Sujata Bhatt’s poem “The Peacock” is a vivid and lyrical portrayal of how nature reveals its beauty in the quietest of moments. Selected in the Class 11 CBSE Woven Words Poetry syllabus, this poem encourages students to appreciate subtle beauty, patience, and observation—skills that are as essential in literature as they are in life.
This poem is especially important from a CBSE exam point of view as it combines imagery, symbolism, and sensory details, which are frequently asked in questions related to poetic devices, theme analysis, and personal interpretation. The imagery of the peacock serves as a metaphor for fleeting beauty and the rewards of stillness and anticipation.
At Dasklibro.com, you’ll find:
✅ NCERT-based solutions with clear explanations
✍️ Important questions and answers based on CBSE pattern
📚 Line-by-line analysis to boost comprehension
💡 Exam-focused insights to prepare confidently
Use this resource to not only understand the poem but also to write high-scoring answers in your CBSE Class 11 English exam.
UNDERSTANDING THE POEM
1. Comment on the lines that make you visualise the colourful image of the peacock.
20 words:
Lines like “flash of turquoise” and “dark glowing eyes” create a vivid and colourful image of the beautiful peacock.
40 words:
The poet uses expressions like “flash of turquoise,” “slender neck,” and “dark glowing eyes” to paint a colourful image. These lines make the peacock appear bright, majestic, and graceful, capturing its beauty and charm in the reader’s mind.
60 words:
The poem shows the peacock’s beauty through phrases like “flash of turquoise” and “violet fringed with golden amber.” These colourful descriptions help us imagine the shining feathers and glowing eyes of the bird. The poet’s words highlight the peacock’s grace and magical appearance, making it seem like a sudden, bright vision against the calm natural surroundings.
80 words:
Sujata Bhatt uses rich imagery like “flash of turquoise,” “slender neck,” and “dark glowing eyes, violet fringed with golden amber” to present a vivid picture of the peacock. These lines appeal to our senses, especially sight, and help us visualise its stunning beauty. The poem captures the surprise and brilliance of seeing a peacock in nature, giving readers a magical, colourful experience through words that reflect the bird’s natural elegance and charm.
2. What are the cues that signal the presence of the peacock in the vicinity?
20 words:
Loud calls, a blue shadow, the wind changing, and bees pausing signal that a peacock is nearby.
40 words:
The poet mentions clues like the peacock’s loud call, a blue shadow falling, the wind’s change in direction, and bees going silent. These natural changes quietly suggest that a peacock is close without being directly seen at first.
60 words:
Clues that show a peacock is near include its sharp call, a sudden blue shadow, the wind changing, bees stopping their hum, and the cat stretching. These are gentle yet noticeable signals from nature. They break the calm and hint at something special happening, preparing us for the magical moment of spotting the colourful bird.
80 words:
The poet hints at the peacock’s presence through various natural signs. These include its sharp cry, the sudden appearance of a blue shadow, the wind shifting, the bees going silent, and the cat waking and stretching. These small changes in the environment alert the observer that something unusual is happening. They create suspense and help build the mystery and magic around the peacock, emphasizing how nature quietly reacts to the bird’s beautiful, hidden arrival.
3. How does the connection drawn between the tail and the eyes add to the descriptive detail of the poem?
20 words:
The poet links the peacock’s tail to eyes, showing beauty, mystery, and alertness through a vivid, poetic image.
40 words:
The poem says the tail has eyes that blink. This clever image connects the peacock’s beautiful tail feathers with real eyes. It makes the peacock seem watchful and mysterious, adding charm and a magical feeling to its appearance.
60 words:
By saying the tail blinks like eyes, the poet adds magical detail to the peacock. Its feathers are not just colourful but also feel alive, always watching. This connection between the tail and eyes gives the peacock a deeper, almost mystical presence, making it feel more graceful, alert, and intelligent through a single creative image.
80 words:
The poet imagines that the peacock’s tail “has to blink” because its eyes are “always open.” This poetic idea compares the eye-like patterns on its tail feathers to real eyes. It adds richness to the description, making the bird seem intelligent and aware. This comparison deepens the sense of wonder, beauty, and grace that surrounds the peacock and makes the reader appreciate the bird’s elegance and symbolism more meaningfully.
4. How does the poem capture the elusive nature of the peacock?
20 words:
The peacock appears briefly and disappears quickly, showing its mysterious and hard-to-catch nature through sudden, magical moments.
40 words:
The poem shows the peacock as elusive by describing how it comes suddenly, changes the atmosphere, and vanishes just as quickly. You only see glimpses—its tail, shadow, or call—before it moves away, keeping its full beauty hidden.
60 words:
The poem highlights the peacock’s elusive nature by showing how it appears only for a moment. It changes the air, stops bees, and casts a blue shadow, then quickly moves away. You might only see its tail or neck before it disappears. This brief appearance makes the bird seem magical and hard to fully see, adding to its mystery.
80 words:
The peacock’s elusive nature is shown through its sudden, magical appearance and quick vanishing act. The poet builds suspense by describing subtle hints like a blue shadow or a loud call, but the bird itself remains hard to spot. Even when it’s seen, it turns away, leaving just a glimpse of its colourful tail. This momentary sight adds to the peacock’s charm and mystery, making it a rare and special vision that must be appreciated when it appears.
5. The peacock is a colourful bird. How does the poem capture the various colours that its plumage displays?
20 words:
The poem uses words like “turquoise,” “violet,” and “golden amber” to show the bright, beautiful colours of the peacock.
40 words:
The poet describes the peacock’s colours using rich words like “turquoise,” “dark glowing eyes,” and “violet fringed with golden amber.” These words help readers picture the bird’s shimmering feathers and make the bird look vibrant and full of beauty.
60 words:
Sujata Bhatt describes the peacock’s colourful feathers using vivid colour words like “turquoise,” “violet,” and “golden amber.” These create a shining and magical image of its tail and eyes. Through this detailed imagery, the poem lets us see the rich mix of colours that make the peacock so attractive, emphasizing its pride, beauty, and unique charm.
80 words:
The poem captures the peacock’s colourful beauty through vivid descriptions. Phrases like “a flash of turquoise,” “dark glowing eyes,” and “violet fringed with golden amber” show its shining feathers. These detailed colour images help readers imagine the brightness and charm of its plumage. The rich hues reflect the bird’s proud, majestic personality and its symbolic presence in nature. Sujata Bhatt’s careful choice of words makes the peacock seem almost magical and unforgettable in its beauty.
TRY THIS OUT
1. In English the peacock is associated with pride. ‘As proud as a peacock’ is a commonly used simile. With what qualities is the peacock associated in the literature of your language?
20 words:
In Hindi literature, the peacock is seen as a symbol of beauty, love, grace, and deep connection with nature.
40 words:
In Hindi poetry and stories, the peacock stands for beauty, romantic feelings, and the joy of the monsoon. Its dance in rain is often shown as a celebration of love, nature’s charm, and emotional longing in many literary works.
60 words:
The peacock in Hindi literature is more than just a bird. It symbolizes love, longing, natural beauty, and celebration. Poets like Kalidasa have described it as a joyful dancer during monsoons, expressing emotional connection with weather, romance, and rhythm. Its graceful form and vibrant feathers often reflect feelings of pride, grace, and emotional depth in Indian writing.
80 words:
In Hindi and Indian literature, the peacock is a powerful symbol of beauty, pride, and love. Writers describe it dancing in joy at the arrival of rain, symbolizing celebration and nature’s music. It also represents romantic longing, grace, and divine charm. Its feathers are connected with Lord Krishna, showing purity and spiritual pride. The peacock often appears in folk tales and poetry to express deep emotions and the beauty of nature, becoming a cultural and poetic icon.
2. The peacock is the national bird of India. Why do you think the peacock has been chosen?
20 words:
The peacock is India’s national bird because of its beauty, grace, cultural importance, and connection to Indian tradition and nature.
40 words:
India chose the peacock as its national bird due to its bright colours, graceful movements, and deep cultural ties. It appears in Indian art, religion, and mythology. The bird symbolizes beauty, pride, and the vibrant spirit of Indian heritage.
60 words:
The peacock was chosen as the national bird of India because it is a symbol of beauty, elegance, and Indian culture. Its colourful feathers and graceful dance reflect the richness of Indian nature. It appears in many Indian scriptures, paintings, and myths, often linked to gods like Krishna. Its presence in forests also shows India’s commitment to biodiversity and tradition.
80 words:
India selected the peacock as its national bird because it perfectly represents the country’s cultural richness, natural beauty, and spiritual symbolism. With its vibrant feathers and graceful dance, the peacock reflects pride, celebration, and heritage. It is often found in Indian mythology and is associated with gods like Krishna and Saraswati. The bird also symbolizes peace, divinity, and love for nature. Its wide presence in forests highlights India’s rich biodiversity and ecological awareness, making it an ideal national symbol.
EXTRA QUESTIONS
✅ 1. Why is the peacock called a mysterious bird in the poem?
20 words:
The peacock is mysterious because it appears suddenly, leaves quickly, and is seen only in brief, magical moments.
40 words:
The poet shows the peacock as mysterious because it comes without warning, affects nature, and disappears quickly. We see only glimpses like its tail or shadow, never the full bird. This adds a sense of wonder and magic to it.
60 words:
The peacock is mysterious in the poem because it never stays for long. It appears suddenly with a sharp cry or a flash of colour, changes the mood of nature, and vanishes. The observer never sees it fully, only parts like the tail or shadow. This brief, magical appearance creates a sense of mystery around the bird’s presence.
80 words:
In the poem, the peacock’s mystery lies in its elusive behaviour. It enters quietly, changes the environment with signals like a blue shadow and silent bees, and then disappears. The poet never fully sees it—only fleeting glimpses like the tail, the neck, or the glowing eyes. This makes the bird seem magical, secretive, and full of charm. The reader feels the excitement of its rare presence and the sadness of its sudden absence, deepening its mysterious aura.
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✅ 2. What does the “blue shadow” symbolize in the poem?
20 words:
The “blue shadow” symbolizes the hidden presence of the peacock, bringing mystery, beauty, and a change in the atmosphere.
40 words:
In the poem, the “blue shadow” is a sign that the peacock is nearby. It represents a magical change in the environment. The shadow hints at the peacock’s sudden arrival and adds a beautiful, mysterious feeling to the surroundings.
60 words:
The “blue shadow” in the poem symbolizes the quiet arrival of the peacock. It doesn’t show the full bird but gives a soft, magical hint of its presence. This shadow brings a change in the natural scene, stopping bees and shifting the wind. It adds beauty and mystery, showing how the peacock affects everything around it with its silent charm.
80 words:
The “blue shadow” is a beautiful and symbolic sign of the peacock’s hidden presence. It appears when the bird is near but not fully seen. This shadow gently breaks the reader’s focus and changes the natural surroundings—bees go silent, the wind shifts. The poet uses this soft, blue image to show the peacock’s powerful yet quiet effect on nature. It becomes a symbol of something rare, beautiful, and magical that comes and goes in a moment.
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✅ 3. Why does the poet suggest reading a book to see the peacock?
20 words:
The poet suggests reading to become still and focused. Only then can you notice the quiet arrival of the peacock.
40 words:
Reading helps you become calm and deeply focused. When you're still and lost in a book, you're more likely to notice soft changes in nature. The poet hints that only in such peaceful moments does the magical appearance of the peacock happen.
60 words:
The poet advises reading with full concentration so that your mind becomes calm and your surroundings feel still. In this peaceful state, you become more aware of gentle signs like a shadow or a breeze. These signs reveal the hidden peacock. It’s a poetic way of saying that beauty and magic in nature appear only when we are truly silent and attentive.
80 words:
The poet encourages reading a favourite book with deep focus because it brings stillness to your surroundings. In that calmness, nature also becomes quiet—the bees stop buzzing, and the wind changes. This silence creates the perfect moment for the peacock to appear. The idea is that magical things like the sight of a peacock happen in peaceful moments when you’re lost in something meaningful. It reflects how attention, patience, and quiet observation help us see hidden beauty.
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✅ 4. What does the line “It is the tail that has to blink” mean?
20 words:
It means the peacock’s tail looks like eyes that blink, giving the bird a magical and watchful appearance.
40 words:
The line suggests that the peacock’s tail feathers have eye-like patterns. Since the bird’s real eyes never blink, its tail “blinks” through movement. This makes the bird appear alert, mysterious, and beautiful, adding poetic depth to its image.
60 words:
The poet imagines that the peacock’s tail has eye-shaped patterns that blink, since its actual eyes stay always open. This line gives a magical quality to the peacock, making it seem aware and alive through its feathers. It also reflects the poet’s creativity, where beauty and alertness merge, and the bird’s grace becomes a deeper symbol of nature’s watchfulness and mystery.
80 words:
The line “It is the tail that has to blink” means that the peacock’s tail, with eye-like spots, moves in such a way that it appears to blink. Since its real eyes stay open, the tail becomes a symbol of life and movement. This poetic line adds to the mysterious beauty of the bird and suggests that even when the peacock seems still or far, it is watching, alert, and magical through its rich, colourful feathers.
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✅ 5. What role does nature play in the poem?
20 words:
Nature reacts to the peacock’s arrival by changing—wind shifts, bees fall silent—adding magic and stillness to the moment.
40 words:
In the poem, nature becomes silent and still when the peacock appears. The bees stop humming, the wind changes, and animals become alert. These reactions show how the natural world responds to the bird’s presence, adding to its charm and mystery.
60 words:
Nature plays an important role in the poem by acting as both the background and a signal for the peacock’s arrival. When the bird appears, everything in nature changes—the bees pause, the wind turns, and even the cat wakes. These reactions show how deeply connected the peacock is with its surroundings and how nature supports the magical mood of its entrance.
80 words:
In the poem, nature is not just a setting—it actively responds to the peacock’s presence. The moment the bird arrives, there’s a shift in the atmosphere: the bees stop humming, the wind changes direction, and animals react. These changes signal something extraordinary is happening. Nature’s response builds suspense and makes the peacock’s appearance feel magical. This shows the poet’s belief in how beauty and wonder in nature are deeply connected to silence, attention, and the smallest natural movements.
✅ 6. What effect does the peacock’s presence have on the surroundings?
20 words:
The peacock’s presence makes everything still—bees stop humming, wind shifts, and the cat stretches—bringing a sense of magic.
40 words:
The peacock changes the natural scene around it. Bees stop buzzing, the wind suddenly turns, and the cat stretches as if sensing something special. These changes show the bird’s silent power and how nature reacts quietly to its beautiful presence.
60 words:
The poem shows how nature reacts to the peacock’s presence. The bees stop humming, the wind changes direction, and the cat, once sleeping, stretches awake. These natural shifts reveal how deeply the peacock’s arrival affects its surroundings. It becomes a sign of beauty and magic, silently influencing everything and making the environment pause to welcome its grace.
80 words:
The presence of the peacock in the poem creates an atmosphere of stillness and magic. The natural world reacts as if something extraordinary has happened. The humming of the bees halts, the wind changes direction, and even a sleeping cat senses the moment and stretches. These subtle shifts in the surroundings reflect the deep impact the peacock has on nature. Its silent entrance brings a quiet beauty, reminding us how even the smallest changes can signal something wonderful.
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✅ 7. What is the poet trying to say through the act of waiting to see the peacock?
20 words:
The poet suggests that beauty and wonder need patience, silence, and awareness—only then can we experience rare magic.
40 words:
Through the act of waiting, the poet teaches us to slow down and observe deeply. Just like the peacock appears when we’re lost in reading, beauty comes to those who are calm, patient, and fully present in the moment.
60 words:
The poet uses the act of waiting to highlight the need for patience and mindfulness in life. You must be still, deeply focused, and open to nature’s small signals to witness something as rare as the peacock. It’s a message that true beauty or magic doesn't appear when chased—it arrives quietly, in moments of peace and reflection.
80 words:
The poet emphasizes that to witness rare beauty like the peacock, one must be calm, focused, and patient. She suggests that by losing ourselves in simple, peaceful activities like reading, we align with nature’s rhythm. This quiet state allows magical things to reveal themselves. The peacock becomes a symbol of unexpected beauty that appears only when we stop searching and start simply being. It’s a poetic reminder of how stillness and patience unlock life’s hidden wonders.
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✅ 8. How is the peacock’s movement described in the poem?
20 words:
The peacock’s movement is swift and graceful—it descends, darts away, and disappears, showing elegance and mystery.
40 words:
The poem shows the peacock moving suddenly and smoothly. It appears from nowhere, descends from a tree, arches its neck, and quickly darts away. This graceful yet brief movement reflects the bird’s elegance and the fleeting nature of its beauty.
60 words:
The peacock’s movement is quick, graceful, and full of mystery. It comes like a flash—descending from the pipal tree, arching its slender neck, and darting away swiftly. The poet shows that we only get glimpses of it, like the tail or shadow. This fleeting movement adds to the magical feeling and highlights how beauty often arrives and leaves in moments.
80 words:
In the poem, the peacock’s movement is described with a sense of speed and elegance. It appears with a flash of turquoise, arches its slender neck away, and then darts off quickly. This sudden, flowing motion makes the bird seem like a beautiful vision—there for only a moment. The poet captures this elusive movement to express how real beauty in nature is brief and mysterious. It comes quietly, stirs everything, and disappears before one can fully take it in.
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✅ 9. What do the “dark glowing eyes” of the peacock symbolize?
20 words:
The “dark glowing eyes” symbolize mystery, beauty, and wisdom. They give the peacock a magical, watchful presence.
40 words:
The “dark glowing eyes” reflect the peacock’s magical charm. They seem full of secrets and shine with beauty. These eyes are poetic and symbolic, showing that the bird is not just beautiful but also deeply aware and spiritually powerful.
60 words:
The “dark glowing eyes” of the peacock suggest that it is more than just a beautiful creature. These eyes, fringed with violet and golden amber, give it an enchanting, alert, and mysterious appearance. The poet uses this detail to emphasize the bird’s grace, presence, and almost divine wisdom. The eyes seem to hold hidden stories and ancient natural intelligence.
80 words:
The poet describes the peacock’s “dark glowing eyes” as being “violet fringed with golden amber,” which adds rich, magical symbolism. These eyes represent more than vision—they express awareness, wisdom, and beauty. They seem to hold nature’s secrets and give the bird a mysterious, almost god-like quality. The eyes do not blink, showing the bird’s alertness. The tail blinks instead, linking beauty with awareness. This imagery highlights how the peacock watches the world quietly, embodying mystery and spiritual grace.
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✅ 10. How does Sujata Bhatt use imagery in “The Peacock”?
20 words:
Sujata Bhatt uses colourful and nature-rich images like “turquoise,” “blue shadow,” and “dark glowing eyes” to paint beauty.
40 words:
The poet uses vivid images like “flash of turquoise,” “blue shadow,” and “violet fringed eyes” to make readers see and feel the peacock’s beauty. Her use of nature and colour creates a strong visual impact and poetic richness.
60 words:
Sujata Bhatt uses visual imagery to bring the peacock alive. She describes it with colours like turquoise and golden amber, and nature’s reactions—like bees stopping and wind changing. The use of images like “blue shadow” and “tail that blinks” helps readers imagine the peacock clearly and feel its presence. Her rich, sensory language makes the poem deeply visual and emotional.
80 words:
The imagery in “The Peacock” is rich and sensory. Sujata Bhatt paints the bird using phrases like “flash of turquoise,” “blue shadow,” and “violet fringed with golden amber” eyes. These descriptions help readers see the peacock as if it were in front of them. She also uses natural imagery—the wind, bees, trees—to show how the environment reacts to the bird. This makes the poem not just about a bird, but about the whole magical moment it creates.
✅ 11. Why does the poet describe the peacock’s tail as having “eyes”?
20 words:
The peacock’s tail has eye-like patterns. The poet calls them “eyes” to show beauty, mystery, and silent watchfulness.
40 words:
The poet describes the tail as having “eyes” because the peacock’s feathers look like blinking eyes. These markings give the bird a magical and alert appearance. It also symbolizes how beauty can be watchful and expressive without needing words or movement.
60 words:
Sujata Bhatt describes the tail as having “eyes” to highlight the unique, eye-like patterns on the peacock’s feathers. These eyes are always open and full of colour, beauty, and mystery. Since the peacock’s real eyes don’t blink, the poet says the tail “blinks,” making the bird appear alive, alert, and symbolically watchful—connecting beauty with awareness.
80 words:
The poet imagines the peacock’s tail as having “eyes” to represent the stunning, eye-shaped patterns on its feathers. These “eyes” never blink but seem to watch the world, giving the peacock a magical, mysterious quality. By saying that the tail “blinks” instead of its real eyes, Sujata Bhatt adds poetic depth—showing that even beauty can express emotion and attention. This imagery makes the peacock feel alive, spiritual, and constantly connected with nature around it.
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✅ 12. What does the peacock symbolize in the poem?
20 words:
The peacock symbolizes beauty, mystery, grace, and the hidden magic of nature that reveals itself quietly and suddenly.
40 words:
In the poem, the peacock stands for nature’s hidden beauty, elegance, and magic. It appears suddenly and disappears quickly, symbolizing how rare and precious moments of wonder are. It also represents awareness, stillness, and the need for quiet observation.
60 words:
The peacock in Sujata Bhatt’s poem symbolizes much more than a bird. It represents beauty, pride, mystery, and the secret magic of nature. It appears only when the observer is still, showing that some wonders require silence and attention. Its colourful tail, sudden arrival, and quiet exit all point to the fleeting nature of beauty and life’s hidden treasures.
80 words:
The peacock in the poem is a powerful symbol of rare beauty, grace, and mystery. It shows how nature often hides its most magical moments and reveals them only to those who are calm, patient, and fully aware. Its sudden arrival, silent presence, and eye-like tail all create a deep sense of wonder. The bird becomes a metaphor for things that are beautiful but short-lived, things that require our quiet attention and deep appreciation to truly experience.
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✅ 13. How does the poet show the importance of silence in the poem?
20 words:
Silence in the poem allows one to notice the peacock. It creates space for beauty and magical moments to appear.
40 words:
The poet shows that only in moments of deep silence—when bees stop buzzing, the cat stretches, and the wind changes—can one sense the peacock. This silence helps us tune in to nature’s small signs and hidden beauty.
60 words:
Sujata Bhatt highlights silence as the key to witnessing the peacock’s beauty. The poem shows that when everything becomes still—the bees fall silent, the wind shifts, and attention is broken—we might notice the peacock. This quiet moment is when something magical appears. It teaches us that silence opens the door to rare experiences, making us more observant and connected to nature.
80 words:
In the poem, silence plays a central role in preparing the mind and surroundings to receive beauty. The poet carefully describes how natural sounds like bees humming stop and how the wind shifts. These subtle silences create the right atmosphere for the peacock to appear. Sujata Bhatt shows that silence helps us become more aware, allowing magical and rare events to unfold. Through this, she teaches the value of stillness in noticing and appreciating life’s quiet, beautiful moments.
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✅ 14. What is the mood of the poem “The Peacock”?
20 words:
The mood is peaceful, magical, and mysterious. It builds a sense of quiet wonder around the sudden appearance of beauty.
40 words:
The poem’s mood is calm and filled with quiet anticipation. The surroundings are still, and the peacock’s appearance feels dreamlike. There is also a sense of joy and mystery, as if something rare and special is about to happen.
60 words:
The poem has a calm, reflective, and slightly magical mood. The peaceful setting, the focus on stillness, and the slow unfolding of nature’s signals all contribute to a mood of quiet wonder. The sudden, brief appearance of the peacock adds mystery and beauty, giving the poem a sense of longing and appreciation for nature’s hidden moments.
80 words:
The mood of the poem “The Peacock” is tranquil, expectant, and magical. Sujata Bhatt builds a peaceful atmosphere where nature slows down—bees stop humming, the wind changes, and silence takes over. This slow, quiet build-up leads to the sudden, dreamlike appearance of the peacock. The mood captures a blend of calm observation and surprise, emphasizing the beauty of fleeting, natural experiences. The reader feels as though they are waiting with the poet, hoping to catch a glimpse of something extraordinary.
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✅ 15. How does the poem reflect the theme of observation and awareness?
20 words:
The poem shows that only with deep observation and awareness can we notice the quiet signs of the peacock’s presence.
40 words:
The poet explains that being still and focused helps us become more aware of nature’s signals. Only then do we notice changes like the blue shadow or silent bees—small cues that hint at the magical appearance of the peacock.
60 words:
Sujata Bhatt emphasizes observation and awareness by suggesting that true beauty reveals itself to those who pay attention. The peacock doesn’t appear loudly—it comes through quiet signs like shadows, silence, and movement. The poet encourages us to slow down and be mindful of our surroundings. Only with such awareness can we experience nature’s rare and magical gifts, like glimpsing the graceful peacock.
80 words:
The poem reflects the importance of observation and awareness by showing that one can only witness the peacock through stillness and deep focus. The peacock’s presence is felt through subtle clues: the quiet buzz of bees stopping, a blue shadow, or the cat stretching. These small changes are missed without attention. Sujata Bhatt uses this to highlight how moments of beauty often pass unnoticed unless we are fully present, making awareness the key to experiencing the wonders around us.
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✅ 16. How does the poet create suspense in the poem?
20 words:
The poet creates suspense through quiet clues—changing wind, silent bees, and sudden movement—before revealing the peacock’s presence.
40 words:
The poem builds suspense by describing nature’s changes—like bees going silent and the cat stretching—without naming the peacock at first. These hints create curiosity. When the peacock finally appears, the suspense turns into surprise and wonder.
60 words:
Sujata Bhatt creates suspense by showing how the environment changes mysteriously—the wind shifts, bees stop humming, and a shadow appears. These clues make the reader feel something important is about to happen. The peacock is not mentioned directly until the end, adding to the suspense. This delayed reveal keeps the reader engaged and makes the bird’s sudden appearance feel magical and thrilling.
80 words:
The suspense in “The Peacock” grows slowly through quiet observations. The poet describes natural changes—a shadow falls, bees go silent, the wind changes. These subtle cues raise questions in the reader’s mind: What is happening? Why is everything so still? Only at the right moment does the peacock appear. By delaying the reveal, Sujata Bhatt keeps the reader in a state of anticipation. This builds a gentle, poetic suspense that heightens the impact of the peacock’s magical arrival.
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✅ 17. Why does the poet use the word “glimpse” to describe the sighting of the peacock?
20 words:
The word “glimpse” shows that the peacock is seen only briefly, making its appearance rare, quick, and special.
40 words:
The poet uses “glimpse” to show how the peacock appears for only a moment. You don’t get a full view—just a quick flash of its beauty. This highlights how magical and hard-to-catch the bird’s presence really is.
60 words:
“Glimpse” means a quick, partial look. Sujata Bhatt uses it to show how the peacock doesn’t stay long or show itself completely. It arrives silently and disappears just as fast. This word adds mystery and makes the bird’s appearance feel like a secret gift—beautiful, sudden, and gone before you can take it all in.
80 words:
The word “glimpse” suggests that the peacock is seen only for a second, making its appearance more exciting and magical. The poet never describes the full bird—only parts like its neck or the end of its tail. This brief sight adds to the peacock’s mystery and grace. By using “glimpse,” Sujata Bhatt shows that beauty is sometimes fleeting, and we must be alert to catch it, even for a moment. It adds emotion, surprise, and value to the experience.
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✅ 18. How does the poem use natural sounds to build atmosphere?
20 words:
Natural sounds like bees buzzing and the wind help build a calm, quiet mood that prepares for the peacock’s appearance.
40 words:
The poem uses natural sounds—like the hum of bees and the call of the peacock—to create a peaceful, expectant mood. When these sounds stop, it signals something special is about to happen, building anticipation for the bird’s magical arrival.
60 words:
Sujata Bhatt uses natural sounds like the steady hum of bees and the sudden call of the peacock to create a sensory atmosphere. These sounds set a calm scene. When the bees stop humming and silence follows, it signals a change in nature. This builds quiet tension, preparing the reader for the peacock’s arrival and adding to the poem’s mysterious and magical mood.
80 words:
Natural sounds play a powerful role in setting the mood of the poem. The hum of bees creates a peaceful background. When these sounds stop suddenly, it surprises both the reader and the characters. This break in sound makes the surroundings feel still and magical. It signals that something unexpected is about to happen—the peacock’s appearance. The poet also contrasts the silence with the sharp call of the peacock, using these sound details to build tension, wonder, and emotion.
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✅ 19. How is the peacock connected to Indian culture in the poem?
20 words:
Though not directly mentioned, the peacock connects to Indian culture through its beauty, mystery, and deep link with nature.
40 words:
In Indian culture, the peacock is a symbol of grace and divine presence. The poem highlights its elegance and mystery, qualities that match its cultural image. The bird’s sudden, beautiful appearance also reflects the spiritual and artistic values found in Indian tradition.
60 words:
The poem doesn’t directly refer to Indian culture, but the peacock’s symbolism connects to it naturally. In India, the peacock represents pride, beauty, and spiritual depth—seen in religion, art, and literature. Sujata Bhatt captures these qualities through her description of the bird’s silent, graceful entrance, showing its cultural meaning and its role as India’s national bird and a symbol of divine beauty.
80 words:
While the poem stays focused on the natural beauty of the peacock, it also subtly reflects Indian cultural values. The peacock is India’s national bird and is often linked to gods like Krishna and Saraswati. Its colourful feathers and graceful dance are part of religious stories, temple art, and poetry. Sujata Bhatt’s portrayal of the peacock as mysterious, elegant, and magical fits perfectly with its cultural image, making the poem both poetic and reflective of India’s deep connection with nature and symbolism.
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✅ 20. What lesson can we learn from the poem “The Peacock”?
20 words:
The poem teaches us to slow down, stay present, and notice the quiet, magical beauty hidden in ordinary moments.
40 words:
Sujata Bhatt’s poem teaches that beauty and wonder are not always loud or obvious. We must be calm, patient, and observant to notice life’s magical details. The peacock appears only when we’re still and fully aware of nature.
60 words:
“The Peacock” teaches us to be present and mindful in our surroundings. It reminds us that beautiful, magical experiences often come quietly and without warning. When we are focused, silent, and open to nature, we begin to notice its hidden treasures. The poem encourages us to appreciate fleeting moments of beauty, to slow down, and to see the world more deeply and attentively.
80 words:
The poem teaches a powerful life lesson: we must slow down and pay attention to the quiet beauty around us. In our busy lives, we often miss nature’s wonders, like the sudden appearance of a peacock. Sujata Bhatt shows that only when we are calm, still, and focused can we witness such magical moments. The poem encourages mindfulness, patience, and a deep appreciation for the little signs in nature that reveal great beauty and meaning in life.
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