The Peacock Extract Questions | English Class 11

Extract Questions

Passage with linked answers

Extract

Extract 1

Reading Set

Extract 1

Passage

His loud sharp call seems to come from nowhere. Then, a flash of turquoise in the pipal tree The slender neck arched away from you as he descends,

The peacock's call is described as being both and .

loud, sharp

The bird is first spotted as a flash of turquoise in the ______ tree.

pipal

What does the phrase 'seems to come from nowhere' tell us about the peacock?

The phrase emphasizes the peacock's elusive and mysterious nature. It suggests that the bird is a master of camouflage, making its presence known through sound before it is actually seen. It creates a sense of wonder about where the bird is hiding.

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Extract Questions

Passage with linked answers

Extract

Extract 2

Reading Set

Extract 2

Passage

I was told have to sit in the veranda And read a book, preferably one of your favourites with great concentration..

To see the peacock, the observer is advised to sit in the ______.

veranda

The observer should read a book with great ______ to witness the bird.

concentration

Why is it recommended to read a 'favourite' book?

Reading a favourite book ensures that the observer is genuinely engaged and deeply absorbed. This level of interest makes it easier to achieve the 'great concentration' needed to become still, which is the key to making the shy peacock feel safe.

What is the purpose of sitting in the veranda according to the poet?

The veranda serves as a quiet, semi-outdoor space that acts as a bridge between the house and nature. Sitting there allows the observer to be close to the garden while remaining still enough for the peacock to emerge from its hiding spot.

How does concentration help in sighting a peacock?

Concentration leads to physical and mental stillness. When a person is deeply focused on a book, they stop making noise or sudden movements. This lack of human disturbance encourages the elusive peacock to reveal itself, as it no longer feels threatened.

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Extract Questions

Passage with linked answers

Extract

Extract 3

Reading Set

Extract 3

Passage

A blue shadow will fall over you. The wind will change direction, The steady hum of bees In the bushes nearby will stop.

The arrival of the bird is first marked by a ______ shadow falling over the reader.

blue

The steady ______ of bees in the bushes nearby will stop.

hum

What does the change in the wind's direction symbolize?

The change in wind direction symbolizes a shift in the atmosphere. It suggests that the peacock's presence is so significant that it alters the natural flow of the environment, signaling that something majestic and rare is about to happen in the garden.

Why does the hum of the bees stop?

The bees' hum stops to create a moment of absolute silence. This silence emphasizes the importance of the peacock's arrival. It shows how the rest of nature acknowledges the bird's presence, creating a dramatic pause before the bird finally reveals its beauty.

How does the poet use 'shadow' to build anticipation?

By mentioning a 'blue shadow' before the actual bird, the poet builds anticipation. It allows the reader to sense the bird's presence without seeing it fully yet. This technique highlights the peacock's large, impressive form and its vibrant, regal blue color.

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Extract Questions

Passage with linked answers

Extract

Extract 4

Reading Set

Extract 4

Passage

And if you look up in time You might see the peacock turning. ... It is the tail that has to blink For eyes that are always open.

The observer must look up ______ to see the peacock turning.

in time

The peacock's tail feathers are described as ______ that are always open.

eyes

What does the phrase 'look up in time' suggest about nature?

The phrase suggests that nature's most beautiful moments are fleeting and require our immediate attention. If we are too slow or distracted, we miss the opportunity to witness something extraordinary, like the peacock turning and displaying its magnificent, colorful tail.

Explain the concept of 'eyes that are always open' in the context of the poem.

The 'eyes' refer to the eye-like patterns on the peacock's tail feathers. Describing them as 'always open' suggests that nature is a constant, watchful observer. It reverses the human-nature relationship, implying that while we watch nature, it is also watching us.

What is meant by the tail 'blinking'?

The 'blinking' refers to the movement of the peacock's tail. When the feathers rustle or move, the 'eyes' on the tail appear to blink. This personification gives the bird a mystical quality, making the act of looking at the tail feathers a captivating experience.

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Chapter sections

Chapter the-peacock: The Peacock | Extract Questions

Extract 1

The peacock's call is described as being both and .

The bird is first spotted as a flash of turquoise in the ______ tree.

What does the phrase 'seems to come from nowhere' tell us about the peacock?

How does the poet use color to create a visual impact in these lines?

What physical quality of the peacock is highlighted as it descends?

Extract 2

To see the peacock, the observer is advised to sit in the ______.

The observer should read a book with great ______ to witness the bird.

Why is it recommended to read a 'favourite' book?

What is the purpose of sitting in the veranda according to the poet?

How does concentration help in sighting a peacock?

Extract 3

The arrival of the bird is first marked by a ______ shadow falling over the reader.

The steady ______ of bees in the bushes nearby will stop.

What does the change in the wind's direction symbolize?

Why does the hum of the bees stop?

How does the poet use 'shadow' to build anticipation?

Extract 4

The observer must look up ______ to see the peacock turning.

The peacock's tail feathers are described as ______ that are always open.

What does the phrase 'look up in time' suggest about nature?

Explain the concept of 'eyes that are always open' in the context of the poem.

What is meant by the tail 'blinking'?

Chapter sections

Chapter the-peacock: The Peacock | Extract Questions

Extract 1

The peacock's call is described as being both ______ and ______.

The bird is first spotted as a flash of turquoise in the ______ tree.

What does the phrase 'seems to come from nowhere' tell us about the peacock?

How does the poet use color to create a visual impact in these lines?

What physical quality of the peacock is highlighted as it descends?

Extract 2

To see the peacock, the observer is advised to sit in the ______.

The observer should read a book with great ______ to witness the bird.

Why is it recommended to read a 'favourite' book?

What is the purpose of sitting in the veranda according to the poet?

How does concentration help in sighting a peacock?

Extract 3

The arrival of the bird is first marked by a ______ shadow falling over the reader.

The steady ______ of bees in the bushes nearby will stop.

What does the change in the wind's direction symbolize?

Why does the hum of the bees stop?

How does the poet use 'shadow' to build anticipation?

Extract 4

The observer must look up ______ to see the peacock turning.

The peacock's tail feathers are described as ______ that are always open.

What does the phrase 'look up in time' suggest about nature?

Explain the concept of 'eyes that are always open' in the context of the poem.

What is meant by the tail 'blinking'?

The peacock's call is described as being both and .