Cat and Mouse by Ted Hughes (detailed commentary and analysis)
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- Опубліковано 2 жов 2024
- Detailed commentary and analysis by Claire's Notes of Cat and Mouse by Ted Hughes
Cambridge iGCSE: Ted Hughes
"Cat and Mouse" by Ted Hughes portrays the tense and predatory relationship between a cat and a mouse. The poem details the mouse's fear and vulnerability as it tries to escape the inevitable threat posed by the cat. Themes of power dynamics, survival, and the harsh realities of nature are central. Hughes' vivid and intense imagery captures the suspense and brutality of the natural world, emphasizing the relentless pursuit and the instinctual behaviours of predator and prey. The poem reflects on the existential struggle and the often merciless cycle of life and death inherent in the animal kingdom.
Cat and Mouse by Ted Hughes
On the sheep-cropped summit, under hot sun,
The mouse crouched, staring out the chance
It dared not take.
Time and a world
Too old to alter, the five mile prospect-
Woods, villages, farms hummed its heat-heavy
Stupor of life.
Whether to two
Feet or four, how are prayers contracted!
Whether in God’s eye or the eye of a cat.
My poetry videos all have the same structure: I start by putting the poem into its historical and biographical context where this enhances its understanding and give a short summary of the poem itself; I then look at the poem in its entirety, picking out structural features, such as metre (rhythm), any rhyming and patterns in language which the poet uses; I finish by going through the poem on a line-by-line basis, giving definitions of words and offering an interpretation of the poet’s words with justification. Most of the terminology I use (in green) is provided with a definition below, so even if you haven’t come across it before, you should still be able to understand the points I am making.
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About me:
I have been an English teacher and private tutor for more than 20 years.
Please note that any literature analysis is highly subjective and may disagree with analysis by another person. All interpretations are valid if they can be justified by reference to the text. This interpretation is my own: it is not exhaustive and there are alternatives!
Please leave any comments or questions below.
Hi Claire!!! Honestly your the best, if I get a 9 in English literature it’s mostly thanks to you. If you have time, could you upload a video analysing ‘A memory’ or ‘Relic’ or ‘Roe-deer’. I am a bit lost on this ones. But thanx for the other videos they’re incredibly helpful.
I just saw you already have a video on ‘Roe-deer’.
Thank you! You are so welcome. 'Relic' should be on the way soon. I have another few videos to upload first but it shouldn't be long!
Could upload the analysis of Crumbs from the Table of Joy and A Midsummer Night’s Dream
I will certainly consider it!
thank you so much teacher claire you always put out high-quality analysis.
My pleasure! Glad you like it!