CBSE Class 11 English Chapter 3 Coming NCERT Solutions

The poem 'Coming' by Philip Larkin features a thrush whose song announces the imminent arrival of spring. The bird, perched in a garden shrub, sings repeatedly in its clear, vibrant voice that spring is approaching. This joyful announcement is directly related to the poem's title, 'Coming,' as it signifies the advent of a new season. The thrush's song creates an 'astonishing' effect, bringing a sense of renewal and happiness that permeates the surroundings, mirroring the anticipation and celebration implied by the title.

The speaker, Philip Larkin, describes his childhood as 'a forgotten boredom' because it was a period lacking significant, positive memories. Despite having loving parents, he recalls his childhood with a sense of dejection and a poor self-concept, possibly exacerbated by a childhood stammer. The phrase suggests that his early years were uneventful and unmemorable, to the point where he feels he has forgotten them. He even remarked that his biography could begin at age 21, implying that nothing particularly noteworthy happened before then. This description highlights a lack of fondness for his past experiences.

The element of surprise arises when the poet, reflecting on his past, transforms into a child observing adults reconciling. The child feels happy simply by witnessing the adults making peace, much like a child who feels joy when elders are happy, even without understanding the context of their disagreement or reconciliation. This reaction is surprising because it stems from pure innocence; the child's happiness is derived from others' happiness, irrespective of the situation's complexities. This innocence is juxtaposed with the experienced adults, highlighting a profound difference in perception and emotional response.

The poem 'Coming' primarily explores the transition from winter to spring, comparing the two seasons and, by extension, different stages of human life. It highlights the contrast between the cold, gloomy winter and the vibrant, life-affirming spring, where nature awakens with new energy. This seasonal change is paralleled with the difference between the innocence of childhood and the experience of adulthood. The poem also implicitly compares the poet's current reflective state with his past childhood, and the natural world's cyclical renewal with human life's progression.

These lines create a vivid and serene image of an early spring evening. The 'light, chill and yellow' likely refers to the soft, cool light of the setting sun during the spring season. This light gently illuminates the 'foreheads of houses,' a poetic way of describing the rooftops or upper facades. The imagery evokes a sense of calm and tranquility, suggesting that nature, represented by the houses bathed in this light, is peacefully welcoming the arrival of spring. It sets a picturesque and contemplative mood for the poem.

The phrase 'fresh-peeled voice' is used to describe the thrush's song, emphasizing its clarity, vibrancy, and newness. 'Fresh-peeled' suggests a quality that is newly emerged, clean, and invigorating, much like a freshly peeled fruit. This description perfectly captures the essence of spring's arrival – a time of renewal and freshness after the dormancy of winter. The phrase imbues the thrush's song with a lively and sharp quality that has an 'astonishing' effect, symbolizing the revitalizing power of nature and the season itself. It also draws a parallel between the bird's pure, unadulterated voice and the innocence of childhood.