CBSE Class 11 English Woven Words Poetry Chapter 3: Coming NCERT Solutions

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NCERT Solutions PDF Class 11 PDF

This is a summary of NCERT Solutions for Chapter 3, 'Coming,' from the CBSE Class 11 English Woven Words Poetry textbook. The chapter explores the beautiful transition from winter to spring, highlighting how nature awakens and symbolizing the innocence of childhood. The poem uses a bird's announcement to herald spring's arrival. It contrasts the 'forgotten boredom' of childhood with the joy of the present moment. A unique aspect is the observation of adult reconciliation through a child's innocent eyes. The solutions also examine poetic elements like the 'fresh-peeled voice' and metaphors comparing light and houses to adults and a child. These explanations aim to help students understand the poem's subtleties, interpret its deeper meanings, and prepare thoroughly for their exams with clear, step-by-step guidance.

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BoardCBSE
ClassClass 11
SubjectEnglish Woven Words Poetry
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
ChapterChapter 3

Chapter summary

Chapter 3, 'Coming,' of the CBSE Class 11 English Woven Words Poetry textbook focuses on the arrival of spring and themes of innocence and memory. The NCERT Solutions provided here break down the poem's central ideas, including the bird's announcement of spring, the speaker's reflections on a dull childhood, and the child's perspective on adult interactions. The solutions analyze the poem's imagery and language, offering insights into its structure and meaning, aiding students in comprehending the poetic expression of seasonal change and personal reflection.

Learning outcomes

  • Understand the symbolic announcement of spring in the poem.
  • Analyze the speaker's feelings about their childhood.
  • Interpret the significance of a child's perspective on adult reconciliation.
  • Explain the imagery used to describe the arrival of spring.
  • Comment on the effectiveness of specific phrases like 'fresh-peeled voice'.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • Announcement of Spring
  • Childhood Memories
  • Innocence and Adult Reconciliation
  • Imagery in Poetry
  • Symbolism
  • Poetic Devices
  • Nature's Awakening
  • Seasonal Change
  • Speaker's Reflection
  • Figurative Language

Important topics

  • The symbolic meaning of the bird's song
  • Analysis of 'forgotten boredom'
  • The child's perspective on adult reconciliation
  • Interpretation of key phrases and imagery
  • Connection between the title and poem's themes

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Questions and Solutions

1. What does the bird in the poem announce? How is this related to the title, 'Coming'?

1. What does the bird in the poem announce? How is this related to the title, 'Coming'?
Solution: The bird in the poem announces the imminent arrival of spring through its melodious song. This announcement is directly related to the title 'Coming', as it signifies that a new season, spring, is about to arrive and transform the natural world. The bird's song acts as a herald, preparing the listeners for the pleasant changes that spring brings.

2. Why is the speaker's childhood described as 'a forgotten boredom'?

2. Why is the speaker's childhood described as 'a forgotten boredom'?
Solution: The speaker describes their childhood as 'a forgotten boredom' because it was likely filled with a monotonous routine and lacked significant, joyful memories. The speaker cannot recall specific activities or happy moments from their childhood, suggesting it was uneventful and unmemorable, hence it has faded into a 'forgotten boredom'.

3. What causes the element of surprise when the child comes on the scene of 'adult reconciling'?

3. What causes the element of surprise when the child comes on the scene of 'adult reconciling'?
Solution: The element of surprise arises from the child's innocent reaction to the adults reconciling. The child, unaware of the underlying issues or the significance of the reconciliation, simply smiles because the adults appear happy. This pure, unprompted joy, detached from the adult complexities, is what makes the child's presence surprising and poignant.

4. What things are compared in the poem?

4. What things are compared in the poem?
Solution: In the poem, the 'light and the houses' are compared to adults, specifically in a state of reconciliation or peace. The 'thrush' (a bird) is compared to a child. Just as a child smiles upon seeing adults reconcile, the thrush feels happy seeing the light bathing the houses, even without understanding the reason for this pleasant scene.

5. How do you respond to these lines? Light, chill and yellow, Bathes the serene Foreheads of houses

5. How do you respond to these lines? Light, chill and yellow, Bathes the serene Foreheads of houses
Solution: These lines beautifully capture the serene and gentle atmosphere of spring. The description of the 'light, chill and yellow' bathing the 'serene foreheads of houses' evokes a sense of peace and renewal. It paints a vivid picture of nature waking up, with the soft sunlight creating a calm and pleasant ambiance, making one appreciate the beauty of the season.

6. Comment on the use of the phrase 'fresh-peeled voice'.

6. Comment on the use of the phrase 'fresh-peeled voice'.
Solution: The phrase 'fresh-peeled voice' is used to describe the voice of the bird (humming) singing about the coming spring. It suggests a voice that is clear, pure, invigorating, and perhaps newly emerged, like a freshly peeled fruit. This description emphasizes the pleasant and astonishing effect of the bird's song, which brings a sense of renewal and reminds the speaker of something precious missed in childhood.

1. The song of a bird is often the first sign of spring. Do you know the bird that signals the advent of vasant or spring in our country?

1. The song of a bird is often the first sign of spring. Do you know the bird that signals the advent of vasant or spring in our country?
Solution: Yes, the song of a bird is indeed a classic indicator of spring's arrival. In India, several birds are associated with the advent of spring (Vasant). The Koel (Cuckoo) is famously known for its melodious call that heralds the spring season. Its distinctive song is often heard during this time, filling the air with a sense of renewal and warmth.

2. Do you know of other spring poems? How is this poem different from them?

2. Do you know of other spring poems? How is this poem different from them?
Solution: Yes, there are many poems about spring, often focusing on nature's vibrant colours, blooming flowers, and the general sense of joy and rebirth. This poem, 'Coming', differentiates itself by subtly weaving in themes of childhood memory and innocence. It doesn't just describe spring's arrival but also uses it as a backdrop to reflect on the speaker's past 'forgotten boredom' and the pure, unadulterated joy of a child observing adult interactions, adding a layer of personal introspection to the seasonal theme.

Common mistakes

  • Misinterpreting the 'forgotten boredom' as a lack of significant events rather than a lack of cherished memories.
  • Failing to connect the bird's song directly to the title 'Coming'.
  • Overlooking the symbolic comparison between natural elements and human states.
  • Not fully appreciating the child's innocent viewpoint as a contrast to adult complexities.

Revision tips

  • Reread the poem, paying close attention to the sensory details describing spring's arrival.
  • Summarize the main theme of each question in your own words before reading the solution.
  • Identify and list the comparisons made within the poem.
  • Consider how the title 'Coming' relates to the overall mood and message of the poem.

Practice MCQs

Q1. What does the bird's song in the poem primarily announce?

Q2. The speaker describes their childhood as 'a forgotten boredom' because:

Q3. What element of surprise is mentioned when a child enters the scene of 'adult reconciling'?

Q4. In the poem, the 'light and houses' are compared to:

Q5. The phrase 'fresh-peeled voice' is used to describe:

Frequently asked questions

What is the main theme of the poem 'Coming'?

The main theme of the poem 'Coming' is the anticipation and arrival of spring, contrasted with reflections on childhood and the innocent perspective of a child observing adult interactions.

How does the poem relate the bird's song to the title 'Coming'?

The bird's song is presented as an announcement of the approaching spring. This directly connects to the title 'Coming', signifying that spring is on its way.

What does the phrase 'a forgotten boredom' suggest about the speaker's childhood?

It suggests that the speaker's childhood was monotonous and uneventful, lacking distinct or happy memories that could be recalled, hence it is 'forgotten' due to its boring nature.

What is the significance of the child's reaction to adult reconciliation in the poem?

The child's reaction highlights innocence. The child smiles simply because the adults are happy, without understanding the complexities of their reconciliation, serving as a contrast to adult life.

How can these NCERT Solutions help Class 11 students?

These solutions provide clear, step-by-step explanations for each question, helping students understand the poem's deeper meanings, analyze its literary devices, and prepare effectively for their English exams.

Important links

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