Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat

Read the extract given below and answer the question that follows:

There’s a whisper down the line at 11.39

When the Night Mail’s ready to depart,
Saying “Skimble where is Skimble has he gone to hunt the thimble?
We must find him or the train can’t start.”

(i) What’s the whisper down the lane? Who all are whispering?
Ans. The whisper down the line refers to the communication among the railway
workers at 11.39, when the Night Mail is ready to depart. It is not explicitly
mentioned who all are whispering, but it can be assumed that the railway
workers are communicating with each other.

(ii) Who is Skimble? What work does he do?

Ans. Skimbleshanks, also known as Skimble, is the cat mentioned in the extract.
He is a railway cat who has an important role at the railway station. Skimble is
responsible for keeping the train running smoothly and ensuring everything is in
order.

(iii) What does “hunt the timble” mean? What was Skimble doing at this time?
Ans. “Hunt the thimble” is a phrase used to describe Skimbleshanks’ activity of
inspecting and ensuring that everything is in place on the train before it can
depart. Skimble was likely checking all the compartments and ensuring that
nothing important, represented metaphorically by the thimble, was missing or
misplaced.

(iv) Why can the train start without Skimbleshanks? How did the train finally
start?
Ans. The train cannot start without Skimbleshanks because he plays a crucial
role in maintaining the order and functionality of the train. He ensures that
everything is in order, checks the compartments, and confirms that the train is
ready for departure. Once Skimbleshanks is found and confirms that everything
is set, the train can start its journey.

(v) Did it depart on time? How did the scene at the train change after Skimble
appeared?
Ans. At 11.42 when the train has to depart, Shamble comes out of the luggage
van that is at the rear of the train. As soon as the guard see is glassy green eyes,
he gives the green signal and the train leaves. This tells us that the train left on
the nick of timeThe poem does not explicitly mention whether the train
departed on time. After Skimbleshanks appears and the train is ready to depart,
the scene at the train changes. There is a sense of relief and assurance as
Skimbleshanks’ presence and diligent work give confidence to the workers and
passengers that the train is in capable hands.

II. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
All the guards and all the porters and the stationmaster’s daughters
They are searching high and low,
Saying “Skimble where is Skimble for unless he’s very nimble
Then the Night Mail just can’t go.”

(i) Identify and name the two figure of speech used in this context
Ans.Two figures of speech used in the poem are:
Personification: Personification is used when the whisper down the line is
described as saying, “Skimble where is Skimble, has he gone to hunt the
thimble?” In reality, whispers cannot speak or inquire about someone’s
whereabouts. It is a poetic device that attributes human-like qualities to
inanimate objects or abstract concepts.
Metaphor: The phrase “hunt the thimble” is a metaphor that represents
Skimbleshanks’ diligent search for any missing or misplaced items on the train. It
implies that he meticulously checks every detail, like searching for a small object,
before the train can depart.

(ii) Why it is important for Skimbleshanks to be on the train?

Ans. Skimbleshanks’ presence on the train is significant because he makes sure
that it runs smoothly. He carries out a variety of duties as a railway cat, including
examining the compartments, making sure everything is in working order, and
maintaining the overall effectiveness of the train. Without Skimbleshanks, there
may be hiccups, delays, or other issues while the train is travelling.

(iii) Why would Skimble need to be ‘very nimble’?

Ans. Skimbleshanks must go quickly through the train to inspect every cabin and
make sure everything is in working order, thus he needs to be agile. He can
perform his duties quickly and effectively thanks to his agility, ensuring that the
train leaves without incident.

(iv) Who are ‘they’ in the second line? Why are they frantic? Did they calm down?
How?
Ans. “They” refers to the railway workers or perhaps the individuals in charge of
the train’s operation in the second line. They are in a panic because
Skimbleshanks, who is important for the train to run smoothly, is not there.
However, after Skimbleshanks is located, they become calm as his presence
gives them confidence that the train may finally depart.

(v) Imagine you are on board this train, describe the manhunt for Skimble.
Ans. manhunt for Skimbleshanks would probably be an exciting and busy
scenario for a passenger on board. Skimbleshanks would be vigorously sought
after by the railway personnel, who would examine every compartment, explore
different parts of the train, and shout his name. The passengers may be feeling a
sense of urgency and suspense as they wait to see how the search turns out.
When Skimbleshanks is found, there will be a sense of relief and assurance, and
the passengers will see the relief of the railway employees and the ensuing
seamless running of the train as it gets ready to go.

III. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
You may say that by and large it is Skimble who’s in charge
Of the Sleeping Car Express.
From the driver and the guards to the bagmen playing cards
He will supervise them all, more or less.
Down the corridor he paces and examines all the faces
Of the travellers in the First and the Third;
He establishes control by a regular patrol
And he’d know at once if anything occurred.

(i) Who will supervise them all(the staff) Who are ‘they’ who need the
supervision?
Ans. Skimbleshanks, the railway cat, will serve as the supervisor who will oversee
them all. The staff personnel on the Sleeping Car Express who require
supervision are the driver, the guards, and the bagmen.

(ii) Whose face does the supervisor examine? What can he guage from their
faces?
Ans. Skimbleshanks, the supervisor, looks at the faces of the First and Third
Class passengers. He may read their expressions, look for any indications of
problem or disruption, and make sure the passengers’ safety and welfare.

(iii) Briefly describe how he establishes control?Why does he pace the corridor?
Ans. Skimbleshanks takes charge by routinely patrolling the train. He paces
down the hallway while studying each passenger’s face. He is able to quickly
identify any suspicious or problematic activity on the train thanks to his active
presence and constant observation. He makes sure that the Sleeping Car
Express runs well and is secure by being watchful and alert.
(iv) Do you think the supervisor can do the same in other modes of transport-
plane,bus,metro? State how.
Ans. Skimbleshanks, the supervisor, might not be able to play the same role in
other kinds of transportation, such as trains, buses, or automobiles. He may
patrol the hallways and have easy access to numerous compartments because
to a train’s special features. The safety and comfort of passengers may be
overseen and ensured by other supervisors or staff members in other modes of
transportation, though. Depending on the manner of transportation, the precise
responsibilities and methods of supervision may change.

(v) Why do you think the train is called ‘Sleeping Car Express’? How does the
supervisor ensure that the name hols true?
Ans. The name “Sleeping Car Express” refers to the possibility that the train
features sleeping compartments or carriages where passengers can unwind and
sleep during long trips. By keeping a close eye on the travellers, assessing their
faces, and maintaining control through his regular patrols, Skimbleshanks, as the
supervisor, makes sure that the name is true. While travelling on the Sleeping
Car Express, travellers can feel safe and comfortable thanks to his presence and
constant watchfulness.

IV. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
Oh, it’s very pleasant when you have found your little den
With your name written up on the door.
And the berth is very neat with a newly folded sheet
And there’s not a speck of dust on the floor.
There is every sort of light-you can make it dark or bright;
There’s a handle that you turn to make a breeze.
There’s a funny little basin you’re supposed to wash your face in
And a crank to shut the window if you sneeze.

(i) Why is the cabin called ‘your little den’? What kind of security does it offer the
passengers?
Ans. The cabin is referred to as “your little den” since it gives the passengers a
feeling of privacy and tranquilly. It provides a safe, private space inside the train
where people may withdraw and unwind while travelling.

(ii) Describe the little den, as mentioned in the extract.

Ans. The tiny den is tidy and well-kept, as it is described in the extract. The sheet
in the berth is freshly folded, and there is no dust on the floor. Passengers can
choose from a variety of lighting options and change the brightness to suit their
tastes. There is a basin for washing one’s face, as well as a handle for controlling
the air. There is also a crank to adjust the airflow or to close the window in case
of sneezing.

(iii) Were the passengers scared of Skimbleshanks? Give reason for your answer.
Ans. The poem makes no mention of the travellers’ fear of Skimbleshanks.
Instead, Skimbleshanks is portrayed as a conscientious and hardworking
manager who makes sure the train runs well and is safe. His presence and
behaviour, such as looking people in the face and taking charge, aims to
reassure the passengers and make them feel secure.

(iv) What were the arrangements made for the comfortable journey of the
passengers?
Ans. The arrangement of tidy and well-maintained cabins is one of the
provisions taken to ensure that passengers have a comfortable ride. A
comfortable environment for the passengers is made possible by the recently
folded sheet on the berth, the absence of dust on the floor, and the ability to
control lighting and airflow. The goal of these measures is to make the
passengers’ train ride more comfortable and enjoyable overall.

(v) Compare the facilities of the train cabin with the facilities of a cabin in
today’s train. Would you find Skimleshanks today? Why?
Ans. There have been tremendous improvements in comfort and amenities
when comparing the amenities of the train compartment in the poem to those
seen in modern trains. Modern railway cars frequently come equipped with
more upscale amenities including better restrooms, individual climate control,
movable seats, power outlets, and Wi-Fi access. Even though Skimbleshanks-
style managers are less frequent nowadays, there are still train workers and
crew members in charge of making sure passengers are safe and attending to
any issues or needs.
Assuring a comfortable ride and maintaining the train’s operations are divided
among many crew members in today’s trains. Even though Skimbleshanks may
not be the same person today, the goal of offering a comfortable and secure
travel experience does not change.

V. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
But you saw him at Dumfries, where he speaks to the police
If there’s anything they ought to know about:
When you get to Gallowgate there you do not have to wait—
For Skimbleshanks will help you to get out!
He gives you a wave of his long brown tail
Which says: “I’ll see you again!
You’ll meet without fail on the Midnight Mail
The Cat of the Railway Train.”

(i) What does Skimble do at Dumfries station? Why?

Ans. Skimble gives the police at the Dumfries station any information they need
to know by speaking with them. This implies that Skimbleshanks is watchful and
helpful, actively taking part in safeguarding the security of the railway and its
passengers.

(ii) When do you think the train reaches its destination? Name the first and the
last station of the Midnight Mail.
Ans. The phrase “Midnight Mail” in the extract’s final line suggests that the train
arrives at its destination at midnight. However, the given extract fails to mention
the precise first and last stops of the Midnight Mail.

(iii) Why do the passengers do not have to wait to get down at Gallowgate?
Ans. The passenger does not have to wait at the Gallowgate because
Skimbleshanks, the railway cat, helps the passengers get off at Gallowgate, there
is no need for them to wait. He makes it easier for them to get off the train,
resulting in a quick and easy escape.

(iv) How does Skimble bid goodbye to the passengers? What does the wave of
his long brown tail mean?
Ans. Skimbleshanks waves his long, brown tail goodbye to the travellers as he
departs. With this gesture, he bids you a cordial farewell and says, “I’ll see you
again!” The Midnight Mail will bring them together once more, he assures the
passengers by waving his tail as a sign of his presence and certainty.

(v) Once the passengers fall asleep, what does the railway cat do?
Ans. The poem makes no indication of what Skimbleshanks, the train cat, does
after the passengers nod off. However, it may be inferred that he continues to
supervise and ensure the train runs smoothly during the route based on the
earlier explanations of his position and responsibilities. While travelling at night,
he may continue to patrol, keep everything under control, and keep an eye out
for any potential problems.

Themes of the Poem

 Duty and Responsibility: Skimbleshanks embodies the spirit of duty,

taking his role as the train's guardian incredibly seriously. He is a symbol
of dedication and fulfilling one's responsibilities.
 Order and Control: The poem highlights Skimbleshanks' role in
maintaining order on the train. He represents the importance of structure
and discipline.
 Power and Authority: Despite being a cat, Skimbleshanks commands
respect and authority. He is a miniature ruler of the train, demonstrating
that power can come in unexpected forms.

 Teamwork: Skimbleshanks works in harmony with the train crew and

passengers, suggesting the importance of cooperation and community.

 Perfectionism: Skimbleshanks' dedication to his duty’s hints at the theme

of striving for perfection.
 The Power of Observation: The cat's ability to assess the train's situation
with a single glance highlights the power of observation and intuition.