Short Fiction · Chapter
Tobermory explained
At a dull house party, Mr.
What happens
At a dull house party, Mr. Cornelius Appin reveals his discovery of teaching animals human speech, demonstrated by the cat Tobermory. Tobermory's candid remarks expose the guests' secrets and hypocrisies, causing panic. The party decides to kill Tobermory and the stable cat to prevent further scandal, leaving Appin's achievement unappreciated.
Themes in this chapter
Hypocrisy and Moral Facade
Tobermory's candid speech exposes the guests' secret judgments and double lives, shattering their polite pretenses.
The Absurdity of Social Rituals
The tea party and subsequent panic highlight the ridiculousness of social conventions when faced with unfiltered truth.
Cruelty and Violence
The guests' immediate decision to kill Tobermory and the stable cat reflects casual cruelty in the name of preserving social order.
Characters to notice
- Tobermory
The gifted cat who learns human speech and exposes the guests' secrets.
- Clovis Sangrail
Maintains composure during the crisis, privately considering bribery with mice.
- Bertie van Tahn
Turns pale when Tobermory reveals his remarks, but does not flee.
- Cornelius Appin
The scientist who taught Tobermory to speak, crestfallen at the rejection of his discovery.
- Sir Wilfrid Pigeoncote
Host who confirms Tobermory's speech and later plans to poison the cat.
- Lady Blemley
Hostess who nervously pours milk for Tobermory and agrees to his destruction.
Key passages
“I found him dozing in the smoking-room, and called out to him to come for his tea. He blinked at me in his usual way, and I said, 'Come on, Toby; don't keep us waiting;' and, by Gad! he drawled out in a most horribly natural voice that he'd come when he dashed well pleased!”
Sir Wilfrid discovers Tobermory can speak when the cat insolently replies to his summons.
This moment confirms the miraculous discovery and sets off the ensuing chaos.
“When your inclusion in this house-party was suggested Sir Wilfrid protested that you were the most brainless woman of his acquaintance, and that there was a wide distinction between hospitality and the care of the feebleminded.”
Tobermory reveals Sir Wilfrid's insulting opinion of Mavis Pellington, exposing the hosts' hypocrisy.
Tobermory's bluntness shatters the social facade and causes embarrassment.
“You don't suppose I've enjoyed the last quarter of an hour, do you? ... My husband and I are very fond of Tobermory—at least, we were before this horrible accomplishment was infused into him; but now, of course, the only thing is to have him destroyed as soon as possible.”
Lady Blemley admits that despite their fondness for Tobermory, they must kill him to prevent further scandal.
This reveals the guests' prioritization of social reputation over the life of a pet.