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T. S. EliotA modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
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.
By T. S. Eliot
Ash Wednesday
T. S. Eliot
East Coker
T. S. Eliot
Four Quartets
T. S. Eliot
Journey of the Magi
T. S. Eliot
Little Gidding
T. S. Eliot
Mr. Mistoffelees
T. S. Eliot
Murder in the Cathedral
T. S. Eliot
Portrait of a Lady
T. S. Eliot
Preludes
T. S. Eliot
Rhapsody On A Windy Night
T. S. Eliot
The Cocktail Party
T. S. Eliot
The Hollow Men
T. S. Eliot
The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock
T. S. Eliot
The Waste Land
T. S. Eliot
Tradition and the Individual Talent
T. S. Eliot