Class 11 English (Elective) Poem 1 – The Peacock Important Question Answers from Woven Words Book
Class 11 English (Elective) The Peacock Important Question Answers – Looking for questions and answers for CBSE Class 11 English (Elective) Poem 1- The Peacock? Look no further! Our comprehensive compilation of important questions will help you brush up on your subject knowledge. Practising Class 11 English question answers can significantly improve your performance in the exam. Improve your chances of scoring high marks by exploring Poem 1 – The Peacock now. The questions listed below are based on the latest CBSE exam pattern, wherein we have given NCERT solutions to the chapter’s extract-based questions, multiple choice questions and Extra Question Answers
Also, practising with different kinds of questions can help students learn new ways to solve problems that they may not have seen before. This can ultimately lead to a deeper understanding of the subject matter and better performance on exams.
- The Peacock NCERT Solutions
- The Peacock Extract Based Questions
- The Peacock Multiple Choice Questions
- The Peacock Extra Question Answers
Related:
The Peacock Textbook Questions (NCERT Solutions)
UNDERSTANDING THE POEM
1. Comment on the lines that make you visualise the colourful image of the peacock.
Ans. The poem vividly brings the peacock’s colours to life through specific lines. The very first visual imagery, “Then, a flash of turquoise in the pipal tree,” immediately paints a bright, striking image of its distinct blue-green hue. Later, the description of its magnificent tail is particularly rich: “To shut those dark glowing eyes, Violet fringed with golden amber.” Here, “dark glowing eyes” refers to the eye-like patterns on its tail, and the specific colours “Violet fringed with golden amber” create a detailed, luxurious picture of its dazzling feathers, allowing the reader to visualize the rich, intricate spectrum of the peacock’s tail feathers.
2. What are the cues that signal the presence of the peacock in the vicinity?
Ans. The poem describes a series of subtle and intense cues that signal the peacock’s presence in the vicinity, rather than a direct sighting. Initially, it’s its “loud sharp call” that seems to come from “nowhere.” As the observer becomes deeply absorbed in reading, a sensory chain reaction begins: “A blue shadow will fall over you,” indicating its physical proximity. This is followed by changes in the immediate environment: “The wind will change direction,” and “The steady hum of bees in the bushes nearby will stop.” Finally, even the domesticated cat gets aware of subtle shifts, “will awaken and stretch,” confirming that something significant, the peacock, has arrived.
3. How does the connection drawn between the tail and the eyes add to the descriptive detail of the poem?
Ans. The connection drawn between the tail and the eyes significantly enhances the descriptive detail and the poem’s mystery. The tail itself is described with “dark glowing eyes, Violet fringed with golden amber,” suggesting that the elaborate eye-like patterns on its feathers are so prominent and captivating that they function as if they were the bird’s main organs of sight. The lines “It is the tail that has to blink / For eyes that are always open” create a fascinating paradox. This implies that the peacock’s true, ever-present essence and beauty are embodied in its display, rather than its literal, perpetually open eyes. It adds a layer of depth, making the peacock’s display feel like a conscious, living entity that reveals and conceals itself.
4. How does the poem capture the elusive nature of the peacock?
Ans. The poem masterfully captures the elusive nature of the peacock from its very beginning. It first announces its presence only through a “loud sharp call” that “seems to come from nowhere.” When it is briefly seen, it’s just a “flash of turquoise,” its “slender neck arched away from you,” and it “darts away,” offering only “a glimpse of the very end of his tail.” The poem then explains that to truly see it, one must not actively seek it, but rather be absorbed elsewhere. Even when it appears, it is described as “turning away as he gathers his tail”, reinforcing that its full, direct beauty is rarely held. This consistent portrayal highlights its mysterious, shy, and untamable quality.
5. The peacock is a colourful bird. How does the poem capture the various colours that its plumage displays?
Ans. The poem captures the various colours of the peacock’s feathers through vivid, specific imagery. It begins with the striking “flash of turquoise,” immediately establishing one of its most iconic blues. The poem then focuses on the intricate beauty of its tail, describing the “dark glowing eyes” on its feathers. These eye-spots are further detailed with specific hues: “Violet fringed with golden amber.” This careful selection of colours like turquoise, dark, violet, and golden amber; creates a rich, multi-layered visual experience, allowing the reader to imagine the iridescent and complex palette that the peacock’s feathers display, particularly on its magnificent tail.
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?
Ans. In Indian literature and culture, the peacock is associated with a much broader and often more positive range of qualities than just pride. It is primarily seen as a symbol of beauty, grace, and majesty due to its magnificent plumage and elegant dance. The peacock is also strongly linked with royalty and nobility, having graced the courts of ancient kings and emperors. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, it symbolizes auspiciousness, prosperity, and good fortune. In Hindu mythology, the peacock is highly revered and associated with several deities. It is the vehicle of Lord Kartikeya (Murugan), the god of war and victory, symbolizing strength, courage, and triumph over evil. It is also linked with Goddess Saraswati, representing wisdom and learning, and Lord Krishna is frequently depicted wearing a peacock feather on his crown, symbolizing beauty, immortality, and divine playfulness. Furthermore, the peacock is considered a messenger of rain, and its dance is often associated with the onset of the monsoon, bringing joy and fertility. Thus, in Indian literature, the peacock embodies a rich tapestry of beauty, divinity, protection, wisdom, and auspiciousness.
2. The peacock is the national bird of India. Why do you think the peacock has been chosen?
Ans. The peacock has been chosen as the national bird of India for several compelling reasons, reflecting its deep cultural, mythological, and aesthetic significance within the country. Firstly, its striking beauty and vibrant, iridescent feathers make it a universally recognizable and captivating symbol that truly represents the diverse colors and splendor of India. Secondly, the peacock is widespread throughout India, making it a truly national bird that can be found in various regions across the subcontinent. Thirdly, it holds immense cultural and religious significance in Indian traditions, mythology, and folklore, as detailed above, making it deeply ingrained in the national consciousness. Fourthly, its unique appearance ensures it is not confused with the national bird of any other country, providing India with a distinct national emblem. Finally, the peacock is a well-known and easily recognizable bird to the common person, making it an accessible and relatable symbol for all Indians. These factors collectively make the peacock a fitting and cherished representation of India’s rich heritage, beauty, and spirit.
CBSE Class 11 English (Elective) Poem 1 The Peacock Extract-Based Questions
Answer the following extract-based questions
A.
His loud sharp call
seems to come from nowhere.
Then, a flash of turquoise
in the pipal tree
The slender neck arched away from you
as he descends,
and as he darts away, a glimpse
of the very end of his tail.
Q1. How does the peacock first announce its presence, even before being seen?
Ans. It announces its presence with his loud sharp call.
Q2. Where does the peacock’s call seem to originate from?
Ans. Its call seems to come from nowhere.
Q3. What is the first visual sign of the peacock, and where is it seen?
Ans. The first visual sign is a flash of turquoise in the pipal tree.
Q4. How does the peacock’s neck appear as it descends?
Ans. Its slender neck is arched away from the observer.
Q5. What is the only part of the peacock that one might get a glimpse of as it darts away?
Ans. One might get a glimpse of the very end of his tail.
B.
I was told
that you have to sit in the veranda
And read a book,
preferably one of your favourites
with great concentration..
The moment you begin to live
inside the book
A blue shadow will fall over you.
Q1. What is the first instruction given to someone who wishes to see the peacock?
Ans. They are told that they have to sit in the veranda.
Q2. What activity should the person be engaged in while sitting in the veranda?
Ans. The person should read a book.
Q3. What kind of book is recommended for this activity?
Ans. Preferably, it should be one of the person’s favourite books.
Q4. How should the book be read?
Ans. The book should be read with great concentration.
Q5. What will happen the moment one begins to “live inside the book”?
Ans. A blue shadow will fall over them.
C.
The wind will change direction,
The steady hum of bees
In the bushes nearby
will stop.
The cat will awaken and stretch.
Something has broken your attention;
Q1. What is the first sign of the peacock’s presence mentioned in this stanza related to the weather?
Ans. The first sign is that the wind will change direction.
Q2. What happens to the sound of the bees when the peacock is near?
Ans. The steady hum of bees will stop.
Q3. How does the cat in the vicinity react to the subtle changes?
Ans. The cat will awaken and stretch.
Q4. What is implied by the line “Something has broken your attention”?
Ans. It implies that the observer’s deep concentration is interrupted by subtle environmental cues signaling the peacock’s presence.
Q5. What collective purpose do these environmental changes (wind, bees, cat) serve in the poem?
Ans. They serve as subtle indicators or signals that the peacock is nearby, alerting the observer without a direct sighting.
D.
And if you look up in time
You might see the peacock turning away as he gathers
his tail
To shut those dark glowing eyes,
Violet fringed with golden amber.
It is the tail that has to blink
For eyes that are always open.
Q1. What is the condition for being able to see the peacock?
Ans. One must look up at the right moment.
Q2. What is the peacock doing as it is potentially seen?
Ans. The peacock is turning away as he gathers his tail.
Q3. How are the “eyes” on the peacock’s tail described in terms of color and appearance?
Ans. They are described as ‘dark glowing eyes, Violet fringed with golden amber’.
Q4. What unique action is attributed to the peacock’s tail in the final lines?
Ans. It is said that ‘the tail that has to blink’.
Q5. Why does the tail “have to blink”?
Ans. It has to blink ‘For eyes that are always open’, referring to the peacock’s actual eyes that seem to remain open. The phrase “It is the tail that has to blink” is the kinesthetic imagery describing the movement of the peacock’s tail as it contracts or expands, which can be interpreted as a sort of collective “blinking” of all those eye-like markings.
Class 11 The Peacock Multiple Choice Questions
Q1. How does the peacock’s presence first become known?
A. By a flash of color
B. By its loud sharp call
C. By the wind changing
D. By the cat awakening
Ans. B. By its loud sharp call
Q2. Where is the first glimpse of the peacock seen?
A. On the ground
B. In the veranda
C. In the pipal tree
D. By the stream
Ans. C. In the pipal tree
Q3. What is the characteristic posture of the peacock’s neck as it descends?
A. Straight towards you
B. Arched away from you
C. Hidden by its feathers
D. Nodding gently
Ans. B. Arched away from you
Q4. What part of the peacock is often seen last as it darts away?
A. Its beak
B. Its wings
C. The very end of its tail
D. Its feet
Ans. C. The very end of its tail
Q5. According to the poem, what activity should one be doing to truly see the peacock?
A. Sitting in the veranda and reading a book
B. Actively searching for it
C. Making loud noises to attract it
D. Hiding behind a bush
Ans. A. Sitting in the veranda and reading a book
Q6. What kind of book is preferably recommended for this activity?
A. A new mystery novel
B. A very long textbook
C. A book about birds
D. One of your favourites
Ans. D. One of your favourites
Q7. What is the key to experiencing the peacock’s revelation while reading?
A. Memorizing the book
B. Reading quickly
C. Beginning to live inside the book
D. Finishing the book
Ans. C. Beginning to live inside the book
Q8. What is the first sign that suggests the peacock’s presence when you are deeply concentrated?
A. Its loud call repeats
B. A blue shadow falls over you
C. A feather drops
D. The leaves rustle loudly
Ans. B. A blue shadow falls over you
Q9. How does the wind react when the peacock is near?
A. It stops completely
B. It changes direction
C. It becomes very strong
D. It starts to hum
Ans. B. It changes direction
Q10. What happens to the hum of bees in the bushes nearby when the peacock is present?
A. It gets louder
B. It changes its tune
C. It attracts the peacock
D. It stops
Ans. D. It stops
Q11. How does the cat react to the peacock’s impending appearance?
A. It runs away
B. It awakens and stretches
C. It starts purring loudly
D. It begins to hunt
Ans. B. It awakens and stretches
Q12. What does “Something has broken your attention” refer to?
A. The sound of the peacock’s call
B. The sudden appearance of another animal
C. The subtle changes in the environment signalling the peacock
D. The discomfort of sitting too long
Ans. C. The subtle changes in the environment signalling the peacock
Q13. When one looks up “in time,” how is the peacock typically seen?
A. Facing directly towards the observer
B. Turning away as he gathers his tail
C. Flying high above
D. Sitting still on a branch
Ans. B. Turning away as he gathers his tail
Q14. What are the “eyes” on the peacock’s tail described as?
A. Small and dull
B. Dark glowing, violet fringed with golden amber
C. Bright blue and yellow
D. Large and unblinking
Ans. B. Dark glowing, violet fringed with golden amber
Q15. What unique action does the poem say the peacock’s tail performs?
A. It gathers food
B. It helps him fly
C. It has to blink
D. It dances
Ans. C. It has to blink
Q16. Why does the tail “have to blink”?
A. To signal danger
B. Because the peacock’s actual eyes are always open
C. To attract a mate
D. To clean itself
Ans. B. Because the peacock’s actual eyes are always open
Q17. A central theme of the poem is the idea of:
A. Direct confrontation.
B. The futility of waiting.
C. Indirect perception and revelation.
D. The power of sound.
Ans. C. Indirect perception and revelation
Q18. The peacock in the poem can be seen as a symbol of:
A. Commonplace animals
B. Elusive beauty or profound experience
C. Domestic pets
D. Loud interruptions
Ans. B. Elusive beauty or profound experience
Q19. What kind of atmosphere was created by the poem?
A. Frenzy and chaos
B. Quiet observation and subtle magic
C. Loud celebrations
D. Impatient expectation
Ans. B. Quiet observation and subtle magic
Q20. What literary device is evident in the phrase “blue shadow”?
A. Metaphor
B. Simile
C. Alliteration
D. Personification
Ans. A. Metaphor
CBSE Class 11 English (Elective) Poem 1 – The Peacock Extra Question and Answers
Answer the following questions.
Q1. How is the peacock’s initial presence described in the poem, indicating its elusive nature?
Ans. Its presence is initially described by its “loud sharp call” coming from “nowhere,” followed by only a “flash of turquoise” in the pipal tree, and a quick glimpse of its tail as it “darts away,” suggesting it’s hard to get a full view.
Q2. According to the poem, what specific activity should one be doing to truly see the peacock?
Ans. One should be sitting in the veranda and reading a book, preferably a favourite, with great concentration, so that one begins to “live inside the book.”
Q3. Name three subtle signs from the environment that indicate the peacock’s presence.
Ans. Three subtle signs are the blue shadow falling, the wind changing direction, and the steady hum of bees stopping. Also, the cat awakens and stretches.
Q4. How is the peacock’s tail described in the poem?
Ans. The tail is described as having “dark glowing eyes, violet fringed with golden amber.”
Q5. What unique action is attributed to the peacock’s tail in the final lines, and what does it suggest?
Ans. The poem states, “It is the tail that has to blink / For eyes that are always open.” This suggests that the spectacular visual display of the tail is the true “seeing” or essence of the peacock, representing its profound beauty that is always present, even if its literal eyes are not directly looking.