Purr-spectives: The Philosophy of Naming Cats and Derrida's Double Reading

The Naming of Cats is a difficult matter,
It isn’t just one of your holiday games;
You may think at first I’m as mad as a hatter
When I tell you, a cat must have THREE DIFFERENT NAMES.

The poem "The Naming of Cats" by T.S. Eliot explores the intricate process of naming cats and the significance of multiple names for a feline. Applying Derrida's deconstructive approach to this poem, we can analyze it in two dimensions:

1.      Literal Understanding: At its surface level, the poem appears to be a whimsical and light-hearted exploration of the naming conventions for cats. The speaker explains that a cat must have three different names: one for everyday use within the family, another fancier name, and a third, more peculiar and dignified name. This first dimension aligns with the traditional approach of literary analysis that seeks to understand the author's intended meaning. In this case, the author, T.S. Eliot, humorously delves into the naming of cats, highlighting the importance of each cat's unique identity and the various names they might be given.

2.      Beyond Literal Understanding: Yet, by employing poststructuralist interpretive methods, we can delve deeper into the poem's hidden meanings and symbolism, exploring how it surpasses or challenges the apparent intentions of the author.

a. Names and Identity: The poem suggests that a cat's identity is not fixed by a single name but is multi-layered. This concept could be seen as challenging conventional notions of identity, which often rely on singular labels or categories. The poem hints at the idea that identity is complex and may transcend the limitations of language and naming conventions.

b. Philosophical Beliefs: The poem indirectly touches upon the philosophical debate regarding the nature of names, whether they have a natural or conventional origin (Plato´s Cratylus). The speaker's insistence on a cat's third, secret name suggests a belief in the ineffable and mysterious aspects of identity that cannot be fully captured by language. This aligns with Derrida's philosophy, which questions the stability and fixity of language and meaning.

 c. Ambiguity and Paradox: The poem's playful language and the idea of a secret name add a layer of ambiguity and paradox to the text. This complexity invites readers to engage critically with the poem, much like the approach to texts advocated by the French philosopher. The poem's exploration of the cat's identity and the elusive nature of its true name can be seen as an invitation to question established norms and explore alternative interpretations.

In conclusion, while on the surface, "The Naming of Cats" may seem like a simple poem about naming cats, a Double Reading according to a postmodern textual analysis reveals deeper layers of meaning related to identity, philosophy of language, and the inherent ambiguity of language and naming conventions. The poem can be seen as situated on the side of the debate that challenges conventional notions of identity and the fixity of names, aligning with Derrida's poststructuralist approach to language and interpretation.

Related blog from this post:

 Derrida's Double Reading: Understanding and Creativity in Deconstruction

https://derridaforlinguists.blogspot.com/2023/10/derridas-double-reading-understanding.html

 We're thrilled to have you reading our blogs! We'd love to hear your thoughts, questions, or any cool insights you might have about the fascinating world where linguistics and philosophy collide. Don't be shy – drop us a line and let's have a chat! Together, we'll dive into the exciting mysteries of linguistics and philosophy and build a friendly and engaging community of thinkers. 😊

Riddle Me This:

Question 1: What is the primary focus of the first dimension, the "Literal Understanding," when applying Derrida's Double Reading to T.S. Eliot's poem "The Naming of Cats"?

A) Exploring the philosophical debate regarding the nature of names.

B) Analyzing the hidden symbolism in the poem.

C) Understanding the poem's surface-level meaning and the author's intended message.

·         Answer: C) Understanding the poem's surface-level meaning and the author's intended message.

Question 2: How does the concept of a cat's "secret name" in T.S. Eliot's poem relate to Derrida's philosophy of language, as discussed in the second dimension, "Beyond Literal Understanding"?

A) It aligns with Derrida's belief in the stability and fixity of language.

B) It challenges conventional notions of identity and suggests the ineffable nature of names.

 C) It emphasizes the straightforward nature of language and its connection to authorial intent.

·         Answer: B) It challenges conventional notions of identity and suggests the ineffable nature of names.

Bibliography:

The Naming of Cats. T. S. Eliot 1888 – 1965 https://poets.org/poem/naming-cats

Blog post: Derrida's Double Reading: Understanding and Creativity in Deconstruction