Bustopher Jones: When I'm seen in a hurry, there's probably curry at the Siamese or at the Glutton.
Old Deuteronomy: With cats, some say one rule is true: don't speak 'til you are spoken to. Myself, I do not hold with that. I say you should address a cat, but always keep in mind that he resents familiarity. You bow, and taking off your hat, address him in this form: O, Cat.
Mungojerrie: It was... Mungojerrie.
Rumpleteazer: And Rumpleteazer.
Mungojerrie: And there's nothing at all to be done about that.
Old Deuteronomy: My legs may be tottery. I must go slow and be careful of Old Deuteronomy.
Rum Tum Tugger: You ought to ask Mr. Mistoffoles, the original conjuring cat. There can be no doubt about that. Please, listen to me and don't scoff. All his inventions are off his own bat.
Munkustrap: Are you blind when you're born?
Demeter: Can you see in the dark?
Skimbleshanks the Railway Cat: Dare you look at a king?
Asparagus: Would you sit on his throne?
Rum Tum Tugger: Can you say of your bite that it's worse than your bark?
Alonzo: Are you cock of the walk.
Grizabella: ...when you're walking alone?
Munkustrap: Because Jellicles are and Jellicles do. Jellicles do and Jellicles would. Jellicles would and Jellicles can. Jellicles can and Jellicles do.
Grizabella: Touch me! It's so easy to leave me all alone with the memory of my days in the sun. If you touch me, you'll understand what happiness is. Look! A new day has begun.
Answer: It's a bit vague, but when Grizabella was young, she left the other Jellicle cats, turning her back on them to live another life, thinking she was more glamorous than the others. Now that she is older and has fallen on hard times, she returns, wanting to rejoin the tribe. The other cats are resentful that she considered herself better than them, and they are put off by her shabby appearance, so do not want her back.
raywest ★