walks steadily, examines = checks carefully)
He walks through the train corridors observing passengers carefully.
“Of the travellers in the First and the Third;” ( First and the Third = first-class and third-class compartments)
He checks both rich and ordinary passengers.
“He establishes control by a regular patrol” ( patrol = regular inspection round)
He maintains order by constantly moving around.
“And he'd know at once if anything occurred.” ( at once = immediately occurred = happened)
He would immediately notice any problem.
Stanza 6
“He will watch you without winking and he sees what you are thinking” ( without winking = without blinking)
He watches passengers so carefully that it seems he knows their thoughts.
“And it's certain that he doesn't approve” ( approve = like or permit)
It is clear he dislikes bad behavior.
“Of hilarity and riot, so the folk are very quiet” ( hilarity = loud fun and laughter, riot = disorderly behavior, folk = people)
He dislikes noisy fun and disorder, so people behave quietly.
“When Skimble is about and on the move.”
When he is nearby and walking around.
Stanza 7
“You can play no pranks with Skimbleshanks!” ( pranks = mischievous tricks)
Nobody can fool or trick him.
“He's a Cat that cannot be ignored;”
He is too important to overlook.
“So nothing goes wrong on the Northern Mail”
Everything remains orderly on the train.
“When Skimbleshanks is aboard.” ( aboard = on the train)
When he is on the train.
Stanza 8
“Oh, it's very pleasant when you have found your little den” ( den = small cozy room)
Passengers feel comfortable after finding their compartment.
“With your name written up on the door.”
Their compartment is properly reserved.
“And the berth is very neat with a newly folded sheet” ( berth = sleeping bed in a train compartment)
The sleeping bed is clean and tidy.
“And there's not a speck of dust on the floor.” ( speck = tiny spot)
Everything is perfectly clean.
Stanza 9
“There is every sort of light—you can make it dark or bright;”
Passengers can adjust the lights as they wish.
“There's a handle that you turn to make a breeze.” ( breeze = cool moving air)
There is a fan or ventilator.
“There's a funny little basin you're supposed to wash your face in” ( basin = bowl-shaped sink)
A small washbasin is provided.
“And a crank to shut the window if you sneeze.” ( crank = turning handle. sneeze = sudden expulsion of air from the nose)
There is a handle for closing the window.
Stanza 10
“Then the guard looks in politely and will ask you very brightly” ( brightly = cheerfully)
The railway guard speaks cheerfully and politely.
“‘Do you like your morning tea weak or strong?’” ( weak tea = less strong tea flavor, strong tea = concentrated tea flavor)
He asks how the passenger likes tea.
“But Skimble's just behind him and was ready to remind him,”
Skimbleshanks supervises even the guard’s duties.
“For Skimble won't let anything go wrong.”
He ensures perfect discipline.
Stanza 11
“And when you creep into your cosy berth” ( creep = move softly, cosy = comfortable and warm)
Passengers quietly get into bed.
“And pull up the counterpane,” ( counterpane = bedcover or blanket)
They pull up the blanket.
“You ought to reflect that it's very nice” ( reflect = think deeply)
Passengers should realize how pleasant the journey is.
“To know that you won't be bothered by mice—” ( bothered = troubled)
There are no mice to disturb passengers.
“You can leave all that to the Railway Cat,”
Skimbleshanks takes care of such problems.
“The Cat of the Railway Train!”
He proudly rules the railway train.
Stanza 12
“In the watches of the night he is always fresh and bright;” ( watches of the night = late-night hours)
Even late at night he remains active and energetic.
“Every now and then he has a cup of tea” ( every now and then = sometimes)
Occasionally he drinks tea.
“With perhaps a drop of Scotch while he's keeping on the watch,”( Scotch = Scotch whisky, keeping on the watch = staying alert)
He may drink a little Scotch whisky while remaining alert.
“Only stopping here and there to catch a flea.” (flea = tiny insect found on animals)
Sometimes he pauses to scratch or catch fleas. (This line creates comic effects.)
Stanza 13
“You were fast asleep at Crewe and so you never knew” ( Crewe = railway town in England)
Passengers slept while the train stopped at Crewe station.
“That he was walking up and down the station;”
Skimbleshanks was still actively supervising.
“You were sleeping all the while he was busy at Carlisle,” ( Carlisle = city in northern England)
Passengers slept while he continued working at Carlisle station.
“Where he greets the stationmaster with elation.” ( elation = great happiness)
He happily greets the stationmaster.
Stanza 14
“But you saw him at Dumfries, where he speaks to the police” ( Dumfries = town in Scotland)
At Dumfries station he talks to policemen.
“If there's anything they ought to know about:” ( ought to = should)
He informs them of important matters.
“When you get to Gallowgate there you do not have to wait—” ( Gallowgate = railway area in Scotland)
Passengers quickly leave the station because of his efficiency.
“For Skimbleshanks will help you to get out!”
He helps passengers leave smoothly.
Final Lines
“He gives you a wave of his long brown tail”
He waves goodbye proudly.
“Which says: ‘I'll see you again!’”
The wave seems friendly and welcoming.
“You'll meet without fail on the Midnight Mail” ( without fail = certainly)
Passengers will surely see him again on future journeys.
“The Cat of the Railway Train.”
The cat of the Railway Train (poem ends by glorifying Skimbleshanks as the great railway cat.)
Overall Meaning of the Poem
The poem celebrates:
discipline,
punctuality,
responsibility,
cleanliness,
and efficient service.
Skimbleshanks symbolizes the ideal worker who quietly keeps everything running perfectly. Eliot humorously turns an ordinary railway cat into a heroic guardian of the Night Mail train.
Detailed Summary of Skimbleshank: The Railway Cat
The poem begins with a sense of confusion because the Night Mail train cannot depart without Skimbleshanks. Railway officials, guards, and porters anxiously search for him. Everyone knows that the train journey cannot proceed properly until the cat arrives.
At last, Skimbleshanks appears, calm and confident, and immediately the train starts moving. This introduction establishes his importance and authority.
Skimbleshanks is not an ordinary cat. He acts almost like the manager of the entire train. He supervises every compartment and ensures that all passengers are comfortable. He checks whether the doors are secure, the corridors are clean, and the passengers are behaving properly.
He especially watches over:
sleeping passengers,
restless children,
noisy travelers,
and careless workers.
The poet describes how efficiently Skimbleshanks controls the train. He inspects every detail:
the heating system,
lights,
cleanliness,
and the conduct of railway staff.
No mouse dares appear in his presence, and no passenger can create disorder while he is on duty.
The poem also creates a vivid picture of the moving night train:
lamps shining in the dark,
rhythmic movement of wheels,
sleeping passengers,
and stations passing quietly.
Skimbleshanks becomes the spirit of discipline and order on the railway.
By the end of the poem, the reader feels admiration for the cat’s dedication, punctuality, and professionalism.
Major Themes
1. Discipline and Responsibility
Skimbleshanks represents efficiency, punctuality, and dedication to duty. He performs his responsibilities sincerely.
2. Order versus Chaos
Before his arrival there is confusion; after he appears everything becomes organized.
3. Importance of Work
The poem suggests that every system depends on responsible workers, even if they are unnoticed.
4. Adventure and Travel
The night train journey creates excitement and romance associated with railway travel.
Character of Skimbleshanks
Skimbleshanks is:
disciplined,
intelligent,
active,
authoritative,
responsible,
observant,
and dependable.
Though he is a cat, Eliot gives him human qualities. This technique is called anthropomorphism.
Literary Devices
1. Personification / Anthropomorphism
The cat behaves like a human railway supervisor.
2. Imagery
The poem creates visual and auditory images of:
railway stations,
lamps,
train movement,
sleeping compartments,
and nighttime travel.
3. Rhythm and Musicality
The rhythmic lines imitate the movement of a train.
4. Repetition
Repeated references to Skimbleshanks emphasize his importance.
5. Humor
The idea of a cat managing a railway train creates gentle humor.
Style of the Poem
The poem is:
lively,
conversational,
humorous,
rhythmic,
and descriptive.
Eliot uses long flowing lines that resemble the continuous motion of a train.
Critical Appreciation
Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat by T. S. Eliot is a delightful narrative poem that combines humor, rhythm, and vivid characterization. Eliot transforms an ordinary railway cat into a heroic and disciplined figure who manages the Night Mail train with perfect efficiency.
The poem successfully creates the atmosphere of railway travel through lively descriptions of compartments, stations, guards, and passengers. The rhythmic flow of the poem resembles the steady movement of a train, making the reading experience musical and enjoyable.
The greatest achievement of the poem is Eliot’s use of anthropomorphism. Skimbleshanks behaves exactly like a strict but caring railway officer. Through this character, Eliot celebrates punctuality, responsibility, and devotion to duty.
The humor of the poem never becomes childish; instead, it adds warmth and entertainment. The detailed descriptions of train life make the poem realistic while preserving its fantasy element.
The poem is admired for:
vivid imagery,
musical rhythm,
humor,
characterization,
and imaginative storytelling.
It remains one of Eliot’s most popular poems from Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats.
Humour in Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat
Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat by T. S. Eliot is full of gentle and entertaining humour. The humor mainly arises from the poet’s imaginative portrayal of a cat behaving like a strict and efficient railway officer.
The funniest aspect of the poem is that everyone on the Night Mail train treats Skimbleshanks as an extremely important official. The train seems unable to start until he appears. Guards, porters, and passengers anxiously search for him as if he were the true controller of the railway system. This humorous exaggeration creates comic effect.
Another source of humour is the contrast between Skimbleshanks’ serious responsibilities and his natural cat-like behavior. He supervises passengers, checks compartments, maintains discipline, and ensures cleanliness like a human inspector. Yet, despite all this dignity, he occasionally stops “to catch a flea.” This sudden reminder that he is actually a cat creates light-hearted comedy.
The poet also humorously describes how passengers become quiet whenever Skimbleshanks is nearby. He watches everyone “without winking,” making him seem strict and almost frightening. The idea of a cat silently controlling human passengers is amusing.
Humour is further created through:
exaggeration,
personification,
lively rhythm,
and playful descriptions.
The rhythmic movement of the poem itself adds to the cheerful mood. Eliot’s humorous treatment never becomes harsh or satirical; instead, it remains warm, playful, and affectionate. Through humour, the poet makes Skimbleshanks both admirable and memorable.
Examine Eliot’s Use of Humor and Anthropomorphism in Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat
The humor of the poem mainly arises from exaggeration and contrast. Eliot amusingly suggests that the Night Mail train cannot depart until Skimbleshanks arrives. Guards, porters, and passengers anxiously search for him as though he were more important than the railway authorities themselves. This exaggerated importance creates comic effect and immediately attracts the reader’s attention.
Anthropomorphism is the central literary technique of the poem. Skimbleshanks behaves like a human railway supervisor. He inspects compartments, controls passengers, supervises guards, and maintains order throughout the journey. He walks through corridors examining faces and ensuring discipline. Such human responsibilities given to a cat make the character lively and memorable.
At the same time, Eliot preserves the cat’s natural behavior, which further strengthens the humor. Even while acting like a strict officer, Skimbleshanks occasionally stops “to catch a flea.” This sudden return to ordinary cat behavior creates delightful comedy and reminds readers that beneath his authority he is still a cat.
The humor remains gentle and affectionate rather than satirical. Eliot uses playful language, lively rhythm, and amusing situations to entertain readers while also celebrating responsibility and efficiency. Through anthropomorphism and humor, Skimbleshanks becomes both comic and admirable.
Discuss the Use of Imagery and Rhythm in the Poem
Imagery and rhythm are two of the most remarkable features of Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat. Eliot uses them effectively to create the atmosphere of railway travel and to make the poem musical and vivid.
The poem is rich in visual imagery. Eliot paints detailed pictures of:
railway stations,
sleeping compartments,
passengers,
lights,
luggage vans,
and moving trains.
The reader can clearly imagine the neat sleeping berths, folded sheets, shining lamps, and clean compartments. Descriptions such as “not a speck of dust on the floor” create vivid pictures of comfort and cleanliness. The poet also creates strong images of nighttime railway journeys through stations like Crewe, Carlisle, and Dumfries.
Auditory imagery is equally important. The rhythmic sounds of the poem resemble the movement of a running train. The lively flow of words creates the feeling of wheels moving steadily along railway tracks.
Rhythm plays a central role in the poem’s success. Eliot uses quick-moving lines, repetitions, and musical patterns that imitate the speed and continuity of the Night Mail train. The changing pace of the poem reflects the movement of railway travel—sometimes energetic, sometimes calm and smooth.
The rhyme and rhythm also add humor and liveliness. The musical quality makes the poem enjoyable to read aloud and helps maintain reader interest throughout the long narrative. Thus, imagery and rhythm together bring the railway world vividly to life.
Evaluate the Poetic Style of Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat
The poetic style of Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat is lively, humorous, musical, and descriptive. Eliot combines narrative storytelling with rhythmic movement to create a poem that is both entertaining and artistically impressive.
One important feature of Eliot’s style is conversational simplicity. The language is easy, natural, and flowing, making the poem accessible to readers of all ages. Despite its simplicity, the poem is highly imaginative and carefully structured.
Another remarkable aspect is Eliot’s use of rhythm. The flowing lines imitate the movement of a railway train, giving the poem energy and musicality. The rhyme scheme and repetitive sounds create a cheerful and engaging reading experience.
Eliot’s descriptive power is also noteworthy. Through vivid imagery, he creates realistic scenes of railway compartments, stations, and nighttime journeys. Readers can clearly visualize the atmosphere of the Night Mail train.
Humor is an essential element of the poetic style. Eliot humorously exaggerates the importance of Skimbleshanks while portraying him as a disciplined railway authority. The blending of seriousness and comedy makes the poem charming and memorable.
The poem also reflects Eliot’s mastery of anthropomorphism. By giving human qualities to a cat, he creates a unique central character who is both amusing and admirable.
Overall, the poetic style of Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat is distinguished by:
musical rhythm,
vivid imagery,
playful humor,
narrative charm,
and imaginative characterization.
Short Answer Questions
1. Why was the Night Mail unable to depart without Skimbleshanks?
The Night Mail was unable to depart without Skimbleshanks because he was considered the true supervisor of the train. Everyone believed that the journey could not proceed properly until he arrived. His presence ensured discipline, order, and smooth management of the railway compartments.
2. What duties does Skimbleshanks perform on the train?
Skimbleshanks performs many important duties on the train. He supervises the guards and railway staff, inspects passengers, checks the compartments, maintains cleanliness, prevents disorder, and ensures the comfort and safety of travellers throughout the journey.
3. How does Skimbleshanks maintain discipline among passengers?
Skimbleshanks maintains discipline by constantly moving through the corridors and carefully observing passengers. His strict and watchful nature prevents people from making noise or creating disorder. Everyone remains quiet and well-behaved in his presence.
4. What qualities make Skimbleshanks an ideal railway cat?
Skimbleshanks is disciplined, responsible, punctual, active, observant, and efficient. He performs every duty sincerely and remains alert throughout the night. These qualities make him an ideal railway cat.
5. How does Eliot create the atmosphere of railway travel?
T. S. Eliot creates the atmosphere of railway travel through vivid descriptions of stations, sleeping compartments, guards, lights, luggage vans, and moving trains. The rhythmic movement of the poem also resembles the sound and motion of a running train.
6. Why are passengers comfortable during the journey?
Passengers are comfortable because the compartments are clean, neat, and well-organized. The beds are properly prepared, the guards are polite, and Skimbleshanks carefully supervises everything to ensure safety and comfort.
7. What humorous elements are present in the poem?
The humor of the poem comes from the idea of a cat behaving like an important railway officer. Eliot humorously exaggerates Skimbleshanks’ importance by suggesting that the train cannot leave without him. His serious supervision combined with ordinary cat behavior creates comic effect.
8. Explain the significance of the “glass-green eyes.”
The “glass-green eyes” symbolize Skimbleshanks’ sharp observation, alertness, and authority. His shining eyes suggest that he carefully watches everyone and notices anything unusual immediately.
9. How does the poem portray cleanliness and order?
The poem portrays cleanliness and order through descriptions of neat berths, folded sheets, dust-free floors, and disciplined passengers. Skimbleshanks constantly supervises the train to ensure that everything remains properly organized.
10. Why is Skimbleshanks admired by railway staff and passengers?
Skimbleshanks is admired because he is efficient, dependable, and hardworking. He keeps the train running smoothly, maintains discipline, and ensures passengers’ comfort and safety. His dedication makes him respected by everyone on the train.
MCQs on Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat
1. Who wrote Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat?
A. W. B. Yeats
B. John Donne
C. T. S. Eliot
D. Robert Frost
Answer: C
2. The poem is taken from which collection?
A. The Waste Land
B. Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats
C. Four Quartets
D. Lyrical Ballads
Answer: B
3. What type of train is mentioned in the poem?
A. Bullet Train
B. Goods Train
C. Night Mail
D. Metro Train
Answer: C
4. Why were people searching for Skimbleshanks?
A. He was lost
B. The train could not leave without him
C. He stole luggage
D. He missed the train
Answer: B
5. Where had Skimbleshanks been busy?
A. In the engine room
B. In the station office
C. In the luggage van
D. In the dining car
Answer: C
6. What color are Skimbleshanks’ eyes?
A. Blue
B. Brown
C. Black
D. Glass-green
Answer: D
7. What does Skimbleshanks supervise?
A. Only the passengers
B. Only the guards
C. The entire train system
D. Only the luggage
Answer: C
8. What does Skimbleshanks dislike?
A. Silence
B. Hilarity and riot
C. Tea drinking
D. Sleeping passengers
Answer: B
9. Which literary device is mainly used in the poem?
A. Satire
B. Allegory
C. Anthropomorphism
D. Irony
Answer: C
10. What does Skimbleshanks establish by regular patrol?
A. Fear
B. Confusion
C. Discipline and control
D. Entertainment
Answer: C
11. What kind of compartments are described in the poem?
A. Dirty compartments
B. Crowded compartments
C. Comfortable sleeping compartments
D. Empty compartments
Answer: C
12. What does the guard ask the passengers?
A. Their destination
B. Their ticket number
C. How they like their morning tea
D. Their luggage details
Answer: C
13. What protects passengers from mice?
A. The guards
B. The stationmaster
C. Skimbleshanks
D. The driver
Answer: C
14. What does Skimbleshanks occasionally stop to catch?
A. Rats
B. Fleas
C. Birds
D. Fish
Answer: B
15. Which quality best describes Skimbleshanks?
A. Laziness
B. Carelessness
C. Discipline
D. Fearfulness
Answer: C
16. Which stations are mentioned in the poem?
A. Oxford and London
B. Crewe and Carlisle
C. Bristol and York
D. Dover and Leeds
Answer: B
17. What atmosphere does the poem mainly create?
A. War and violence
B. Sadness and despair
C. Exciting railway travel
D. Political conflict
Answer: C
18. What does Skimbleshanks wave at the end of the poem?
A. His paw
B. His cap
C. His tail
D. His lantern
Answer: C
19. The rhythm of the poem resembles:
A. Ocean waves
B. Bird songs
C. The movement of a train
D. Thunderstorms
Answer: C
20. What is the central theme of the poem?
A. Nature worship
B. Discipline and responsibility
C. Romantic love
D. Political freedom
Answer: B
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