CBSE Class 11 English Woven Words NCERT Solutions: Refugee Blues

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

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 11 PDF

This is an introduction to the NCERT Solutions for CBSE Class 11 English (Woven Words) Chapter 17, 'Refugee Blues'. The poem poignantly captures the anguish and displacement of Jewish refugees during the Nazi era. The solutions explore the poem's central themes of suffering and loss, examining how the title itself reflects the melancholic 'blues' tradition. They analyze the ballad structure and the stark contrast drawn between the freedom enjoyed by animals and the dire circumstances of the human refugees. Furthermore, the explanations highlight the poet's skillful use of imagery and juxtaposition to underscore the political and social injustices faced by these individuals. The aim is to provide students with a clear understanding of the poem's emotional resonance and historical backdrop, thereby enhancing their analytical skills and exam readiness.

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Board	CBSE
Class	Class 11
Subject	Woven Words
Session	2026
Language	English
Type	NCERT Solutions
Chapter	17. Refugee Blues - (Poetry)

Chapter summary

NCERT Solutions for 'Refugee Blues' (Class 11 English, Woven Words) offer an in-depth analysis of the poem. The solutions explain how the title reflects the sorrowful state of Jewish refugees, discuss the blend of blues and ballad as a poetic technique, and interpret the symbolism of animals' freedom versus human persecution. They also explore the poet's juxtaposition of political indifference and the refugees' suffering, and the ironic hope presented in 'two tickets to Happiness'. This chapter's solutions focus on understanding the poem's emotional core and historical backdrop.

Learning outcomes

Understand the central theme of displacement and suffering in 'Refugee Blues'.
Analyze the significance of the poem's title and its connection to the blues genre.
Identify and explain the poetic techniques used by W.H. Auden, such as the blues/ballad structure and refrain.
Interpret the symbolism of animal freedom in contrast to the human condition of refugees.
Explain the poet's critique of the political class and societal indifference.
Analyze the poem's message of hope and despair through specific lines like 'two tickets to Happiness'.

Topics covered

Paper topics

Theme of Refugee Crisis
W.H. Auden's Poetry
Poetic Devices in 'Refugee Blues'
Blues and Ballad Structure
Symbolism of Animals and Birds
Critique of Political Indifference
Historical Context of Nazism
Human Suffering and Displacement
Irony in Literature
Understanding Poetry

Important topics

Theme of Refugee Crisis and Displacement
Poetic Techniques (Blues/Ballad Structure)
Symbolism and Juxtaposition
Historical Context and Social Commentary
Analysis of Key Phrases and Title Significance

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Questions and Solutions

Question 1

The title, 'Refugee Blues', encapsulates the theme of the poem. Comment.

Solution: The title 'Refugee Blues' aptly captures the poem's central theme. It refers to the tragic and distressing experiences of German Jewish people who were forced to flee their homeland due to the rise of Hitler and Nazism. These individuals lost their homes and faced severe persecution, including strict laws that stripped them of their rights, and the horrors of the Holocaust and concentration camps. The term 'Blues' in the title alludes to the musical genre known for its sad, melancholic, and often mournful tone. This musical style perfectly mirrors the poem's somber mood and the agony, pain, and despair expressed by the refugees as they recount their suffering.

Question 2

What is the poetic technique used by the poet to convey the plaintive theme of the poem?

Solution: The poet, W.H. Auden, masterfully employs a combination of the blues and ballad poetic forms to convey the plaintive theme of 'Refugee Blues'. This fusion was used to highlight the critical political situation of the time and the pathetic condition of homeless Jewish refugees living in constant fear. The structure of the poem, where the first two lines of each stanza rhyme and the third line is repetitive, directly mimics the style of blues lyrics. The use of a refrain, particularly the repeated third line, serves to reinforce the harsh reality and the narrator's and his lover's dire plight, making the emotional impact more profound.

Question 3

What do the references to the birds and animals made in the poem suggest?

Solution: The references to birds in the woods and fish in the waters, along with the mention of dogs and cats being kept safe and warm, serve as a poignant contrast to the human refugees' situation. These natural elements and domestic animals are depicted as having the freedom to live without fear, enjoying safety and security. This highlights the injustice faced by the Jewish refugees, who, unlike these creatures, were not afforded basic safety or freedom. The poet uses this juxtaposition to emphasize the dehumanizing effect of Hitler's regime and the fear that gripped the Jewish population, leading to mass transfers to concentration camps.

Question 4

How does the poet juxtapose the human condition with the behaviour of the political class?

Solution: The poet juxtaposes the dire human condition of the refugees with the indifferent and often hostile behaviour of the political class and society. The refugees, like the narrator and his lover, are depicted as being cast out from their homes simply because they are Jewish. They are treated as 'misfits' based on Hitler's discriminatory orders, which instigated widespread persecution across Europe. The poem highlights how the petrified Jewish population is miserably treated by non-Jewish Europe, constantly threatened, and left to an uncertain fate at the hands of those in power or the general populace, who are either complicit or apathetic.

Question 5

How is the essence of the poem captured in the lines 'two tickets to Happiness'?

Solution: The lines 'two tickets to Happiness' capture a crucial element of the poem's essence by presenting a fragile, ironic hope amidst despair. The narrator and his lover are homeless and grieving their lost identity and home. The mention of tickets suggests a possibility of escape from the persecution and a move towards a better future. However, this hope is deeply ironic because the tickets are exorbitantly priced, the train compartments are full, leaving no space, and the Nazi soldiers are actively hunting Jews. Thus, the phrase encapsulates the refugees' desperate yearning for safety and happiness, while simultaneously underscoring the immense difficulty and near impossibility of achieving it under the prevailing circumstances.

Common mistakes

Misinterpreting the 'blues' element as solely a musical genre without understanding its thematic connection to sadness and suffering.
Overlooking the contrast between the freedom of animals/birds and the persecution of humans.
Failing to connect the poem's context to the historical events of Nazism and the plight of Jewish refugees.
Not fully grasping the ironic use of 'two tickets to Happiness' in the context of the refugees' desperation.

Revision tips

Read the poem aloud to feel the rhythm and melancholic tone, connecting it to the 'blues' aspect.
Focus on the contrast between animals and humans; note specific examples used in the poem.
Understand the historical context of Hitler's rise and its impact on Jewish people.
Analyze the structure of the stanzas, particularly the rhyming scheme and repetition, to understand the blues influence.
Discuss the meaning of key phrases like 'two tickets to Happiness' and their ironic implications.

Practice MCQs

Q1. What does the title 'Refugee Blues' primarily signify?

Q2. Which poetic technique is evident in the structure of 'Refugee Blues', particularly the repetitive third line of stanzas?

Q3. The poem contrasts the freedom of which entities with the plight of human refugees?

Q4. What does the phrase 'two tickets to Happiness' ironically suggest in the poem?

Q5. The poem critiques the political class by showing:

Frequently asked questions

What is the main theme of the poem 'Refugee Blues'?

The main theme of 'Refugee Blues' is the profound suffering, displacement, and alienation experienced by Jewish refugees fleeing persecution during the rise of Nazism, highlighting their loss of home, identity, and basic human rights.

How does the title 'Refugee Blues' relate to the poem's content?

The title connects the poem's subject matter – the plight of refugees – with the 'blues' musical genre, known for its sad, melancholic tone, reflecting the deep sorrow and agony of the characters.

What poetic techniques does W.H. Auden use in 'Refugee Blues'?

Auden employs a blend of blues and ballad forms, characterized by rhyming couplets and a repetitive third line in each stanza, creating a mournful rhythm and emphasizing the refugees' plight.

Why are the references to animals and birds significant in the poem?

The references highlight the contrast between the freedom and safety enjoyed by animals (birds, fish, pets) and the persecution and fear faced by human refugees, underscoring the injustice of their situation.

How can these NCERT Solutions help Class 11 students?

These solutions provide clear explanations of the poem's themes, literary devices, and historical context, helping students understand complex ideas, improve their analytical skills, and prepare effectively for their English exams.

What does the line 'two tickets to Happiness' imply?

This line ironically suggests a potential escape or a better future, but it's presented as largely unattainable due to the prohibitive costs and lack of space, emphasizing the desperation and limited options for the refugees.

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