Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats Summary & Key Insights

T.S. Eliot's Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats isn't a book with a traditional plot, but rather a collection of whimsical poems celebrating the lives and personalities of various feline characters. The poems are loosely connected by the framing device of a Jellicle Ball, a yearly gathering where the Jellicle Cats convene to determine which cat will ascend to the Heaviside Layer and be reborn into a new life. This "plot," if it can be called that, acts as a structure for showcasing a diverse cast of cats, each with their unique quirks and histories.

The poems depict a vibrant and eccentric feline community. Key characters include Old Deuteronomy, the wise and respected leader; Rum Tum Tugger, the rebellious and charismatic tomcat; Jennyanydots, a seemingly ordinary cat with surprising nighttime activities; Gus, the Theatre Cat, reflecting on his past glories; and the mischievous Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer, a pair of thieving siblings. Each poem provides a character sketch, revealing their habits, personalities, and individual struggles. We meet the elegant and refined Macavity, the mysterious "Napoleon of Crime," alongside the perpetually grumpy Skimbleshanks, the railway cat. Even seemingly minor characters like the elegant Cassandra or the perpetually hungry Jellylorum are given rich, memorable portrayals.

While there's no singular overarching narrative, the collection explores several overarching themes. The most prominent is the celebration of individuality and the beauty of diversity. Each cat is distinct, possessing unique traits and flaws, yet all are accepted and valued within the Jellicle community. The book champions the idea that there's beauty and worth in every personality, even those considered unconventional or "unpractical."

Another key theme is the cycle of life, death, and rebirth, embodied by the Jellicle Ball and the promise of ascension to the Heaviside Layer. The poems subtly explore the idea of legacy and how even seemingly insignificant actions can contribute to a larger whole. Furthermore, the book subtly addresses the themes of social class and societal expectations within the Jellicle community, showing how cats from different backgrounds interact and coexist.

While Edward Gorey’s illustrations aren't integral to the plot itself, they significantly add to the overall atmosphere and charm of the book, complementing the playful and often darkly humorous tone of Eliot's poems. His distinct style enhances the whimsical and slightly unsettling nature of some of the characters and their stories. Ultimately, Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats is less about a singular story and more about a vibrant tapestry of feline characters and their unique journeys, highlighting the beauty of individual expression and the cyclical nature of life.