I'm studying the Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats by T. S. Eliot, and I have a problem (well, actually I have some, but let's concentrate on this one!)..
I am uncertain about the meaning of the word "Pollicle".. I read that it could be just a way to indicate "normal" dogs, or "actual British" dogs.. And I also read that the terms Jellicle Cat and Pollicle dog were based on Eliott's infant niece trying to say "Dear Little Cat", and "Poor Little Dog".. This could be a very interesting interpretation, but I need to know the source.. Does anyone know where can I find this explanation?
Then, if somebody knows something about this topic and would like to share some information, I would be sooooo happy!!
Thank you very much!!
F.
Thu Apr 12, 2012 7:16 am
Rumblepurr
Joined: Wed Apr 17, 2002 6:22 pm Posts: 1388 Location: Southern California USA
Current Obsession: Fanfiction - CATS
Re: Meaning of "Pollicle"! HELP!
The term "Pollicle" in TS Eliot's poems does indeed come from the pronunciation of "Poor Little Dog" by Eliot's niece.
Quote:
Peter Ackroyd - T. S. Eliot: A Life, New York, NY, Simon & Shuster, 1984.
"Eliot heard this word [Jellicle] from his young niece, who sounded as if she were saying “Jellicle cat” whenever she called for her ‘dear little cat’ (“Dea-lickle Cat”) and “Pollicle dog” whenever she called for her ‘poor little puppy’ (“Po’-lickle Dog”)."
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