CBSE Class 11 English Woven Words Poetry Chapter 1: The Peacock NCERT Solutions

Reviewed by NCERT Help Editorial Team · Updated on 29 Jul 2026

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 11 PDF

This resource provides detailed NCERT Solutions for Chapter 1, 'The Peacock,' from the CBSE Class 11 English Woven Words Poetry textbook. It delves into the poem's rich imagery, focusing on how the poet vividly describes the peacock's appearance, its elusive nature, and the sensory cues that signal its presence. The solutions break down the poetic language, explaining the significance of specific phrases and metaphors used to paint a colorful picture of the bird. This chapter analysis helps students appreciate the nuances of poetic expression and understand the connection between nature and descriptive language. These solutions are designed to aid students in comprehending the poem thoroughly, enhancing their analytical skills, and preparing effectively for their examinations by offering clear explanations and insights into the text.

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Quick info

Board	CBSE
Class	Class 11
Subject	English Woven Words Poetry
Session	2026
Language	English
Type	NCERT Solutions
Chapter	Chapter 1

Chapter summary

Chapter 1 of the CBSE Class 11 English Woven Words Poetry, 'The Peacock,' NCERT Solutions focuses on understanding the poem's descriptive elements. The solutions analyze the imagery used to portray the peacock's vibrant colors, its physical features like the slender neck, and the symbolic meaning of its 'blue shadow.' They also explore the subtle cues—such as its call, a glimpse of its tail, and environmental changes—that indicate the bird's presence, highlighting its elusive nature. The chapter further examines the poetic comparison between the peacock's tail and eyes, enhancing the visual description. This section aims to deepen students' appreciation for poetic language and imagery.

Learning outcomes

Understand the vivid imagery used to describe the peacock's colors and form.
Identify the sensory cues that signal the peacock's presence in the poem.
Analyze the poetic techniques used to convey the peacock's elusive nature.
Interpret the connection made between the peacock's tail and its eyes.
Appreciate the use of language to create a colorful and dynamic portrayal of the bird.

Topics covered

Paper topics

Poem Analysis
Imagery
Sensory Details
Figurative Language
Symbolism
Nature in Poetry
Descriptive Writing
Peacock Characteristics
Elusive Nature
Visual Description

Important topics

Vivid Imagery of the Peacock
Cues Signaling Presence
Elusive Nature of the Bird
Comparison of Tail and Eyes
Symbolic Colors

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Questions and Solutions

1. Comment on the lines that make you visualize the colorful image of the peacock.

Comment on the lines that make you visualize the colorful image of the peacock.

Solution: The poem uses several evocative lines that help the reader vividly picture the colorful peacock. Phrases like "a flash of turquoise" immediately bring to mind the bird's brilliant, iridescent blue-green plumage. The description of its "slender neck" adds to the visual elegance. Furthermore, the mention of a "blue shadow" suggests the deep, pervasive blue color that seems to surround the peacock, enhancing its majestic appearance. These specific descriptions work together to create a strong mental image of the bird's vibrant beauty.

2. What are the cues that signal the presence of the peacock in the vicinity?

What are the cues that signal the presence of the peacock in the vicinity?

Solution: The poem indicates the peacock's presence through a series of subtle and direct environmental cues. These include hearing its "loud sharp call," catching a "flash of turquoise," and seeing a "glimpse of the very end of his tail." The appearance of a "blue shadow" also hints at its proximity. Additionally, changes in the environment, such as the "changing direction of the wind," and the reaction of other creatures, like "the cat who wakes and stretches," serve as indirect 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?

How does the connection drawn between the tail and the eyes add to the descriptive detail of the poem?

Solution: The poem enhances its descriptive detail by drawing a fascinating connection between the peacock's tail and its eyes. It states that the tail is a "mighty replica of the eye," referring to the numerous eye-like spots (ocelli) on the peacock's train feathers. The poet further notes that while real eyes can blink, these "eyes" on the tail appear to blink together when the peacock moves with its tail contracted. This comparison adds depth and visual complexity, making the description more intricate and captivating.

4. How does the poem capture the elusive nature of the peacock?

How does the poem capture the elusive nature of the peacock?

Solution: The poem effectively captures the elusive nature of the peacock by focusing on indirect signs and fleeting moments of observation. Instead of a direct, sustained view, the reader encounters the bird through its "loud cry" or a mere "glimpse of the tail." The text suggests that even when the peacock turns away, one might only catch sight of it as it gathers its tail. This approach highlights the bird's tendency to appear and disappear subtly, making it a creature that is sensed more than fully seen, thus emphasizing its elusive quality.

5. The peacock is a colorful bird. How does the poem capture the various colors that its plumage displays?

The peacock is a colorful bird. How does the poem capture the various colors that its plumage displays?

Solution: The poem captures the peacock's vibrant colors through specific, evocative descriptions. It mentions "a flash of turquoise," immediately bringing to mind the bird's signature iridescent blue-green feathers. The phrase "violet fringe" further adds to the spectrum of colors, suggesting the rich, deep hues present in its plumage. These color details, combined with the overall imagery, create a vivid and dynamic portrayal of the peacock's colorful appearance.

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 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?

Solution: In Bengali, the language mentioned by the source, the peacock is often referred to as 'Mour-ponkhi,' which translates to 'feather of a peacock.' While the English association leans towards pride, Bengali literature and culture may associate the peacock with beauty, grace, and sometimes divinity, particularly in relation to the god Krishna who is often depicted with a peacock feather in his crown. The term itself evokes a sense of elegance and aesthetic appeal. (Note: Students are encouraged to research and provide associations from their own regional languages.)

Common mistakes

Overlooking subtle environmental cues that indicate the peacock's presence.
Misinterpreting the symbolic meaning of the 'blue shadow.'
Failing to connect the description of the tail and eyes to the overall imagery.
Not fully grasping the concept of the peacock's 'elusive' nature as depicted in the poem.

Revision tips

Reread the poem, specifically highlighting words and phrases related to color and sight.
List all the 'cues' mentioned in the poem that suggest the peacock is near.
Focus on how the poet uses comparisons (like tail to eyes) to enhance description.
Consider the overall mood and atmosphere created by the poem's imagery.

Practice MCQs

Q1. Which phrase best describes the color associated with the peacock in the poem?

Q2. What sensory cue, other than sight, signals the peacock's presence?

Q3. The poem describes the peacock's tail as a 'mighty replica of the eye'. What does this comparison suggest?

Q4. How is the peacock's elusive nature captured in the poem?

Q5. What does the 'blue shadow' likely represent in the poem?

Frequently asked questions

What is the main theme of Chapter 1, 'The Peacock'?

The main theme of Chapter 1, 'The Peacock,' is the vivid and sensory description of the peacock, focusing on its colors, physical attributes, and elusive nature, using various natural cues to suggest its presence.

How do the NCERT Solutions help in understanding the poem 'The Peacock'?

These solutions break down the poem's imagery, explain specific phrases like 'flash of turquoise' and 'blue shadow,' and analyze how the poet captures the peacock's elusive characteristics, aiding comprehension and appreciation.

What kind of imagery is used in 'The Peacock'?

The poem uses strong visual imagery, describing the peacock's 'flash of turquoise,' 'slender neck,' and the eye-like patterns on its tail. It also incorporates auditory cues like its 'loud sharp call.'

What does the poem suggest about the peacock's nature?

The poem suggests that the peacock is an elusive creature, often perceived through indirect signs and brief glimpses rather than direct observation, adding to its mystique.

How can these solutions be used for exam preparation?

These solutions provide clear explanations of the poem's content and literary devices, helping students prepare for comprehension questions, analysis tasks, and discussions on poetic techniques related to nature and description.

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