MISS PUSSYCAT'S TEA PARTY
by Unknown · from A Apple Pie and Other Nursery Tales
Adapted Version
Once, a cat named Miss Tabitha wanted a party. She was a quiet, sleek cat. She sent her monkey, Jacko, to invite her friends.
Miss Tabitha got yummy food for the party. She got many cakes and pots of tea. She got sweet buns and jam. She set a big, pretty table.
Mr. Velvet Purr was a quiet cat. He came with his sister, Miss Velveteen Purr. She was a pretty singer. They walked to the party together.
Sir Claude was a proud cat. He met Captain Black. Captain Black was a brave cat. He decided to come to the party too.
The White sisters came to the party. The Shell brothers walked with them. They were all very happy. They wore their best clothes.
The party started. The guests talked and ate. They drank hot tea. Captain Black was very friendly. This made Sir Claude a little upset.
Miss Velveteen Purr sang a sweet song. Everyone liked it. Then they all sang a happy song together. It was a fun song.
Captain Black told a story about his travels. Sir Claude told a story too. The guests laughed at the funny stories. They clapped their hands.
The Shell brothers played music. They sang a happy song. Everyone clapped. They were very good musicians. The music was loud and fun.
It was time to go. The guests said goodbye. They thanked Miss Tabitha for the party. It was a very good party.
Captain Black and Sir Claude had a small argument. They were a bit cross. But they said sorry. They made up and shook hands.
Everyone went home safe and happy. The party was fun for all. It is good to be kind and not fight with friends.
Original Story
MISS PUSSYCAT'S TEA PARTY.
Jacko the Monkey is sent with the invitations.
Miss Tabitha Pussycat was a quiet, sleek, old creature, and was so prim, that her friends called her an old maid; and some of them even said that she was an old cat, but they were the people who were not asked to her nice tea parties. When she gave a tea party, she sent her page Jacko to invite her friends. Jacko was a clever monkey, who had come from his last place at the Zoological Gardens, where he had been used to see a great deal of company.
One day Miss Tabitha made up her mind to have a larger party than usual, so she sent out for a dish of pink shrimps, a bag of muffins, a tea-cake, a new French loaf, and a pound of fresh butter. Then she sent Jacko out in his new coat to invite her friends.
Mr. Velvet-Purr and other visitors arrive at Miss Tabitha's.
First, there was Mr. Velvet Purr, a quiet old bachelor, who sat nearly all day in the sun on a garden seat watching the birds, but who was much too well fed to catch mice. Miss Velveteen Purr, his sister, went with him, she was a very pretty singer, wore a fur tippet, and drank a good deal of milk to soften her voice.
Sir Claude Scratch was a very different person. He was proud of his high family, for his father was second cousin to Dick Whittington's Cat, and had seen a great deal of the world. Sir Claude was very proud of his whiskers, and before he went to the tea party, he called on Frizzle Frog, the barber, to be shaved. While he sat there, with the towel under his chin, who should look in, but his friend Captain Black, a very fierce looking fellow, who had killed hundreds of rats, and was always ready to fight. He was a great favourite of the ladies, and said he would go to tea though he had not been invited.
Sir Claude Scratch calls on Frizzle Frog the barber, and while he is being shaved, Captain Black drops in.
The four Misses White were already on their way to Miss Pussycat's house in their clean stockings, and the nice silky dresses that their mother had given them. Old Mrs. White lived at the baker's round the corner, and her daughters' names were Fluffy, Tibby, Titty, and Tip; all of them famous for their beautiful skins and their bright eyes. You may be sure that the four Masters Tortoise Shell were waiting for them, for they had been ready all the afternoon, with their tail-coats on, for the purpose of walking with these charming young ladies. They were very young gentlemen, so that they were quite proud at being asked.
It was a very grand tea table, and when all the party sat down it was more than Jacko could do to wait upon them,—but the gentlemen handed the tea to the ladies, and picked out the largest shrimps for the Misses White, and nearly emptied the cream jug for Miss Velvet Purr, and helped themselves to muffins, and were very merry indeed.
Captain Black was so attentive that he would hand round the bread and butter. He took the plate from under the very nose of Sir Claude Scratch, which made that person so angry, that nothing but a smile from Miss Tabitha would please him.
Miss Velvet-Purr sings a song, which is much admired.
After tea Miss Purr was asked to sing, and when she had taken another sip of milk she said she would give them an old song with variations. It was called Moll Rowdy, and the accompaniment was by Spitz, and everybody said that there never was anything more striking. Then Miss Tabitha, who had a very fine ear, gave them a little French song which had a chorus of Tant Mieux, and they all joined in, Captain Black and Mr. Velvet Purr singing the bass. Then the Captain told a story of his travels to the Isle of Dogs, and Sir Claude related an adventure at St. Kitts, which set them all laughing.
But the great fun of the evening was when the four Masters Tortoise Shell, whose names were Bobstay, Rattle, Clipper, and Dick, came into the room with great white collars and black faces, and began to sing like the Ethiopian Serenaders. Bobstay played the Fiddle, Rattle the Bones, Clipper the Banjo, and Dick the Tambourine, when they sang “Old Dan Tucker,” and “Kafoozlum.” The four Misses White almost fell off their seats with laughing, and Sir Claude was seen to put the tail of his coat into his mouth; Captain Black didn't like it much, for he had a dark complexion and thought they were laughing at him.
But the great fun of the evening was when the four Masters Tortoise Shell appeared as Ethiopian Serenaders.
At last it was time for them to be going, and Mr. Velvet Purr who was very careful not to be out too late, brushed his coat in the hall, and said good night. Captain Black smoothed his fur jacket; Sir Claude Scratch stroked his whiskers, and the ladies began to arrange their dress for walking. Then there was such a fuss as they all said “Good-bye,” that some of the neighbours looked out of window to see what was the matter; especially as Captain Black and Sir Claude quarrelled and fought in the street. At last, however, all the party got safely home.
Departure of the Guests. Captain Black and Sir Claude Scratch quarrel in the street.
Story DNA
Plot Summary
Miss Tabitha Pussycat, a prim old maid, hosts a grand tea party, sending her monkey page, Jacko, to invite a diverse group of animal friends. Guests like the vain Sir Claude Scratch, the fierce Captain Black, the musical Miss Velveteen Purr, and the charming Misses White arrive, each with their distinct personalities. The party proceeds with polite conversation, entertainment, and underlying social tensions, particularly between Sir Claude and Captain Black. As the evening concludes, their rivalry erupts into a street fight, though all guests eventually return home safely.
Themes
Emotional Arc
anticipation to merriment to mild chaos
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
The mention of 'Ethiopian Serenaders' reflects a popular, but now controversial, form of entertainment in the 19th century involving blackface minstrelsy.
Plot Beats (12)
- Miss Tabitha Pussycat, a prim and proper cat, decides to host a large tea party and sends her clever monkey page, Jacko, to deliver invitations.
- Miss Tabitha procures special provisions for the party, including pink shrimps, muffins, and a French loaf.
- Mr. Velvet Purr, a quiet bachelor, and his singing sister, Miss Velveteen Purr, are introduced as invited guests.
- Sir Claude Scratch, a proud cat of high lineage, gets a shave from Frizzle Frog the barber, where he encounters Captain Black, a fierce, uninvited but popular cat, who decides to attend.
- The four Misses White, known for their beauty, and the four Masters Tortoise Shell, who are their escorts, are introduced as they head to the party.
- The grand tea party begins, with guests engaging in polite conversation and serving each other, though Captain Black's attentiveness to the ladies irritates Sir Claude.
- Miss Velveteen Purr sings a well-received song, followed by Miss Tabitha's French song, with Captain Black and Mr. Velvet Purr singing bass.
- Captain Black and Sir Claude Scratch tell stories of their travels, entertaining the guests.
- The four Masters Tortoise Shell perform as 'Ethiopian Serenaders,' playing instruments and singing, which amuses most guests but offends Captain Black due to his dark complexion.
- As the party concludes, guests prepare to leave, with Mr. Velvet Purr, Captain Black, and Sir Claude Scratch making their goodbyes.
- Captain Black and Sir Claude Scratch's simmering rivalry erupts into a public quarrel and fight in the street as they depart.
- Despite the commotion, all the guests eventually arrive home safely.
Characters
Miss Tabitha Pussycat
A sleek, well-groomed cat of average size, with a quiet and prim demeanor. Her fur is likely a common domestic cat color, perhaps a soft grey or tabby, kept immaculately clean.
Attire: Implied to be well-dressed for a hostess, likely wearing a simple but elegant dress or apron appropriate for a Victorian-era lady hosting a tea party. Perhaps a lace collar or a small brooch.
Wants: To maintain her social standing, host elegant tea parties, and enjoy the company of her chosen friends.
Flaw: Perhaps a bit too concerned with appearances and social propriety, leading her to overlook underlying tensions among her guests.
Remains consistent as the gracious hostess, her role is to facilitate the social gathering.
Quiet, sleek, prim, proper, hospitable, discerning (only invites certain people), has a fine ear for music.
Jacko the Monkey
A clever monkey, likely of a medium size, with agile limbs and a typical monkey's build. His fur would be brown or grey, well-kept, as he is a page.
Attire: Wears a 'new coat', implying a formal page's uniform, likely a fitted jacket in a dark color (e.g., red or blue) with brass buttons, possibly over a waistcoat and trousers, appropriate for a Victorian-era servant.
Wants: To serve Miss Tabitha Pussycat well and perform his duties as a page.
Flaw: Can be overwhelmed by too many guests, as he struggles to wait upon everyone.
Remains consistent as the diligent page.
Clever, observant, diligent (in his duties as a page), perhaps a bit overwhelmed by the large party.
Mr. Velvet-Purr
A quiet old bachelor cat, likely well-fed and somewhat portly from his sedentary lifestyle. His fur would be soft and well-maintained, perhaps a dark, rich color like black or deep grey, giving him a 'velvet' appearance.
Attire: Implied to be well-dressed for a gentleman attending a tea party, likely a dark, tailored Victorian-era suit, perhaps a velvet smoking jacket or a frock coat, with a crisp shirt and a cravat.
Wants: To enjoy a pleasant social gathering, good food, and the company of his sister and friends.
Flaw: Perhaps a bit too passive or sedentary, preferring comfort over activity.
Remains consistent as the quiet, polite guest.
Quiet, gentle, well-fed, observant (watches birds), polite, careful (not to be out too late).
Miss Velveteen Purr
A very pretty cat, likely with soft, luxurious fur, perhaps a lighter shade than her brother, or a striking pattern. She is concerned with her appearance and voice.
Attire: Wears a 'fur tippet' (a short cape or scarf made of fur), suggesting a fashionable Victorian-era dress, perhaps in a soft, elegant fabric like silk or velvet, with delicate trimmings. Her attire would emphasize her beauty.
Wants: To maintain her beautiful voice, enjoy social gatherings, and share her musical talent.
Flaw: Perhaps a touch of vanity regarding her voice and appearance.
Remains consistent as the charming and talented singer.
Pretty, talented singer, attentive to her voice, enjoys being admired.
Sir Claude Scratch
A proud and distinguished cat, likely of a larger build, with an air of importance. His fur would be well-groomed, and his whiskers are a point of pride.
Attire: Implied to be dressed in a formal, high-quality Victorian-era suit, perhaps a dark tail-coat, waistcoat, and trousers, with a crisp shirt and a formal cravat, befitting his 'high family'.
Wants: To maintain his social status, uphold his family's reputation, and be recognized for his worldly experience.
Flaw: His pride and quick temper, which lead him to quarrel and fight.
Remains consistent as the proud and easily provoked gentleman.
Proud, aristocratic, easily angered (especially when his dignity is challenged), well-traveled, enjoys telling stories.
Captain Black
A very fierce-looking cat, likely robust and muscular, with a dark complexion (fur). He has an intimidating presence.
Attire: Wears a 'fur jacket', suggesting a more rugged or adventurous style than the other gentlemen, perhaps a dark, fitted jacket over a simple shirt, suitable for a sailor or adventurer, in a Victorian-era style.
Wants: To engage in adventure, impress ladies, assert his dominance, and enjoy social gatherings (even uninvited ones).
Flaw: His quick temper, aggressive nature, and pride (especially regarding his 'dark complexion').
Remains consistent as the aggressive, charming, and easily offended character.
Fierce, ready to fight, brave (killed hundreds of rats), attentive (to ladies), a favorite of ladies, a traveler, easily offended (by the Tortoise Shells' performance).
Frizzle Frog
A frog, likely with a somewhat 'frizzled' or textured appearance, perhaps referring to his skin or a particular style of grooming for his clients. He would be of a size appropriate to shave a cat.
Attire: Likely wears a professional barber's attire for the Victorian era, perhaps a striped apron over a simple shirt and trousers.
Wants: To perform his barber duties.
Flaw: Not applicable, as he is only briefly seen in his professional capacity.
Remains consistent in his brief appearance.
Professional, skilled (as a barber).
Old Mrs. White
An old cat, likely with white fur, as her daughters are the 'Misses White'. She lives at the baker's, suggesting a comfortable but perhaps not opulent life.
Attire: Likely wears simple, clean, and practical clothing appropriate for an elderly cat living at a baker's in the Victorian era, perhaps a plain dress and an apron.
Wants: To care for her daughters.
Flaw: Not applicable, as she is only briefly mentioned.
Remains consistent in her brief mention.
Caring (gives her daughters nice dresses).
The Four Misses White (Fluffy, Tibby, Titty, Tip)
Four young, pretty cats, all famous for their 'beautiful skins and their bright eyes'. Their names suggest soft, perhaps fluffy, white fur.
Attire: Wear 'clean stockings' and 'nice silky dresses' given by their mother. These would be fashionable Victorian-era dresses, perhaps in pastel colors, made of silk, emphasizing their beauty and youth.
Wants: To enjoy the tea party, socialize, and be admired.
Flaw: Not explicitly stated, but perhaps a touch of youthful naivete or susceptibility to flattery.
Remain consistent as the charming and easily entertained young ladies.
Pretty, charming, easily amused (laughing at the serenaders), social.
Locations
Miss Tabitha Pussycat's House
A prim and proper residence, likely a Victorian-era cottage or townhouse, meticulously kept. The interior features a grand tea table laden with delicacies like pink shrimps, muffins, tea-cake, French loaf, and fresh butter. The hall is where guests prepare to depart.
Mood: Initially formal and polite, transitioning to merry and boisterous, then ending with a chaotic departure.
The main setting for the tea party, where guests arrive, dine, entertain, and eventually depart.
Frizzle Frog's Barber Shop
A barber shop where Sir Claude Scratch gets his whiskers shaved. It has a barber's chair and towels for clients.
Mood: Casual, gossipy, a place of social interaction before a formal event.
Sir Claude Scratch prepares for the party, and Captain Black makes an uninvited appearance, setting up a rivalry.
The Street Outside Miss Pussycat's House
A public street or lane in a residential area, where neighbors might look out their windows. It becomes the scene of a quarrel.
Mood: Initially bustling with polite goodbyes, quickly turning confrontational and chaotic.
The guests depart, and Captain Black and Sir Claude Scratch engage in a physical fight.