The Rum Tum Tugger - Classic Text | Alexandria
The Rum Tum Tugger stands as one of the most memorable and enigmatic feline characters in T.S. Eliot's whimsical yet profound collection "Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats" (1939). This contrary cat, whose name echoes the playful nursery rhyme traditions of Victorian England, embodies the essence of feline capriciousness and represents a masterful exploration of contradiction in character.
First appearing in Eliot's letters to his godchildren in the 1930s, the poem emerged during a period when the modernist poet, known for complex works like "The Waste Land," revealed a lighter, though no less sophisticated, aspect of his creative genius. The character's genesis coincided with Eliot's growing interest in writing for children while maintaining the linguistic precision and cultural commentary that characterized his serious works.
The poem's portrayal of a cat who is "always on the wrong side of every door" resonated deeply with audiences, eventually achieving broader cultural significance through Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical adaptation "Cats" (1981). The Rum Tum Tugger's character represents both the archetypal rebellious nature often attributed to cats and a subtle commentary on human inconsistency and the desire for individual freedom. Scholars have noted parallels between the character's contrary nature and the modernist rejection of Victorian certainties, suggesting layers of meaning beneath the playful surface.
The legacy of The Rum Tum Tugger extends beyond its original context, influencing contemporary popular culture and children's literature. Its enduring appeal lies in its perfect capture of feline psychology and its broader implications about the nature of choice and contradiction. Modern interpretations continue to find new relevance in the character's celebration of individuality and defiance of expectations, while theater productions regularly reinvent the character for new generations. The poem remains a testament to Eliot's versatility as a writer and his ability to create works that function simultaneously as children's entertainment and sophisticated social commentary, inviting readers to ponder whether the Tugger's contrariness might reflect something fundamental about both feline and human nature.