Chapter the-peacock: The Peacock | Short Questions

The poet advises deep concentration because the peacock is a shy and elusive creature that only appears when the environment is peaceful. By focusing on a book, the observer becomes still and silent, losing their self-consciousness. This lack of human interference makes the peacock feel safe enough to emerge. It teaches students that observing nature is not about active chasing; rather, it is about creating a quiet space within ourselves so that we can notice the subtle and beautiful things happening right around us.

Several subtle changes in the environment signal the peacock's arrival. First, a 'blue shadow' falls over the observer, indicating the bird's nearby presence. Second, the wind changes direction, and third, the 'steady hum of bees' in the bushes stops abruptly. Even the domestic cat awakens and stretches, sensing a shift. These details show that the peacock's presence is so powerful that it affects the entire surrounding ecosystem. It helps students understand that nature is interconnected and that one major movement can influence everything else in the vicinity.

The pipal tree is a common and culturally significant tree in India, often associated with wisdom and divinity. By placing the peacock in a pipal tree, the poet grounds the poem in a familiar Indian setting. The 'flash of turquoise' against the pipal leaves creates a beautiful visual image. For students, the tree represents a natural sanctuary where the bird feels secure. It also suggests a sense of peace and sacredness, aligning the bird's majestic beauty with the revered status of the tree in which it hides.

This phrase refers to a state of complete immersion in what one is reading. When you 'live inside a book,' you are so focused that you forget your physical surroundings. This total absorption is necessary to witness the peacock because it ensures the observer is perfectly still. From an exam perspective, this highlights the theme of mindfulness. It suggests that when we let go of our desire to control our environment and simply 'be,' we become more receptive to the beauty that nature offers.

The poet describes the peacock's movements as graceful and swift. He 'descends' from the tree with a 'slender neck arched away,' showing his cautious and elegant nature. When he 'darts away,' the observer only gets a 'glimpse' of the end of his tail. These descriptions emphasize the bird's agility and its desire to remain hidden. Students should understand that these movements reflect the bird's elusive character, making the act of sighting him feel like a rare and special privilege rather than a common occurrence.