by P. G. Wodehouse 1881-1975

Typical Cat!

When a cat comes into your life, resistance is futile.

1917

Introduction

Aspiring author Elizabeth had been needing a little bit of good luck, and finding a stray black cat she named ‘Joseph’ seemed like a good omen.

by P. G. Wodehouse 1881-1975

BY the end of the second day he was conveying the impression that he was the real owner of the apartment, and that it was due to his good nature that Elizabeth was allowed the run of the place.

Like most of his species, he was an autocrat. He waited a day to ascertain which was Elizabeth’s favourite chair, then appropriated it for his own.

If Elizabeth closed a door while he was in a room, he wanted it opened so that he might go out; if she closed it while he was outside, he wanted it opened so that he might come in; if she left it open, he fussed about the draught.

But the best of us have our faults, and Elizabeth adored him in spite of his.

by P. G. Wodehouse 1881-1975

From ‘The Man With Two Left Feet (and Other Stories)’ (1917) by P. G. Wodehouse (1881-1975).

Précis

Lonely writer Elizabeth hoped that the arrival of a stray cat she called Joseph would inspire her. Of course, there was a price to pay. He took over her favourite chair, he fussed about draughts. But she loved him no less for all that.

Questions for Critics

1. What is the author aiming to achieve in writing this?

2. Note any words, devices or turns of phrase that strike you. How do they help the author communicate his ideas more effectively?

3. What impression does this passage make on you? How might you put that impression into words?

Based on The English Critic (1939) by NL Clay, drawing on The New Criticism: A Lecture Delivered at Columbia University, March 9, 1910, by J. E. Spingarn, Professor of Comparative Literature in Columbia University, USA.

Sevens

Suggest answers to this question. See if you can limit one answer to exactly seven words.

Why does Wodehouse call Joseph an autocrat?

Jigsaws

Express the ideas below in a single sentence, using different words as much as possible. Do not be satisfied with the first answer you think of; think of several, and choose the best.

Elizabeth wanted to be a writer. A black cat came to her flat. She hoped it was a good omen.

Typical Cat!

Introduction

Précis

Questions for Critics

Sevens

Jigsaws

Tags

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