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Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat — Flashcards

ICSE · Class 10 · English Literature-Treasure Chest ( Poems and Short Stories)

28 flashcards for Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat (ICSE Class 10 English Literature-Treasure Chest) to test yourself on key terms and facts.

60 questions28 flashcards5 concepts

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An illustration of a classic British Night Mail train at a station platform, ready for departure, with Skimbleshanks the cat observing from a prominent position.
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28 Flashcards·
CharacterTheme and meaningKey incidentCharacter actionsCharacter traitsMeaningLiterary device
Card 1Character

Who is Skimbleshanks in the poem?

Answer

Skimbleshanks is the railway cat who is in charge of the Sleeping Car Express. He patrols the train, supervises staff and passengers, keeps order, and is shown as indispensable because the train canno…

Card 2Theme and meaning

Why does the Night Mail not start without Skimbleshanks?

Answer

The train cannot depart until Skimbleshanks is found because he is the one who keeps everything under control. His presence signals that the train is ready to move safely and on time.

Card 3Key incident

What happens when Skimbleshanks appears at the last moment?

Answer

He comes out from the luggage van just before the signal is due, gives one flash of his glass-green eyes, and the signal goes All Clear. This shows that his arrival brings order and allows the train t…

Card 4Character actions

What does Skimbleshanks do on the train?

Answer

He supervises the driver, guards, and bagmen, and also examines passengers in the First and Third class compartments. He watches carefully and notices if anything is wrong, so the train runs smoothly.

Card 5Character traits

What kind of nature does Skimbleshanks show?

Answer

He is strict, alert, and watchful. He does not approve of hilarity and riot, so passengers stay quiet when he is around. His serious nature helps maintain discipline on the train.

Card 6Meaning

What is meant by the phrase 'The Cat of the Railway Train'?

Answer

It means Skimbleshanks belongs to the railway world and works like an important railway employee. The phrase gives him a special identity and shows that he is part of the train’s daily life.

Card 7Literary device

What is anthropomorphism in this poem?

Answer

Anthropomorphism means giving human qualities to an animal. In this poem, Skimbleshanks drinks tea, supervises people, speaks to police, and manages a train like a responsible human worker. This makes…

Card 8Theme and meaning

Why are the passengers comfortable and safe with Skimbleshanks aboard?

Answer

They know that he will handle problems, keep order, and protect them from mice. The poem presents him as a dependable railway cat who makes the journey peaceful and safe.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the important topics in Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat for ICSE Class 10 English Literature-Treasure Chest ( Poems and Short Stories)?
Key topics in Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat include Poet and Background, Summary of the Poem, Character Sketch of Skimbleshanks, Themes. Study these first, then practise questions on each for the ICSE Class 10 board exam.
How many flashcards are available for Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat?
There are 28 flashcards for Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat covering key definitions, facts and ideas. A few sample cards are shown on this page.
How should I revise Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat for the ICSE Class 10 board exam?
Learn the core ideas first, then work through the 60 practice questions on Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat. Revise definitions regularly and use flashcards for quick recall before the exam.

Sources & Official References

Content is aligned to the official syllabus. Refer to the board website for the latest curriculum.

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