Introduction
This poem involves another cat and a very special poet. Mr. Mistoffelees is from the poetry book Old Possums Book of Practical Cats. This book was used to create the Broadway Musical Cats. Please take your time to enjoy this Poetry Journey as it has some extra special components.
Task
Read Mr. Mistoffelees and begin to picture all the poetry elements we've discussed. Use your flip book to help you pick out Poetic Techniques used by this author. Use your analysis sheet to go through the poem and answer each section. Take time to discuss and talk with your partner about poetic techniques, point of view, rhyme pattern. Fill out your analysis together.
Process
Listen to Mr. Mistoffelees being read aloud and watch the video that accompanies it.
What is the tone of this poem?
How does the narrator feel about Mr. Mistoffelees?
Evaluation
Now for the fun! Andrew Lloyd Webber (genius) took T.S. Eliot's Old Possums Book of Practical Cats and set it to music. He also was able to create a story line with all these random poems about cats. Before you look at the clip read a little more about Andrew Lloyd Webber. Click on the links to read more about T.S. Eliot and Andrew Lloyd Webber.
What kind on music do you picture for Mr. Mistoffelees? Is it slow or fast? Is it happy and light or mysterious and gloomy?
Is this what you predicted?
Conclusion
You were able to analyze the poem yourself, watch another student read and bring the poem to life, and finally you were able to see how a professional used poems to entertain billions by adding a plot and music. Some quotes for you to ponder ....
“Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent.”
― Victor Hugo, Hugo's Works: William Shakespeare
“Where words leave off, music begins.”
― Heinrich Heine
“Life, he realize, was much like a song. In the beginning there is mystery, in the end there is confirmation, but it's in the middle where all the emotion resides to make the whole thing worthwhile.”
― Nicholas Sparks, The Last Song