Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat – Contextual Q&A
Question 1
"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 is the "whisper down the line" and who are whispering? (3)
(ii) Why is Skimbleshanks' absence a problem for the Night Mail? (3)
(iii) What does "hunt the thimble" suggest about Skimbleshanks' nature? (3)
(iv) How does the time reference (11.39) create urgency in the situation? (3)
(v) What does the opening establish about Skimbleshanks' role and importance on the train? (4)
Answer:
(i) The "whisper down the line" is a spreading rumour or message of concern about Skimbleshanks' disappearance. The guards, porters and the stationmaster's daughters are whispering and discussing anxiously where Skimbleshanks has gone.
(ii) Skimbleshanks' absence is a critical problem because he is essential to the train's operation. Without him, the Night Mail cannot depart on time, showing that the train's departure is completely dependent on his presence and readiness.
(iii) "Hunt the thimble" is a playful reference to a party game. The phrase humorously suggests that Skimbleshanks might be distracted by something trivial rather than being where he should be, implying he has a mischievous or playful nature despite his serious duties.
(iv) The specific time (11.39) creates urgency because the train has a strict schedule. With the signal expected to change shortly, there is only a limited window to find Skimbleshanks and prepare for departure. This tight timeline intensifies the anxiety and tension.
(v) The opening establishes that Skimbleshanks is indispensable to the train's operation—not just helpful, but absolutely necessary. The repeated emphasis "We must find him or the train can't start" shows his paramount importance, positioning him as the true authority and essential figure on the Night Mail.
Question 2
"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) Who are involved in the search for Skimbleshanks and what does this reveal? (3)
(ii) What is the significance of "searching high and low"? (3)
(iii) What does "unless he's very nimble" suggest about Skimbleshanks' expected qualities? (3)
(iv) How does the rhyming pattern reinforce the urgency of the search? (3)
(v) What does this passage reveal about the hierarchical importance of Skimbleshanks among all railway staff? (4)
Answer:
(i) Guards, porters, and even the stationmaster's daughters are involved in the search. This broad involvement reveals that Skimbleshanks is so important that everyone on the train—from senior staff to family members—must participate in finding him. His importance transcends normal hierarchy.
(ii) "Searching high and low" means they are looking everywhere—in all possible places, both high and low. This exhaustive search emphasises the desperation and seriousness of the situation. Every possible location is being examined to locate Skimbleshanks.
(iii) "Unless he's very nimble" suggests that Skimbleshanks is expected to be quick, agile and alert. It implies he must move swiftly and be ready to respond immediately. His nimbleness and quickness are essential to fulfilling his duties within the tight schedule.
(iv) The rhyming couplets (low/go, Skimble/nimble) create a rhythmic, insistent beat that mirrors the growing desperation and urgency of the search. The repetition and steady rhyme pattern make the situation feel frantic and pressing, propelling the reader forward with increasing tension.
(v) Although Skimbleshanks is a cat, he is treated as more important than the guards, porters and even the stationmaster's daughters. This reveals that his authority and essential role supersede the conventional hierarchy. The poem suggests that competence and essential function matter more than species or position—Skimbleshanks' indispensability makes him the ultimate authority figure.
Question 3
"At 11.42 then the signal's nearly due
And the passengers are frantic to a man –
Then Skimble will appear and he'll saunter to the rear:
He's been busy in the luggage van!"
(i) How does the time progression add to the tension in this stanza? (3)
(ii) What does "passengers are frantic to a man" reveal about their emotional state? (3)
(iii) What is the contrast between "saunter" and the passengers' frantic behavior? (3)
(iv) Why does Skimbleshanks appear only at the last moment? What does this suggest about him? (3)
(v) How does this extract show Skimbleshanks as the calm, controlled authority figure despite the chaos around him? (4)
Answer:
Question 4
"He gives one flash of his glass-green eyes
And the signal goes 'All Clear!'
And we're off at last for the northern part
Of the Northern Hemisphere!"
(i) What is the significance of Skimbleshanks' "glass-green eyes"? (3)
(ii) How does the signal changing to "All Clear!" show Skimbleshanks' power? (3)
(iii) What does the capitalization of "All Clear!" and the exclamation mark emphasize? (3)
(iv) How does the final destination create a sense of grandeur and importance? (3)
(v) What does this brief extract reveal about the cause-and-effect relationship between Skimbleshanks and the train's operation? (4)
Answer:
(i) The "glass-green eyes" are distinctive and piercing—they suggest intensity, awareness and perception. Glass suggests clarity and transparency, while green can symbolize vigilance or mystery. These eyes seem to hold special power; a single glance from them triggers the signal change, marking a critical turning point.
(ii) The immediate change in the signal directly after Skimbleshanks' eye flash demonstrates his controlling power. What was previously impossible (the train starting) becomes possible the moment he acts. This suggests his influence extends beyond the train to the railway infrastructure itself, showing almost supernatural authority.
(iii) The capitalization of "All Clear!" emphasizes this as an official signal and a moment of triumph and permission. The exclamation mark conveys excitement and finality. The signal stands out visually on the page, marking the crucial turning point where departure is granted and the urgency is resolved.
(iv) The "northern part / Of the Northern Hemisphere!" creates a sense of vast geographical importance and grand adventure. The exclamation mark conveys excitement and scale. Rather than naming a specific city, the reference to an entire hemisphere suggests the train's journey is epic in scope and significance.
(v) The extract establishes a direct, almost magical cause-and-effect: Skimbleshanks' eye flash causes the signal to change, which enables the train to depart. There is no intermediate mechanism or explanation—his action directly controls the train's movement. This positions Skimbleshanks as having extraordinary power over the entire system, making him truly indispensable.
Question 5
"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."
(i) What is claimed about Skimbleshanks' authority in this stanza? (3)
(ii) What does "by and large" and "more or less" suggest about the certainty of his authority? (3)
(iii) Who falls under Skimbleshanks' supervision according to these lines? (3)
(iv) How does the rhyme scheme (charge/Express, cards/all) reinforce the order and control? (3)
(v) What does this passage reveal about Skimbleshanks' leadership style and scope of responsibility? (4)
Answer:
Question 6
"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) What does Skimbleshanks do as he moves through the train? (3)
(ii) What is significant about mentioning both "First and the Third" class compartments? (3)
(iii) How does he "establish control" and what methods does he use? (3)
(iv) What does the phrase "he'd know at once if anything occurred" reveal about his awareness? (3)
(v) How does this extract demonstrate Skimbleshanks' attentiveness and the breadth of his responsibilities? (4)
Answer:
(i) Skimbleshanks constantly moves through the train corridors, pacing up and down. As he walks, he carefully examines the faces and expressions of all passengers, observing them intently to monitor their behavior and condition.
(ii) Mentioning both "First and the Third" class compartments shows that Skimbleshanks oversees all passengers regardless of class. He does not discriminate between wealthy first-class passengers and less wealthy third-class passengers. His authority and care extend equally to everyone on board.
(iii) He establishes control through "regular patrol"—systematically and repeatedly walking through the train, maintaining a constant visible presence. This physical presence is enough to ensure order and discipline. His regular appearance makes passengers aware of his supervision and discourages misbehavior.
(iv) The phrase reveals that Skimbleshanks has exceptional awareness and perception. He is not merely observing but actively monitoring for any problems or incidents. His vigilance is so thorough that he would immediately detect even minor disturbances or irregularities. Nothing escapes his notice.
(v) This extract demonstrates that Skimbleshanks is constantly active and attentive throughout the train's operation. He does not remain stationary but continuously patrols. His responsibilities are extensive—monitoring all passenger classes, maintaining order, ensuring safety and preventing problems before they occur. His dedication is total and unceasing.
Question 7
"He will watch you without winking and he sees what you are thinking
And it's certain that he doesn't approve
Of hilarity and riot, so the folk are very quiet
When Skimble is about and on the move."
(i) What does "watch you without winking" suggest about Skimbleshanks' scrutiny? (3)
(ii) What is the implication of "he sees what you are thinking"? (3)
(iii) What does his disapproval of "hilarity and riot" reveal about his values? (3)
(iv) How do passengers respond when Skimbleshanks is present? (3)
(v) What does this extract reveal about the psychological effect of Skimbleshanks' presence on the train? (4)
Answer:
Question 8
"They could leave all that to the railway cat,
The cat of the railway train! ...
When they got to Gallowgate, there they did not have to wait –
For Skimbleshanks would help them to get out!"
(i) What does "leave all that to the railway cat" refer to? (3)
(ii) What is emphasized by the repeated phrase "the railway cat, / The cat of the railway train"? (3)
(iii) What service does Skimbleshanks provide at Gallowgate? (3)
(iv) How does the promise "there they did not have to wait" emphasize efficiency? (3)
(v) How does this conclusion show Skimbleshanks' role extending from supervision to personal assistance? (4)