The Skimbleshanks Line by Line Explanation: Treasure Chest Workbook Solutions Class 9 English written by T. S. Eliot. The Line by line explanation of any poem provides a clear view about theme as well as Summary. Visit official website CISCE for detail information about ICSE Board Class- 9 English.
The Skimbleshanks Line by Line Explanation: Treasure Chest Workbook Solutions Class 9 English written by T. S. Eliot
| Board | ICSE |
| Publications | Evergreen Publications |
| Subject | English |
| Class | 9 |
| Book Name | Treasure Chest |
| Chapter | Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat |
| Writer | T. S. Eliot |
| Topics | Line by Line Explanation |
Line by Line Explanantion of The Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat
The Line by Line Explanation of any poem is very useful for self study. It help in the answering of extract question as well as MCQs in more easily and effective way.
There’s a whisper down the ….. ….. ….. Night Mail’s ready to depart,
In the opening of the poem everyone are whispers or discussions along the railway just before the night train departs.
Saying “Skimble where is ….. ….. ….. find him or the train can’t start.”
The lines “Skimble where is Skimble, has he gone to hunt the thimble? We must find him or the train can’t start.” seem to be playful or whimsical, likely referring to a character named Skimble, who is being humorously searched for before the train can begin its journey. The mention of “hunting the thimble” could be a figurative or fanciful way of describing an errand or task he’s involved in, and the urgency of finding him suggests that his presence is necessary for the train to depart. In a broader sense, these lines create a sense of lighthearted chaos or anticipation before the train sets off.
All the guards and all the porters and the stationmaster’s ….. ….. ….. the Night Mail just can’t go.”
The lines describe a situation where everyone at the station is searching for Skimble. They are concerned because if Skimble doesn’t hurry and show up, the Night Mail train won’t be able to leave on time. The phrase “unless he’s very nimble” suggests that Skimble needs to act quickly for the train to depart as scheduled.
At 11.42 then the signal’s nearly ….. ….. ….. been busy in the luggage van!
This part describes a moment when it’s almost time for the train’s signal to arrive, and the passengers are getting anxious. Skimble, a character, will then calmly walk to the back of the train, having been busy working in the luggage van (the part of the train that carries luggage).
He gives one flash of his glass-green ….. ….. ….. Of the Northern Hemisphere!
This means that Skimble, with a quick glance from his “glass-green eyes,” signals that everything is ready, and the train’s signal changes to “All Clear!” Finally, the train begins its journey toward the northern region of the Northern Hemisphere. It’s a way of saying that the train is now ready to depart and head toward its destination.
You may say that by and large it is Skimble who’s in ….. ….. ….. will supervise them all, more or less.
Overall, Skimble is the one who has control and authority over the Sleeping Car Express. He oversees everyone on the train, from the driver and guards to the bagmen (who are probably the porters or people working with luggage) who are playing cards. Skimble supervises them all, though not necessarily in a strict or detailed way—he’s in charge “more or less.”
Down the corridor he paces and examines all the ….. ….. ….. he’d know at once if anything occurred.
This section describes how Skimble walks up and down the corridor of the train, observing the passengers in both the First and Third class. He keeps an eye on everyone by regularly patrolling the train. Because of his attention to detail, he would immediately notice if anything unusual or out of place happened.
He will watch you without winking and he sees what you are ….. ….. ….. When Skimble is about and on the move.
This means that Skimble is very observant—he watches people closely without blinking, almost as if he can read their thoughts. He doesn’t like loud or rowdy behavior (hilarity and riot), so when he’s around, people tend to stay quiet and behave, knowing he disapproves of anything disruptive.
You can play no pranks with Skimbleshanks! ….. ….. ….. Northern Mail When Skimbleshanks is aboard.
This means that Skimble is a cat who commands attention and cannot be overlooked. He’s so vigilant and in control that nothing goes wrong on the Northern Mail train when he’s on board. He ensures everything runs smoothly, and no one dares to cause trouble around him.
Oh, it’s very pleasant when you have found your little den ….. ….. ….. And a crank to shut the window if you sneeze.
This part describes the comfort and convenience of a private sleeping compartment on the train. It’s a cozy little space, where everything is tidy and well-kept. Your name is displayed on the door, and the berth (sleeping area) is neat with clean sheets and no dust. There are different light options to adjust the atmosphere, and a handle to create a breeze when needed. There’s also a small basin for washing your face, and a crank to close the window if you need to shut it quickly, perhaps because you might sneeze. It paints a picture of a comfortable, well-equipped space for passengers.
Then the guard looks in politely and will ask you very brightly ….. ….. ….. For Skimble won’t let anything go wrong.
This part shows how the train’s guard checks in with passengers, asking politely if they prefer their morning tea weak or strong. However, Skimble is right behind him, ready to make sure everything goes smoothly. Skimble is always on top of things and won’t let any mistakes or issues happen, ensuring everything runs perfectly. It highlights his attentive and responsible nature.
And when you creep into your cosy berth ….. ….. ….. The Cat of the Railway Train!
This part describes the comfort of settling into your cozy sleeping berth on the train, pulling up the blanket (counterpane), and being able to relax. It’s reassuring to know that you won’t be bothered by mice, as that’s the responsibility of the “Railway Cat” (Skimble), the cat who takes care of such things on the train. It highlights how Skimble ensures everything is taken care of, so passengers can enjoy their journey without any worries.
In the watches of the night he is always fresh and bright; ….. ….. ….. Only stopping here and there to catch a flea.
This part describes how Skimble stays alert and energetic throughout the night. He remains “fresh and bright” as he keeps watch over the train. Every now and then, he enjoys a cup of tea with a little bit of Scotch, but he doesn’t let that distract him from his duties. He only pauses occasionally, perhaps to catch a flea. It paints Skimble as a dedicated, watchful cat who is always on the job, but still manages to take small breaks.
You were fast asleep at Crewe and so you never knew ….. ….. ….. Where he greets the stationmaster with elation.
This part suggests that while you were fast asleep on the train (at Crewe), Skimble was still active, walking up and down the station, making sure everything was in order. Even though you were unaware of his actions, he was busy at other stops, like Carlisle, where he cheerfully greets the stationmaster. It shows that Skimble is always working, ensuring everything runs smoothly, even when passengers are unaware of his efforts.
But you saw him at Dumfries, where he speaks to the ….. ….. ….. For Skimbleshanks will help you to get out!
This shows Skimble’s continued role in keeping things in order. At Dumfries, he even talks to the police if there’s anything important for them to know. When the train reaches Gallowgate, passengers don’t have to wait around—Skimble is there to help them get out of the train, ensuring a smooth and efficient experience for everyone. It reinforces Skimble’s role as the helpful, watchful, and in-charge cat who makes sure everything runs well for the passengers.
He gives you a wave of his long brown tail ….. ….. ….. The Cat of the Railway Train.”
This describes how, as you leave the train, Skimble gives a friendly wave with his long brown tail, signaling that you’ll meet him again. The wave conveys a sense of reassurance, implying that no matter what, you’ll cross paths with him again on the Midnight Mail. It emphasizes Skimble’s role as a constant, reliable presence on the train, ensuring passengers that he’ll always be there, looking after everything.
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