CBSE Class 11 Woven Words NCERT Solutions - Chapter 11: Coming (Poetry)

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

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 11 PDF

CBSE Class 11 English Woven Words Chapter 11, 'Coming' (Poetry) NCERT Solutions, explores the poem's evocative depiction of spring's arrival. It highlights the use of vivid imagery, including light, nature, and the thrush's song, to convey a feeling of renewal and happiness. The solutions examine the poet's reflections on childhood, the contrast between innocence and experience, and the unexpected joy derived from observing the contentment of others. This guide offers a detailed breakdown of the poem's complex themes, analyzes literary devices such as symbolism and imagery, and provides interpretations of specific lines and phrases. It aims to assist students in understanding the poem's subtleties, improving their analytical abilities, and preparing thoroughly for exams by presenting clear explanations and insights into Philip Larkin's 'Coming'.

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Board	CBSE
Class	Class 11
Subject	Woven Words
Session	2026
Language	English
Type	NCERT Solutions
Chapter	11. Coming Woven Words Poetry English - (Poetry)

Chapter summary

NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Woven Words, Chapter 11, 'Coming' (Poetry), offers an in-depth analysis of Philip Larkin's poem. It focuses on the celebration of spring's arrival, the symbolic use of the thrush's song, and the contrast between childhood innocence and adult experience. The solutions explore themes of renewal, joy, and the nature of happiness, providing explanations for key imagery and phrases like 'fresh-peeled voice' and 'light, chill and yellow'. This chapter's solutions aim to deepen students' understanding of poetic expression and thematic development.

Learning outcomes

Understand the central theme of spring's arrival in the poem 'Coming'.
Analyze the symbolism of the thrush's song and its connection to renewal.
Explore the contrast between childhood innocence and adult experience as depicted in the poem.
Interpret the imagery used to describe the setting and atmosphere.
Explain the significance of phrases like 'fresh-peeled voice' and 'forgotten boredom'.
Appreciate the poem's celebration of nature and human connection.

Topics covered

Paper topics

Poem Analysis
Theme of Spring
Imagery in Poetry
Symbolism
Childhood vs. Adulthood
Innocence and Experience
Philip Larkin's Poetry
Literary Devices
Poetic Interpretation
Nature's Renewal

Important topics

Theme of Spring's Arrival
Symbolism of the Thrush
Childhood Innocence
Imagery and Atmosphere
Title Significance

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Questions and Solutions

Q1. What does the bird in the poem announce? How is this related to the title, 'Coming'?

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

Solution: The bird, specifically a thrush, in Philip Larkin's poem 'Coming' announces the imminent arrival of spring. It sings an inviting tune, repeatedly stating that 'it will be spring soon'. This announcement is directly related to the title 'Coming' as it signifies the 'coming' of a new season, spring, which brings with it a sense of renewal, joy, and a festival-like atmosphere. The thrush's song acts as a herald, marking the transition from winter to the vibrancy of spring, thus embodying the essence of 'coming'.

Q2. Why is the speaker's childhood described as 'a forgotten boredom'?

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

Solution: The speaker, Philip Larkin, describes his childhood as 'a forgotten boredom' because he lacks any particularly fond or significant memories from that period. He suggests that nothing momentous happened before he was 21, implying his youth was uneventful and lacked the kind of experiences one would cherish or remember fondly. The phrase highlights a sense of emptiness or lack of positive recollection associated with his early years, making it something he feels he has 'forgotten' or that was simply tedious.

Q3. What causes the element of surprise when the child comes on the scene of adult reconciling'?

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 adults reconciling. The child, observing the adults coming together, feels happy and smiles, even though they don't understand the complexities of the situation or the reasons for the reconciliation. This pure, unadulterated joy, derived solely from witnessing the happiness of others, is surprising because it contrasts sharply with the often complicated and self-absorbed emotional states of adults. It highlights the beauty and simplicity of childhood innocence, where happiness can be found in the most basic observations.

Q4. What two things are compared in the poem?

What two things are compared in the poem?

Solution: The poem primarily draws a contrast, rather than a direct comparison, between two significant aspects: the innocence of childhood and the experienced, often self-involved, nature of adulthood. It also highlights the transition from the harshness of winter to the vibrancy of spring, symbolizing renewal and new life. Furthermore, the poem implicitly contrasts the speaker's own potentially bleak memories of childhood ('forgotten boredom') with the simple, unadulterated joy a child experiences when observing adults reconciling.

Q5. How do you respond to these lines? Light, chill and yellow, Bathes the serene Foreheads of houses

How do you respond to these lines?

Light, chill and yellow,

Bathes the serene

Foreheads of houses

Solution: These lines evoke a powerful and serene visual image of a spring evening. The 'light, chill and yellow' suggests the soft, perhaps fading, sunlight of late afternoon or early evening, tinged with the cool air of the season. This light 'bathes' the 'foreheads of houses', a personification that gives the buildings a calm, almost watchful presence. The overall impression is one of peace, tranquility, and a gentle beauty as nature awakens. It creates a picturesque scene that invites the reader to feel the calm and observe the subtle beauty of the changing season.

Q6. Comment on the use of the phrase 'fresh-peeled voice'

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

Solution: The phrase 'fresh-peeled voice' is used by the poet to describe the song of the thrush. This evocative description suggests a voice that is clear, sharp, vibrant, and new, much like the skin of a freshly peeled fruit. It implies a purity and a certain crispness to the sound, perfectly capturing the invigorating and refreshing quality of the thrush's announcement of spring. The 'freshness' of the voice mirrors the freshness and renewal associated with the arrival of the new season, making it a potent symbol of spring's advent.

Common mistakes

Misinterpreting the 'forgotten boredom' of childhood.
Overlooking the symbolic meaning of the thrush's song.
Failing to connect the title 'Coming' with the poem's theme of arrival.
Not fully grasping the contrast between innocence and experience.

Revision tips

Reread the poem carefully, paying attention to the sensory details.
Focus on understanding the poet's use of imagery and symbolism.
Analyze how the poem transitions between different themes like childhood and nature.
Use the provided solutions to clarify any doubts about specific lines or concepts.
Practice explaining the poem's central message in your own words.

Practice MCQs

Q1. What season is being celebrated in the poem 'Coming'?

Q2. What sound announces the arrival of the new season?

Q3. How is the speaker's childhood described?

Q4. What causes surprise when a child observes adults reconciling?

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 celebration of the arrival of spring, symbolizing renewal, joy, and the transition from winter's dormancy to new life.

How does the poem relate to the title 'Coming'?

The title 'Coming' directly relates to the poem's central theme of the arrival of spring, heralded by the thrush's song and the changing natural landscape.

What is the significance of the thrush's song in the poem?

The thrush's song, described with a 'fresh-peeled voice', is a key symbol announcing the advent of spring and bringing a sense of joy and renewal to the surroundings.

How does the poem contrast childhood and adulthood?

The poem contrasts the innocent joy of childhood, where happiness is derived from observing others' contentment, with the more complex and often 'boring' experiences of adulthood.

What kind of imagery is used in the poem?

The poem uses vivid imagery of light ('light, chill and yellow'), nature ('garden shrub', 'laurel'), and domestic scenes ('foreheads of houses') to create a serene and celebratory atmosphere.

Why is the speaker's childhood called 'a forgotten boredom'?

It is called 'a forgotten boredom' because the speaker lacks fond memories of his childhood, suggesting it was uneventful or lacked significant positive experiences.

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