Step 1: About the poem “Macavity: The Mystery Cat.”
The poem was written by T.S. Eliot. It humorously portrays Macavity, a master criminal cat who always escapes the scene of crime. Eliot gives human-like qualities to Macavity, comparing him to great criminal masterminds.
Step 2: The reference to “Napoleon of Crime.”
In the poem, Eliot calls Macavity “the Napoleon of Crime.” This phrase signifies that Macavity is the supreme leader or mastermind of all criminals, just like Napoleon was a great military leader.
Step 3: Origin of the title.
Eliot borrowed the phrase “Napoleon of Crime” from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s description of Professor Moriarty, the famous villain from Sherlock Holmes stories.
Step 4: Analyzing the options.
- (a) Hitler: Not mentioned in the poem.
- (b) Napoleon: Correct — Macavity is compared to him.
- (c) Alexander: Known for conquests, not crimes.
- (d) Osama: Modern reference, not literary.
Step 5: Conclusion.
Therefore, according to Eliot, Macavity is “the Napoleon of Crime.”