CBSE Class 11 English Woven Words: NCERT Solutions for The Peacock

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

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 11 PDF

CBSE Class 11 English (Woven Words) presents an exploration of the poetry chapter 'The Peacock'. This section offers detailed solutions designed to illuminate the poem's evocative language and vivid imagery. Students will gain a deeper appreciation for how the poet captures the essence of the peacock, from its striking colours to its often-unseen presence. The analysis focuses on key descriptive elements, such as the 'flash of turquoise' and the metaphorical comparison of its tail feathers to eyes, helping to unravel the layers of meaning within the text. These solutions aim to foster a strong understanding of the poem's artistic merit, sharpen analytical abilities, and provide a solid foundation for academic success by offering clear interpretations and insights into the literary techniques employed.

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Board	CBSE
Class	Class 11
Subject	Woven Words
Session	2026
Language	English
Type	NCERT Solutions
Chapter	9. The Peacock - (Poetry)

Chapter summary

NCERT Solutions for Class 11 English (Woven Words) Chapter 9, 'The Peacock', offers a detailed analysis of the poem. It focuses on understanding the visual imagery, the sensory details that indicate the peacock's presence, and the poetic techniques used to describe its elusive behaviour and vibrant plumage. The solutions break down the poem's descriptive elements, helping students appreciate the artistry in capturing the bird's essence.

Learning outcomes

Understand the use of imagery to describe the peacock's colours and form.
Identify cues that signal the peacock's presence in the poem.
Analyze how the poem captures the elusive and shy nature of the peacock.
Explain the descriptive details related to the peacock's tail and eyes.
Appreciate the poet's language in depicting the bird's vibrant plumage.

Topics covered

Paper topics

Poem Analysis
Imagery and Description
Sensory Details
Peacock's Appearance
Elusive Nature
Poetic Language
Visualisation
Figurative Language

Important topics

Visual Imagery of the Peacock
Cues Signalling Presence
Elusive Nature of the Bird
Description of Plumage and Eyes
Poetic Interpretation

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Questions and Solutions

Q1. Comment on the lines that make you visualise the colourful image of the peacock.

Comment on the lines that make you visualise the colourful image of the peacock.

Solution: The poem uses several evocative lines to paint a vibrant picture of the peacock. The phrase "a flash of turquoise" immediately brings to mind the bird's brilliant, jewel-like blue-green feathers. The description of its "slender neck" adds to the elegance and visual appeal. Furthermore, the poet refers to the peacock as "a blue shadow," suggesting its presence as a fleeting, yet distinct, splash of colour. The detailed portrayal of its eyes, "Those dark glowing eyes violet fringed with golden amber," adds another layer of rich colour and captivating detail to the overall image.

Q2. 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 outlines several subtle and not-so-subtle signs that indicate a peacock is nearby. These include its distinctive sound, described as "An uproarious sharp call." Visually, one might catch a glimpse of its "blaze of turquoise" or a "vanishing last part" as it moves. The presence of a "blue shadow" can also be a clue. Interestingly, the poem notes that the wind might "alter its course" due to the bird's movement, and even the behaviour of other animals, like "the enlivening of the feline," can signal that a peacock is in the area.

Q3. 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 draws an intriguing comparison between the markings on the peacock's tail and its eyes. The 'eyes' on the tail are a prominent feature of its plumage. The poet highlights a unique aspect: these 'eyes' on the tail cannot be 'squinted' like real eyes. Alternatively, when the tail is contracted, it might create an illusion that gives the impression of eyes squinting together. This comparison adds a layer of subtle, almost deceptive, detail, enhancing the poem's descriptive richness by focusing on a peculiar characteristic of the peacock's appearance.

Q4. 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 peacock's elusive nature by focusing on indirect signs of its presence and its tendency to be seen only fleetingly. Instead of a direct sighting, we first hear its "uproarious sharp call." We might catch a "look at the part of the bargain" – a glimpse of its magnificent tail. The poem suggests that if one tries hard to spot this shy bird, they "may see the peacock dismissing as he assembles his tail." This portrayal emphasizes its shy, quick-to-vanish behaviour, highlighting its tricky and elusive character rather than presenting it as easily observable.

Q5. The peacock is a colourful bird. How does the poem capture the various colours that its plumage displays?

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

Solution: The poem uses specific and evocative language to convey the diverse and vibrant colours of the peacock's plumage. It employs terms like "turquoise" to describe the dominant bright blue-green hue. The mention of a "blue shadow" adds depth and suggests the way colour plays in light and shade. The description of its eyes, "dull sparkling eyes" with "Violet bordered with brilliant golden," further enriches the colour palette, detailing the intricate shades around its eyes. These carefully chosen expressions collectively present the peacock's colours in a beautiful and comprehensive manner.

Common mistakes

Overlooking subtle cues for the peacock's presence.
Misinterpreting the comparison between the peacock's tail and eyes.
Failing to connect descriptive phrases to the bird's elusive nature.

Revision tips

Reread the poem, highlighting phrases related to colour and movement.
List the sensory details (sounds, sights) that indicate the peacock's presence.
Discuss with peers how the poet makes the peacock seem elusive.
Focus on the specific lines mentioned in the solutions for visual imagery.

Practice MCQs

Q1. Which phrase describes the peacock's colour as a 'flash of turquoise'?

Q2. What is a sensory cue that signals the peacock's presence?

Q3. The poem describes the peacock's eyes as:

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

Q5. The comparison of the peacock's tail to eyes adds to the description by:

Frequently asked questions

What is the main focus of the NCERT Solutions for 'The Peacock'?

These solutions focus on analyzing the poem 'The Peacock', particularly its use of imagery to describe the bird's colours, its elusive behaviour, and the sensory cues that indicate its presence.

How do the solutions help in understanding the peacock's appearance?

The solutions highlight specific lines and phrases from the poem, such as 'a flash of turquoise' and 'dark glowing eyes', that vividly portray the peacock's colourful plumage and striking features.

What does 'elusive nature' mean in the context of the poem?

The 'elusive nature' refers to the peacock's shy and difficult-to-spot characteristics, which the poem captures through indirect signs of its presence and its tendency to disappear quickly.

Are the questions in the solutions the same as in the NCERT textbook?

Yes, the questions in these solutions are identical to those in the NCERT textbook, ensuring that students are addressing the exact queries posed.

How can these solutions help with exam preparation?

By providing clear, rewritten explanations and analyses of the poem's key aspects, these solutions help students grasp the nuances, improve their comprehension skills, and prepare effectively for English literature exams.

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