Class 11 English NCERT Poetry Book Woven words Lesson 1 The Peacock Questions and Answers.
Understanding the poem
1. Comment on the lines that make you visualise the colourful image of the peacock.
2. What are the cues that signal the presence of the peacock in the vicinity?
3. How does the connection drawn between the tail and the eyes add to the descriptive detail of the poem?
4. How does the poem capture the elusive nature of the peacock?
5. The peacock is a colourful bird. How does the poem capture the various colours that its plumage displays?
Answer:
Understanding the Poem – “The Peacock” by Sujata Bhatt
1. Comment on the lines that make you visualize the colourful image of the peacock:
The lines “a flash of turquoise in the pipal tree” and “violet fringed with golden amber” vividly depict the bright, colorful feathers of the peacock. The imagery of “the very end of his tail” and “as he gathers his tail” also helps in creating a visual representation of the peacock’s beautiful plumage.
2. What are the cues that signal the presence of the peacock in the vicinity?:
The poem offers subtle cues indicating the presence of the peacock: “His loud sharp call seems to come from nowhere”, the change in “the wind direction”, the stopping of the “steady hum of bees”, and even the awakening of the cat are all signals that the peacock is nearby.
3. How does the connection drawn between the tail and the eyes add to the descriptive detail of the poem?:
The connection between the tail and the eyes is beautifully captured in the line “To shut those dark glowing eyes, violet fringed with golden amber.” The idea that the peacock’s tail feathers are like eyes adds an intriguing layer to the description. The eyes are “always open”, but the peacock “blinks” when it folds its tail, adding to the sense of mystery and emphasizing the bird’s majesty.
4. How does the poem capture the elusive nature of the peacock?:
The peacock’s elusiveness is highlighted by the way it appears and disappears so quickly. The poem describes how it “seems to come from nowhere”, and even when the speaker looks up, they catch only “a glimpse of the very end of his tail”. The fleeting presence of the bird, combined with the need for stillness and patience to observe it, conveys its elusive nature.
5. The peacock is a colourful bird. How does the poem capture the various colours that its plumage displays?:
The poem captures the peacock’s vibrant colors through phrases like “a flash of turquoise”, “violet fringed with golden amber”, and the mention of the “blue shadow” that falls over the observer. These lines effectively showcase the rich, varied hues of the peacock’s feathers, emphasizing its colorful beauty.
The poem uses rich imagery and sensory cues to evoke the experience of encountering a peacock in its natural environment, capturing its beauty and elusiveness.
Try this out
1. In English the peacock is associated with pride. ‘As proud as a peacock’ is a commonly used simile. With what qualities is the peacock associated in the literature of your language?
2. The peacock is the national bird of India. Why do you think the peacock has been chosen?
Answer:
1. In English, the peacock is associated with pride. ‘As proud as a peacock’ is a commonly used simile. With what qualities is the peacock associated in the literature of your language? In Hindi literature, the peacock is often associated with beauty, grace, and elegance. It is frequently depicted as a symbol of natural beauty and is sometimes linked with love and monsoon rains. In traditional Indian poetry, the peacock’s dance during the rainy season is often seen as a sign of joy and excitement for the arrival of rain. Additionally, it symbolizes spirituality and divine protection in many mythological contexts.
2. The peacock is the national bird of India. Why do you think the peacock has been chosen? The peacock was chosen as the national bird of India because of its rich cultural and historical significance in Indian tradition. It is a symbol of beauty, grace, and pride, reflecting the vibrant and diverse cultural heritage of the country. The bird’s vivid colors and its association with various religious and mythological stories make it a fitting representation of India’s natural beauty. Moreover, the peacock is deeply rooted in Indian art, folklore, and religious symbolism, making it a powerful emblem of the nation’s identity.