A Cat by Edward Thomas (1905)
The poem presents a cat that is owned but unloved, highlighting the indifference of its owner and the cruelty of having its kittens drowned. Despite this neglect, the cat thrives in the spring, preying on various birds, which the speaker finds repugnant. The speaker expresses a deep disdain for the cat's actions, valuing the beauty of the birds over the cat's existence. The cat's life continues until it eventually dies, suggesting a complex relationship between nature, ownership, and the cycle of life and death. The speaker's conflicting emotions reflect a broader commentary on the harsh realities of life, the value of beauty, and the often unrecognized suffering of animals. The poem encapsulates themes of love, loss, and the moral implications of human actions towards animals.
By Edward Thomas · First published 1905 · Genre: Poetry, Nature Writing, Literary Fiction · 97 words
First lines
She had a name among the children;
But no one loved though someone owned Her, locked her out of doors at bedtime And had her kittens duly drowned.
In Spring, nevertheless, this cat Ate blackbirds, thrushes, nightingales, And birds of bright voice and plume and flight, As well as scraps from neighbours' pails.
I loathed and hated her for this;
What this Textopian page supports
A Cat is listed on Textopian as a poem by Edward Thomas, dated 1905 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Edward Thomas
- Date: 1905 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Nature Writing, Literary Fiction, Animal Literature, Social Commentary
- Length: 97 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Similar titles
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- Faery Morris by Madison Cawein
- The Naiad by Madison Cawein
- Advice To A Blue Bird by Maxwell Bodenheim
- The Path To Faery by Madison Cawein
- The Oak And The Broom by William Wordsworth
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
- Nature Writing — The poem reflects on the natural behavior of a cat and its interactions with wildlife.
- Literary Fiction — The themes explore complex emotions and moral reflections on life and death.
- Animal Literature — The central focus is on a cat, examining its role and impact within the human context.
Tags
Fiction · Poetry · Nature · Animal · Literary · Symbolism · Imagery · Language · Style · Tone · Mood · Atmosphere