CBSE Class 11 Woven Words: Elkana (Poetry) NCERT Solutions

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

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 11 PDF

CBSE Class 11 Woven Words poem 'Elkana' by Nissim Ezekiel is explored in these NCERT Solutions. The solutions focus on the poem's subtle depiction of family interactions, examining the relationships between the husband, wife, and child. It highlights how ordinary conversations, unspoken feelings, and the blend of the ordinary with the ideal contribute to the poem's artistic impact. The analysis also covers the use of understatement, asides, and the importance of discipline within the family setting. By understanding these aspects, students can better grasp the poem's realistic portrayal of home life and its deeper emotional themes. These solutions aim to help students fully comprehend the poem's subtleties and prepare thoroughly for their exams.

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Board	CBSE
Class	Class 11
Subject	Woven Words
Session	2026
Language	English
Type	NCERT Solutions
Chapter	16. Elkana - (Poetry)

Chapter summary

This chapter focuses on Nissim Ezekiel's poem 'Elkana'. The NCERT Solutions provide an in-depth analysis of the poem's themes, including the realistic depiction of family communication, the interplay of spoken and unspoken thoughts, and the contrast between ordinary life and idealized notions. It examines poetic devices like understatement and asides, and discusses the significance of the capitalized line emphasizing discipline. The solutions help students understand the poem's subtle commentary on domestic relationships and parental concerns.

Learning outcomes

Understand the subtle portrayal of family communication in 'Elkana'.
Analyze the use of understatement and asides in poetry.
Identify the juxtaposition of the idyllic and the pedestrian.
Explain the significance of unspoken thoughts in relationships.
Comment on the impact of capitalization for emphasis in poetry.
Interpret the urgency and logic behind a child's demand.

Topics covered

Paper topics

Family Communication
Poetic Devices (Understatement, Asides)
Juxtaposition (Idyllic vs. Pedestrian)
Unspoken Thoughts
Child Discipline
Realistic Portrayal of Domestic Life
Nissim Ezekiel's Poetry
Interpretation of Poetry

Important topics

Subtlety in Family Communication
Use of Understatement and Asides
Juxtaposition of Idyllic and Pedestrian
Significance of Unspoken Thoughts
Emphasis on Discipline

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Questions and Solutions

Question 1

Comment on the subtlety with which the poet captures the general pattern of communication within a family.

Solution: Nissim Ezekiel masterfully depicts the subtle nuances of everyday family conversations in 'Elkana'. He illustrates how communication often unfolds in Indian households, making the poem relatable. The poet uses real-life incidents to enhance authenticity. For instance, the husband often dismisses his wife's words, believing they lack importance, and avoids conflict by simply agreeing. In contrast, the child's demands are taken seriously and fulfilled by both parents, highlighting the child's central role in the family dynamic.

Question 2

Poetic effect is achieved in the poem through understatement and asides. Discuss this with examples.

Solution: The poem effectively uses understatement and asides to create a deeper poetic impact. The poet's focus extends beyond the immediate family to the surrounding environment. For example, a seemingly insignificant detail like 'broken window panes' holds symbolic weight within the poem, even if it appears trivial in a literal sense. Another instance of understatement is the husband's internal thought, 'the man she loves who happens to be me.' Despite his outward inattentiveness to his wife, he finds happiness in the knowledge that she loves him, a sentiment conveyed with subtle emotional depth.

Question 3

How is the idyllic juxtaposed with the pedestrian in the poem?

Solution: The poet contrasts idealized notions (the idyllic) with the realities of everyday life (the pedestrian) by drawing themes from ordinary domestic situations rather than romantic ideals. The poem grounds itself in common life experiences, making it relatable. The poet suggests that readers connect more with ordinary things than grand concepts. The pedestrian feel is established through discussions of random, everyday matters and the complexities of relationships, thereby juxtaposing them with any potential for idealized romance.

Question 4

Explain the undertones in the statement: 'Wife and husband in unusual rapport' 'State one unspoken thought':

Solution: This statement and the following line suggest a deep, unspoken understanding between the wife and husband. It implies that they can comprehend each other's thoughts and feelings without explicit communication. Their shared concern for their child's discipline is a prime example. Even in the midst of a disagreement, the thought of their child potentially becoming undisciplined causes them to cease their argument. This shared parental concern creates a silent accord, allowing them to read each other's minds and priorities.

Question 5

Comment on the capitalization of all the words in the line: 'Children Must be Disciplined'.

Solution: The capitalization of the line 'Children Must be Disciplined' serves to emphasize its profound importance to the parents. This principle is the underlying reason they halt their arguments and focus on their child. It signifies that their child's upbringing and discipline are paramount concerns that override their personal disagreements. The capitalized phrase represents a core value that guides their parental decisions, especially when faced with their son's untimely demands, leaving them in a difficult and confused situation.

Question 6

What makes the urgency of the child's demand seem logical?

Solution: The child's demand appears logical due to his reasoning about time and hunger. He argues that he cannot wait for dinner, stating he won't be hungry in five minutes. This attempt to provide a rationale, however simple, makes his demand seem urgent and reasoned to the father, who feels a sense of pride in the child's effort to articulate his needs. The mother's reaction, starting to laugh, suggests she is ready to accommodate the demand, further validating its perceived logic within the family context.

Common mistakes

Overlooking the subtle nuances in the poet's portrayal of everyday conversations.
Misinterpreting the significance of seemingly ordinary details like broken window panes.
Failing to recognize the importance of unspoken communication between family members.
Not understanding how poetic devices like understatement contribute to the overall meaning.

Revision tips

Read the poem 'Elkana' multiple times to grasp its atmosphere and tone.
Focus on the interactions between the characters and what is implied but not stated.
Pay attention to specific lines and phrases that are highlighted or emphasized.
Use the provided solutions to understand the poet's techniques and thematic concerns.
Discuss the poem with classmates to share different interpretations.

Practice MCQs

Q1. What literary device is primarily used to enhance the poem's effect, according to the solutions?

Q2. How does the poet capture the general pattern of communication within a family?

Q3. What does the capitalization of 'Children Must be Disciplined' signify?

Q4. The poem juxtaposes the idyllic with the pedestrian by:

Q5. What makes the child's demand seem logical in the poem?

Frequently asked questions

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

The main theme of 'Elkana' is the subtle and often understated communication patterns within a typical Indian family, highlighting the dynamics between husband, wife, and child, and the unspoken understanding that exists between them.

How does Nissim Ezekiel use poetic devices in 'Elkana'?

Nissim Ezekiel employs techniques like understatement and asides to create a realistic and nuanced portrayal of family life. These devices allow him to convey deeper meanings and emotions without explicit statements.

What is the significance of the capitalized line 'Children Must be Disciplined'?

The capitalization of this line emphasizes it as a core belief or a paramount concern for the parents, influencing their decisions and interactions, especially when dealing with their child's demands.

How do the NCERT Solutions for 'Elkana' help students?

These solutions provide detailed explanations of the poem's themes, characters, and poetic techniques, helping students understand its nuances and prepare effectively for exams by offering clear interpretations and analyses.

What does 'juxtaposition of the idyllic with the pedestrian' mean in the context of the poem?

It refers to the poem's blend of idealized or romantic notions (idyllic) with the ordinary, everyday aspects of life (pedestrian), such as mundane conversations and domestic concerns.

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