Class 11 NCERT Solutions eNGLISH 

Woven Words Poetry Chapter 9

Refugee blues

UNDERSTANDING THE POEM 

Question 1: The title, ‘Refugee Blues’ encapsulates the theme of the poem. Comment.

🔹 20 words:

The title “Refugee Blues” shows the sadness of refugees. It reflects their pain, hopelessness, and struggle for a peaceful life.

🔹 40 words:

The title “Refugee Blues” shows the painful story of refugees. “Blues” means sadness and suffering. The poem describes how refugees feel unwanted and helpless in a cruel world. It expresses their loneliness, lost homeland, and constant search for acceptance and peace.

🔹 60 words:

The title “Refugee Blues” perfectly reflects the theme of sadness in the refugee's life. The word “Blues” refers to a sad song expressing deep sorrow. Refugees, who have lost their home and identity, face rejection everywhere. They live in fear, facing cruel governments and societies. The poem beautifully expresses their pain, showing how hard it is to find safety and happiness.

🔹 80 words:

The title “Refugee Blues” clearly captures the sorrowful experience of refugees. “Blues” refers to a sad musical style, symbolizing deep suffering. The poem highlights the emotional struggles of German Jews forced to flee during Hitler’s rule. They are denied homes and help everywhere. The world shows no compassion to them. Through its simple words and repetition, the poem presents the harsh reality of exile, making the title perfectly match the refugees’ suffering and loneliness.

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Question 2: What is the poetic technique used by the poet to convey the plaintive theme of the poem?

🔹 20 words:

The poet uses repetition and simple ballad form to show sadness. The repeated phrase “my dear” creates a sorrowful tone.

🔹 40 words:

Auden uses the ballad form and repetition to express sadness. The phrase “my dear” is repeated to create intimacy and pain. Simple words and a conversational tone highlight the sorrowful theme. The poem’s structure mirrors the refugees' endless suffering and rejection.

🔹 60 words:

The poet uses the ballad form with repeated lines and a musical rhythm to highlight the refugees’ pain. He uses conversational language and repeats the phrase “my dear” to create emotional closeness. The poem’s simplicity contrasts with its serious message, making the sadness more powerful. This poetic style beautifully conveys the deep sorrow and helplessness experienced by the refugees, showing their endless search for peace.

🔹 80 words:

W.H. Auden uses the traditional ballad form combined with modern themes to communicate the refugees’ sorrow. The refrain “my dear” adds tenderness but also emphasizes repeated suffering. The simple, conversational language contrasts with the deep sadness of the situation. Through rhythmic verses and repeated phrases, the poem resembles a blues song, expressing grief and helplessness. This poetic technique makes the readers feel the refugees’ constant rejection, loneliness, and desperate longing for a home and a peaceful life.

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Question 3: What do the references to the birds and animals made in the poem suggest?

🔹 20 words:

The birds and animals enjoy freedom, but refugees do not. They show how even nature is kinder than human societies to outsiders.

🔹 40 words:

The birds and animals in the poem live freely without borders or politics. In contrast, refugees face rejection and cruelty everywhere. This shows that even animals live peacefully, but humans, despite their intelligence, create suffering for others. Nature shows more kindness than people.

🔹 60 words:

The references to birds and animals in the poem highlight the irony that they enjoy freedom, but human refugees suffer. The birds sing happily and animals live without restrictions, while refugees face rejection, fear, and pain. This contrast shows how cruel and heartless human societies are compared to peaceful nature. Even simple creatures have a better life than the helpless refugees searching for safety.

🔹 80 words:

The birds and animals in the poem symbolize freedom and peace. They live without restrictions, unlike human refugees who are denied basic rights and safety. While birds sing joyfully and animals are cared for, the refugees face rejection, loneliness, and cruelty. This contrast highlights the heartlessness of human societies. Nature treats its creatures kindly, but humans fail to show compassion to fellow humans. Auden uses this comparison to criticize society’s indifference and highlight the refugees’ tragic condition.

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Question 4: How does the poet juxtapose the human condition with the behaviour of the political class?

🔹 20 words:

The poet shows how the political class rejects refugees with cruelty, while common people like refugees suffer helplessly and painfully.

🔹 40 words:

Auden shows the difference between helpless refugees and cruel political leaders. Refugees face rejection, while politicians make heartless decisions. Leaders hold power but lack empathy. This contrast highlights the injustice in society. Refugees want safety, but politicians only think of themselves.

🔹 60 words:

The poet presents the harsh difference between suffering refugees and selfish politicians. Refugees wander homeless, rejected everywhere, while political leaders debate and refuse to help. The refugees' misery contrasts sharply with the indifference of those in power. Politicians protect their interests and borders, ignoring human pain. Auden criticizes this lack of compassion, showing how politics often worsens human suffering instead of reducing it.

🔹 80 words:

Auden highlights the sharp contrast between powerless refugees and the selfish political class. Refugees struggle for survival, facing rejection and cruelty at every step. Meanwhile, politicians sit in power, making cold, heartless decisions that deny the refugees safety and shelter. The poet shows how the leaders care more about protecting their interests than about saving lives. This juxtaposition highlights the cruelty of society and politics, where compassion is missing, and suffering people are treated as problems, not humans.

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Question 5: How is the essence of the poem captured in the lines ‘two tickets to Happiness’?

🔹 20 words:

The lines show the refugees’ deep longing for happiness and safety, but sadly, the world denies them this simple wish.

🔹 40 words:

The phrase “two tickets to Happiness” shows the refugees’ simple dream of finding peace. But every coach is full, meaning happiness is unreachable. This shows the world’s rejection of them. Even when they wish for peace, society denies them that comfort.

🔹 60 words:

The lines “two tickets to Happiness” capture the core message of the poem. The refugees dream of a peaceful life where they feel safe and accepted. But like the full train coaches, every path to happiness is closed for them. This symbolizes their endless struggle and suffering. The lines express how difficult it is for refugees to find a home, peace, and joy.

🔹 80 words:

The phrase “two tickets to Happiness” beautifully summarizes the refugees’ deepest wish. They are not asking for luxury, just a little peace and safety. But, sadly, every train to happiness is full, leaving no space for them. This reflects the cruel reality of their lives, where society repeatedly denies them shelter and comfort. The phrase powerfully shows their constant search for acceptance and happiness, making the reader feel the sadness and helplessness of the refugee’s condition.

EXTRA QUESTIONS 

Extra Question 1: Why do the refugees feel unwanted in the city?

🔹 20 words:

The refugees feel unwanted because the city denies them a home and safety. People and governments reject them without kindness.

🔹 40 words:

The refugees feel unwanted because no one offers them shelter or help. The city is full of people living comfortably, yet no place is given to the homeless refugees. They face rejection from society, showing how selfish and heartless people can be.

🔹 60 words:

The refugees feel unwanted because the city refuses to give them shelter. Though the city has mansions and many residents, no one opens their doors to them. People are busy protecting their own lives and show no compassion for strangers. The government and officials reject them. This harsh treatment highlights how society ignores the suffering of helpless people like refugees.

🔹 80 words:

In the poem, the refugees feel unwanted because no one is willing to give them a home or safety. Despite the city having millions of people, the refugees are treated as outsiders. Mansions and shelters exist, but none welcome them. The people and leaders of the city close their hearts to their suffering. This rejection highlights how cruel society can be towards the helpless. Their pain reflects the harsh truth of a world where humanity and compassion are lost.

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Extra Question 2: What message does the poem give about human suffering?

🔹 20 words:

The poem shows that human suffering increases when societies lack compassion. Refugees suffer most because no one helps them.

🔹 40 words:

The poem teaches that human suffering grows worse when people and governments refuse to show kindness. Refugees, who need help the most, face rejection everywhere. Their pain reflects the harsh reality of a world where selfishness and cruelty overpower humanity and care.

🔹 60 words:

The poem sends a powerful message about human suffering. Refugees, who have already lost their homes and identity, are further rejected by society. Their endless suffering highlights the world’s cruelty. Instead of helping them, people close their doors and hearts. The poem teaches us that compassion is the only way to reduce suffering. Without kindness, the world becomes cold and heartless.

🔹 80 words:

“Refugee Blues” shares a deep message about human suffering and the cruelty of society. Refugees, already victims of war and hatred, suffer even more when they are rejected everywhere they go. Instead of offering them peace and shelter, people and governments turn them away. This suffering shows how selfishness and indifference make the world cruel. The poem urges us to show compassion, reminding us that humanity’s true strength lies in helping those who suffer the most.

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Extra Question 3: Why can’t the refugees return to their own country?

🔹 20 words:

The refugees cannot return to their country because it is no longer safe for them due to war and persecution.

🔹 40 words:

The refugees cannot go back to their homeland because it is controlled by Hitler, who wants to kill them. Even though the country still exists on the map, it is no longer a safe place for them. They are forced into exile.

🔹 60 words:

The refugees cannot return to their homeland because it has become a dangerous place under Hitler’s rule. Though it is still found in the atlas, the country is no longer safe. As German Jews, they face persecution and death if they return. Their only option is to leave their home behind and search for safety in other countries, where they sadly face rejection.

🔹 80 words:

In the poem, the refugees are unable to return to their homeland because it is no longer a place of safety. Hitler’s regime has turned their once-loved country into a place of hatred and persecution against Jews. Though their country exists on the map, it no longer welcomes them. If they return, they face certain death. This shows the tragic loss of a homeland, forcing refugees to leave everything behind and search for a new life in a hostile world.

Extra Question 4: How does the poet describe the consul's behavior?

🔹 20 words:

The consul is shown as rude and heartless. He rejects the refugees and says they are “officially dead” without a passport.

🔹 40 words:

The poet describes the consul as cold and unsympathetic. He bangs the table and declares that without a passport, refugees are officially dead. His harsh words show the cruelty of authorities who refuse to help helpless people, ignoring their suffering completely.

🔹 60 words:

The consul’s behavior in the poem reflects the harshness of government officials. He bangs the table in anger and tells the refugees they are officially dead without passports. His insensitive remark shows how bureaucracy denies human beings their existence. Instead of helping, he makes them feel powerless. This shows how people in power often treat refugees as problems rather than as human beings needing help.

🔹 80 words:

The consul’s behavior is cruel and heartless. He treats the refugees like criminals simply because they lack passports. He bangs the table and says they are officially dead, meaning they have no legal identity and no right to live safely. This harsh attitude reflects how officials use power without showing compassion. The poet criticizes such systems that care more about papers and rules than about saving human lives and reducing human suffering.

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Extra Question 5: What does the public speaker say about the refugees?

🔹 20 words:

The public speaker says that if the refugees are allowed in, they will steal others’ daily bread. This shows selfishness.

🔹 40 words:

The public speaker warns people that if refugees are accepted, they will steal their food and jobs. This statement shows fear and selfishness. Instead of helping suffering people, society protects its own comfort and wealth, treating refugees as threats.

🔹 60 words:

The public speaker’s words reflect society’s selfishness. He claims that letting refugees in would make them steal others’ daily bread. This shows how people fear losing their own comfort and refuse to share with those in need. Instead of welcoming the refugees, they treat them as enemies who might harm them. The poet highlights this heartless attitude and criticizes people who choose selfishness over kindness.

🔹 80 words:

In the poem, the public speaker spreads fear among people. He claims that if refugees are allowed into the country, they will steal the citizens’ daily bread. This shows how society wrongly blames refugees for its own problems. Instead of showing compassion to people in pain, they treat them as dangerous outsiders. The speaker’s harsh words reflect how selfishness and fear make people cruel, ignoring the refugees’ suffering and their desperate need for help and shelter.

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Extra Question 6: How does the poet express the refugees’ loneliness?

🔹 20 words:

The poet shows loneliness through images of closed doors, rejection, and a constant search for a place to belong.

🔹 40 words:

The poet expresses the refugees’ loneliness by describing their endless search for a home. Everywhere they go, they face closed doors and rejection. Even animals and birds enjoy freedom, but the refugees remain alone and helpless in a world without kindness.

🔹 60 words:

The refugees’ loneliness is shown through painful images of rejection. They search for shelter but find no home. Governments turn them away, and even society shows no kindness. While animals and birds live freely, the refugees walk alone, suffering. The poet repeats phrases like “no place for us” to show how unwanted they feel. This highlights their deep loneliness and constant struggle for acceptance.

🔹 80 words:

The poet shows the refugees’ loneliness by describing their endless rejection and isolation. Despite traveling to many places, they find no home or safety. Government officials deny them help, and society treats them like a burden. Even animals and birds enjoy freedom and safety, but refugees remain alone, with no one to protect them. The poet’s use of repeated lines like “no place for us” makes their loneliness clear, showing how painful it is to be unwanted and forgotten.

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Extra Question 7: What does the poet mean by “old passports can’t do that”?

🔹 20 words:

The poet means that unlike the renewing yew tree, old passports do not get renewed with life. They lose their value.

🔹 40 words:

The phrase means that old passports cannot renew a person’s identity or safety like the yew tree renews its leaves. Refugees with expired passports are rejected everywhere. This shows how the world values documents more than human life and dignity.

🔹 60 words:

In the poem, the poet compares the yew tree’s renewal with the uselessness of old passports. While the tree blossoms each spring, old passports do not renew a refugee’s right to live safely. This shows how the world’s systems judge people by documents, not humanity. Refugees with expired papers are rejected and treated as if they no longer belong anywhere, highlighting the cruelty of bureaucracy.

🔹 80 words:

The poet says “old passports can’t do that” to show how unlike nature, which renews itself each spring, human identity doesn’t renew with time when controlled by papers. The yew tree blossoms anew, but an expired passport becomes useless, leaving refugees unwanted. This highlights how the world values official documents over human beings. Without valid papers, people lose their right to safety and respect, showing the heartlessness of society’s systems that ignore the true worth of a person.

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Extra Question 8: How is nature shown as kinder than human society?

🔹 20 words:

Nature is shown as kind because animals and birds live freely without borders, while human society rejects and limits refugees.

🔹 40 words:

Nature is kind and free. Birds sing peacefully and animals live without politicians controlling them. In contrast, human society is cruel, creating borders and rejecting refugees. The poet highlights how even simple creatures enjoy peace, while humans suffer because of selfish politics.

🔹 60 words:

The poet contrasts peaceful nature with cruel human society. Birds and animals enjoy freedom, singing happily and living without fear. But human refugees face rejection, suffering, and borders created by people. While animals are cared for, humans are denied safety. This shows that nature, which has no politics, is kinder and fairer. The poet criticizes human society for failing to show the kindness that nature naturally offers.

🔹 80 words:

Nature is shown as peaceful and free in the poem. Birds sing freely, and animals live without being controlled by selfish politicians. In contrast, human society builds borders and rejects refugees who are suffering and homeless. The poet shows how even animals are allowed to live happily, but human refugees are denied safety and kindness. This contrast highlights the cruelty of human-made systems. Nature treats all its creatures kindly, while society fails to protect even its fellow human beings.

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Extra Question 9: What does the dream about the building symbolize?

🔹 20 words:

The dream of a huge building with many windows and doors symbolizes opportunities, but none are open for the refugees.

🔹 40 words:

The dream building with a thousand doors and windows symbolizes endless opportunities. Yet, sadly, not a single one welcomes the refugees. This shows how society appears full of chances, but for refugees, every opportunity is blocked, reflecting their constant rejection.

🔹 60 words:

In the poem, the dream of a tall building with a thousand doors and windows symbolizes endless opportunities in the world. But not one door is open for the refugees. This dream highlights the cruel reality where refugees, despite many chances around them, are denied entry everywhere. Their hopes for a better life remain unfulfilled. The image reflects the harsh truth that society shuts its doors on suffering people.

🔹 80 words:

The poet describes a dream where a huge building has a thousand floors, doors, and windows, symbolizing countless opportunities in the world. But, sadly, none of those doors are open to the refugees. This powerful image shows how they are rejected everywhere, even where opportunities exist. Despite their hopes, society blocks every path to happiness and safety. The dream reflects their deep loneliness and endless search for acceptance in a world that seems to offer many chances, but none for them.

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Extra Question 10: Why do the refugees ask for tickets to happiness?

🔹 20 words:

They ask for tickets to happiness because they long for peace and safety. But every way to happiness is closed.

🔹 40 words:

The refugees ask for tickets to happiness because they dream of a peaceful and safe life. However, every coach is full, meaning they find no place of comfort. This shows their longing for joy and peace, but the world keeps denying them.

🔹 60 words:

In the poem, the refugees ask for “two tickets to Happiness,” symbolizing their deep desire for peace and joy. They want to escape their suffering and find a place where they feel safe and happy. But when they try to board the train to happiness, every coach is full. This reflects how, no matter how hard they try, the world leaves no room for their peace and safety.

🔹 80 words:

The refugees ask for “two tickets to Happiness” as a way to express their longing for a peaceful life, free from rejection and suffering. They hope to find a place where they can be safe and happy together. However, when they try to board the train, every coach is already full, meaning there is no place left for them. This symbolizes how the world shuts them out of happiness and peace, leaving them to wander endlessly in pain and loneliness.

Extra Question 11: What is the meaning of “officially dead” in the poem?

🔹 20 words:

“Officially dead” means the refugees have no legal identity without a passport. They are treated as if they don’t exist.

🔹 40 words:

“Officially dead” means that, without a passport, refugees are not recognized by the government. They lose their legal identity and rights. Although alive, they are ignored by society and law. This phrase highlights how cruel bureaucracy denies basic humanity to refugees.

🔹 60 words:

In the poem, the phrase “officially dead” shows the refugees’ sad condition. Without passports, they are legally invisible and powerless. The consul declares that their existence doesn’t matter because the law does not recognize them. This reflects society’s heartless attitude, where documents decide a person’s value. Refugees, despite being alive, are treated as if they have no right to exist.

🔹 80 words:

The term “officially dead” means that without legal papers like passports, the refugees are treated as non-existent by the government. The consul cruelly declares that they do not legally exist, even though they are living human beings. This highlights the harsh reality where people’s rights depend on documents. Without these papers, refugees lose their identity and protection. Auden criticizes a system that values documents over human lives, making refugees invisible and powerless in the eyes of the law.

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Extra Question 12: What is the tone of the poem?

🔹 20 words:

The tone of the poem is sad and emotional. It expresses the helplessness, loneliness, and constant rejection faced by refugees.

🔹 40 words:

The tone of “Refugee Blues” is sorrowful and filled with pain. The poet uses simple words and repetition to show the sadness of refugees. Their endless suffering, rejection, and loneliness create an emotional tone that makes readers feel deep sympathy for them.

🔹 60 words:

The poem’s tone is deeply sad and emotional. Through simple language and repeated phrases, the poet shows the refugees’ helpless condition. Their constant rejection by society and their longing for peace create a sorrowful atmosphere. Even the gentle way the speaker says “my dear” adds a personal sadness. This tone helps readers understand the refugees’ painful journey and the cruelty of the world.

🔹 80 words:

The tone of “Refugee Blues” is full of sadness, pain, and helplessness. The poet uses simple yet powerful words to express the emotional suffering of refugees. The repeated phrase “my dear” adds tenderness but also highlights their endless rejection. Their search for a home, only to face closed doors, creates a sorrowful mood. The contrast between the peaceful natural world and the cruel human world further deepens this tone, making readers feel pity for the suffering refugees.

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Extra Question 13: How does the poem reflect the cruelty of the political system?

🔹 20 words:

The political system rejects refugees, denies them safety, and follows strict rules instead of showing kindness to suffering human beings.

🔹 40 words:

The poem shows that the political system is cruel and heartless. Officials refuse refugees help because of rules and documents. They treat refugees as dead without passports. Politicians care about their own comfort but ignore the pain of homeless, suffering people.

🔹 60 words:

The political system in the poem is shown as selfish and cruel. Officials bang tables and declare refugees “officially dead” if they lack documents. Politicians debate but refuse to provide shelter or safety. Instead of protecting people, the system creates suffering by focusing on power and control. Auden criticizes this system, showing that it lacks compassion for helpless refugees who need kindness, not strict rules.

🔹 80 words:

The poem reflects the cruelty of the political system through its harsh treatment of refugees. Officials coldly declare that without passports, the refugees are “officially dead,” ignoring their suffering. Politicians care more about protecting their wealth and power than about helping homeless people. Even committees and public meetings refuse to assist, asking the refugees to return later. The poet exposes how the system is designed to protect the privileged, while the vulnerable like refugees are left to suffer alone.

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Extra Question 14: What role does repetition play in the poem?

🔹 20 words:

Repetition creates a musical, emotional effect in the poem. It highlights the refugees’ sadness and their repeated rejection everywhere.

🔹 40 words:

Repetition in the poem adds rhythm and emphasizes the refugees’ pain. The phrase “my dear” repeats in every stanza, creating a personal, emotional connection. This constant repetition mirrors the endless struggles and rejection the refugees face in every place they go.

🔹 60 words:

The poet uses repetition to strengthen the poem’s emotional impact. The repeated phrase “my dear” adds warmth and sadness, showing the speaker’s love and the constant struggles they face. This repetition also creates a musical, ballad-like rhythm. It reflects how the refugees face rejection again and again, no matter where they go. Their suffering is continuous, and repetition powerfully highlights this painful reality.

🔹 80 words:

Repetition plays a key role in creating the emotional tone and musical rhythm of the poem. The phrase “my dear” is repeated at the end of many stanzas, adding tenderness but also sadness. This repetition highlights the refugees’ constant struggle and rejection. No matter where they turn, they find the same pain and suffering. The repeated structure of the lines mirrors their endless journey in search of safety. Through this technique, the poet makes their sorrow unforgettable and touching.

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Extra Question 15: How is the title “Refugee Blues” symbolic?

🔹 20 words:

The title “Refugee Blues” symbolizes the sadness and suffering of refugees. “Blues” refers to a sorrowful song expressing pain.

🔹 40 words:

The title is symbolic because “Blues” refers to a sad song, showing the refugees’ sorrowful lives. They are homeless and rejected everywhere. The title perfectly captures their endless sadness, reflecting their emotional and physical suffering as they search for peace.

🔹 60 words:

“Refugee Blues” is a symbolic title. The word “Refugee” refers to people forced to flee their homes, and “Blues” refers to a musical style expressing sadness. Together, the title symbolizes the refugees’ painful journey filled with sorrow and rejection. Like a sad song, the poem describes their helplessness and longing for a safe place where they can finally find peace and acceptance.

🔹 80 words:

The title “Refugee Blues” symbolically captures the pain and sadness of the refugees. The word “Blues” refers to a musical form that expresses deep sorrow and longing. This perfectly matches the emotional tone of the poem, where refugees wander from place to place, facing rejection and loneliness. The refugees, like characters in a sad song, carry their suffering wherever they go. Through this symbolic title, Auden prepares readers for a touching story of human pain and struggle.

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Extra Question 16: Why are animals and birds described as free in the poem?

🔹 20 words:

Animals and birds are free because they don’t follow human rules. Unlike refugees, they live without fear or rejection.

🔹 40 words:

Animals and birds are described as free because they do not suffer from politics or rejection. Birds sing peacefully, and animals are cared for. The poet shows that even simple creatures live freely, while human refugees face cruelty, rejection, and constant fear.

🔹 60 words:

The poet describes animals and birds as free to show the contrast between nature and human society. Birds sing happily in the trees, and animals live without fear. They don’t suffer from borders or governments. However, human refugees face rejection and pain everywhere they go. This comparison highlights the cruelty of society, where even animals have better lives than homeless and suffering human beings like refugees.

🔹 80 words:

Animals and birds in the poem are shown as free and peaceful. They live in harmony with nature, without restrictions, borders, or politicians telling them where to go. Birds sing happily, and pets are cared for lovingly. This contrasts with the refugees’ condition. Despite being human, they are rejected and suffer endlessly. The poet highlights this irony to criticize human society, showing that while animals enjoy freedom, humans create barriers that cause pain for other humans.

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Extra Question 17: How does the poet show the danger faced by refugees?

🔹 20 words:

The poet shows danger through Hitler’s threat and the soldiers searching for the refugees. Their lives are always at risk.

🔹 40 words:

The refugees face danger from both leaders like Hitler and soldiers who hunt them. The poet describes thunder and marching soldiers, symbolizing war and death. Refugees are constantly hunted and unsafe, living in fear of being caught and killed.

🔹 60 words:

The poet shows the danger refugees face through frightening images of Hitler’s threats and soldiers searching for them. The rumbling thunder in the sky symbolizes war, while the soldiers marching in the snow show constant pursuit. These images reflect how refugees are never safe. They are hunted because of their identity, living in constant fear of arrest or death. Their struggle for safety is life-threatening.

🔹 80 words:

Auden shows the danger faced by refugees through powerful images of violence and war. Hitler’s voice rumbling like thunder over Europe shows that refugees are in his thoughts as targets for persecution. Soldiers marching through snow search for them, ready to arrest or kill. These images reflect the constant threat to the refugees’ lives. They are hunted simply for who they are, living in fear and danger everywhere they go. Their existence becomes a painful, life-threatening struggle for survival.

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Extra Question 18: What do the full coaches of the express train represent?

🔹 20 words:

The full coaches represent how all paths to happiness and peace are closed for the refugees. They find no space anywhere.

🔹 40 words:

The full coaches of the express train symbolize the world’s rejection of refugees. Though they seek happiness and peace, every place is already full or unwilling to help them. This shows how refugees face closed opportunities everywhere they go.

🔹 60 words:

In the poem, the express train’s full coaches represent the refugees’ inability to find happiness or peace. They dream of traveling to a better place, but every coach is already full. This symbolizes how all chances for a peaceful life are denied to them. Despite their hope and efforts, society shuts them out, leaving them to wander helplessly in search of a home they cannot find.

🔹 80 words:

The full coaches in the express train symbolize the blocked paths to happiness and peace for the refugees. They wish to escape their suffering and reach a safe place, but society’s doors are closed. Every coach being full reflects how the world leaves no room for the helpless. Even when they dream of happiness, reality crushes their hopes. This image emphasizes the refugees’ endless struggle, showing that no matter where they turn, safety and comfort are always out of reach.

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Extra Question 19: How does the poet criticize society in the poem?

🔹 20 words:

The poet criticizes society for being selfish and heartless. It rejects refugees and fails to show compassion for human suffering.

🔹 40 words:

Auden criticizes society’s selfishness and cruelty. People protect their own comfort while rejecting suffering refugees. Instead of sharing happiness and safety, they build walls of rejection. The poet shows how society ignores human pain, treating refugees as unwanted strangers.

🔹 60 words:

The poet strongly criticizes society’s lack of compassion. He shows how people and leaders protect their own safety and wealth, refusing to help the refugees. Even though the refugees have lost everything, society still turns them away. The poet uses images of closed doors and full trains to show how the world leaves no space for those in need, highlighting its selfishness and cruelty.

🔹 80 words:

In “Refugee Blues,” Auden criticizes society for its heartless rejection of the helpless. People and governments protect their own interests, while suffering refugees are denied safety and kindness. The poet uses powerful images like closed doors, full trains, and uncaring politicians to expose society’s selfishness. He shows how humans fail to help one another in times of need. The poem calls for compassion, urging society to recognize the humanity of refugees and offer them love and protection.

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Extra Question 20: Why is this poem still relevant today?

🔹 20 words:

This poem is relevant today because refugees worldwide still suffer rejection, war, and homelessness. Their struggles for safety continue.

🔹 40 words:

The poem remains relevant as millions of refugees today face similar pain. They flee wars and persecution but find rejection and closed borders. Like in the poem, society still fails to show compassion. Their search for peace continues without success.

🔹 60 words:

Even today, the poem’s message is important because refugees worldwide face the same struggles. War, hatred, and politics force them to leave their homes. Yet, they face rejection in many countries, where society denies them safety and shelter. Like the poem describes, their search for happiness is met with closed doors. Auden’s message of compassion and humanity is still needed today.

🔹 80 words:

“Refugee Blues” remains relevant because, even today, refugees suffer worldwide. Wars, political conflicts, and hatred continue to displace people. Millions search for a safe home but face rejection at borders. Societies still refuse to accept them, fearing that they will take away resources. Like in the poem, these refugees remain homeless and alone, longing for peace and kindness. Auden’s powerful message urges the world to replace cruelty with compassion and help those in need.