First Stanza

I will help you with one example. Let's look at the first stanza.

Macavity's a Mystery Cat: he's called the Hidden Paw---
For he's the master criminal who can defy the Law.
He's the bafflement of Scotland Yard. The Flying Squad's despair:
For when they reach the scene of crime - Macavity's not there!

Let's look at the stanza to see if we can find words that make Macavity mysterious. What phrases do you see?
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What are some human characteristics we already know Macavity possesses?

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What expression seems to create the most suspense?

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A metaphor is a comparison, a substitution of one word for another. Do you find a comparison for Macavity, another name?

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In the first stanza of this poem, I can find the setting. How do I
know?

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Read the first stanza aloud. Can you determine the tone of the poem yet?
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Finally, let's see if the first stanza has an end rhyme scheme. Place your coding for the rhyme scheme.

Hint

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a a b b

Let's review. What do we call this rhyming pattern?

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Do all the stanzas have to rhyme this way?

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Next Stanza

Read the following stanza. See if you and Scotland Yard can find the clues to describe Macavity. Write the words/phrases that describe him physically.
Hint: We count 8.

Macavity's a ginger cat. He's very tall and thin:
You would know him if you saw him, for his eyes are sunken in.
His brow is deeply lined with thought. His head is highly domed:
His coat is dusty from neglect, his whiskers are uncombed.
He sways his head from side to side, with movements like a snake:
And when you think he's half asleep, he's always wide awake.

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