Tomcat Poem Analysis

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Register to read the introduction… “The ash-black coat” puts stress on the word “ash” which describes the cat’s outer facade. Simile is used frequently throughout the poem. The cat’s scars are described to be like “Flowers” and “round stars”. Both words have positive connotations attached to them which show the poet’s admiration towards the cat. The word “flowers” is quite feminine and therefore come with connotations such as soft and gentle and this perhaps describes a softer side of the cat that most people fail to see. Metaphor is also used in this poem. “Thesnake head is seamed on top with rough scars: old Samurai!” portrays the cat like a warrior or a fighter as a samurai is a Japanese warrior whole snake is often associated as a predator. This creates an imagery of a warrior-like figure which is brave and free

Sound devices:
Onomatopoeia is used to add strength to the words such as “I thump up the steps”. Sharp words such as “cut”, “whiskered”, “picked”, “bouts and fights” are used to mimic the fast and precise movement of the cat. It shows that it is very energetic.
Baxter seems to
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The choice of words here is very important. The word “lodges” suggests that it is temporary and because “cellars” is a plural it suggests that the cat has no permanent home/bed and sleeps where ever. This emphasises on the freedom and carelessness of the cat. Baxter describes the tom cat as “tumbling on the rug looks female, Turkish-trousered.” He describes the cat to be like a female which could suggest a softer side to the cat however he may also be trying to blur lines between different genders which was seen as very controversial and unconventional.
Caesura is used in order to emphasise on the cat’s independence and defiance in the first stanza. “Through fences, walls, following other routes, his own”. The phrase is cut into 3 parts and the syntax deliberately stresses on the words “his

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