[MsJellicle]

I don't recall someone mentioning this whenever we discuss Grizabella (or whichever cat) going to the Heavyside Layer. I came across this regional production's website and here's how they described their show:

[Rumblepurr]

The line says "A Different Jellicle Life..." This is not a renewal. This is telling the soul becomes someone new, and the count, if there is one, starts all over again. I vote no on the "tenth life".

Grizabella had a life that began with promise and then met with tragedy - either earned or not. By being given the Choice, Grizabella has a chance to start over again as someone different - someone new... Because they have seen the Heavyside, I think the "old soul" that would have returned for another chance becomes the "New Jellicle" conscience, and helps them subconsciously to avoid the "old life".

Respectfully,
Rumblepurr
The Writer Cat

[Flitterbug]

I like the idea of it being ritual sacrifice. *grin* Even though there's no evidence to suggest this other than the assumption that in order to pass on to her new life Grizabella must 'ascend'/die.

I believe if it was reincarnation, as suggested, then there would basicly be no way of telling that this new cat has ever had a previous life. If there's no way of being able to tell, there's no way of knowing for certain if it works... Hence, ritual sacrifice.

[Belle]

The Tenth life thing makes no sense! A cat has 9 lives - it means they cheat death 8 times, rather than live 9 lives. They get into a scrape which should kill them and they walk away nonchalantly. Grizabella escaping from the tribe when they're about to sacrifice her would be a 10th life... The poems are quite clear about the chosen cat coming back "To a DIFFERENT Jellicle life" - being re-incarnated, presumably retaining knowledge of their past life, but that's pure speculation.

[Bustephen]

Here's an even crazier one...

Today I was in a university bookstore, flipping through a book about how to choose the right musical for your venue. Musicals were organized into different categories (predominantly male casts, predominantly female casts, small or large costume and set budgets, etc.). Cats was listed in the chapter for casts with great dancing skills (obviously) and in one of the subheadings, many of the main cast members were described along with their vocal and dance requirements.

Jennyanydots was introduced as "a cat from a different tribe who is trying to be accepted into the Jellicles".

[Quaxo!]

Ha! I laugh! People can make some of the wierdest mistakes! Unfortunately, It happens quite often, when you have lists of descriptions for different things. I once came across a list where Garlic was described as Peppers ought to be (Where did that come from? OT... sortof)

[Peritombry]

That is bizarre.

[Spanish_Rumple]

Hum... here in Spain we say that cats have 7 lives... so its rather difficult for me to think of a 10th life... however, thinking of getting a new life (wether the 8th in my country or the 10th in yours) why not??? They actually say that the cat will be reborn, so Grizzy has had a life that she doesn't like anymore, and she's granted with a new life... it sounds cool to me.

[PurpleCow]

*blink*

I never would have thought of that. And most likely, I still won't think of that.

I love that description of Jennyanydots, though. It makes me laugh. Hey, if you want to be accepted among strangers, what better way than to form a troupe of boy scout cockroaches and teach mice singing. That could have saved me a lot of lonely moments in high school.