CBSE Class 11 English NCERT Solutions: Chapter 1 - The Peacock

In the context of the poem, 'turquoise' refers to a specific colour, a vibrant greenish-blue shade that evokes the rich hues of the peacock's feathers. 'Darts' describes the sudden, quick, and swift movements the peacock makes, adding a sense of dynamism to its appearance.

Several lines in the poem are instrumental in creating a vivid, colourful image of the peacock:

• The phrase "a flash of turquoise" immediately brings to mind the brilliant greenish-blue colour of the peacock's plumage, suggesting a sudden, striking visual.
• The description of its "slender neck" paints a picture of elegance and grace, highlighting its refined physical form.
• The mention of "A blue shadow" adds another layer to its visual presence, hinting at its colour even when partially obscured.
• The detailed depiction of its eyes, "Those dark glowing eyes violet fringed with golden amber", offers a close-up view of its striking features, combining deep colours with a warm, metallic fringe.

Collectively, these phrases allow the reader to form a rich, multi-coloured mental image of the peacock.

The poem suggests several subtle and direct cues that indicate a peacock is nearby:

• A loud, sharp call is the first auditory signal mentioned.
• A fleeting "flash of turquoise" offers a visual hint of its colour.
• A glimpse of the "disappearing tail end" provides a brief visual confirmation.
• The appearance of a "blue shadow" can also suggest its presence.
• A noticeable change in the wind's direction might be attributed to its movement.
• Furthermore, the poem notes that the awakening and stretching of a nearby cat can be an indirect sign, as cats are often aware of the presence of other animals.

These signals collectively paint a picture of a creature that announces its presence in various subtle ways.

The poem draws an interesting parallel between the 'eyes' on the peacock's tail feathers and actual eyes. While these are not literal eyes that can blink, the way the tail feathers fan out and contract creates an illusion. When the tail is gathered, it appears as if many eyes are closing or blinking simultaneously. This comparison significantly enhances the descriptive detail by adding a layer of visual complexity and a unique perspective on the intricate patterns of the peacock's plumage, making it more captivating and memorable for the reader.

The poem effectively captures the elusive nature of the peacock by focusing on indirect signs of its presence and its tendency to avoid direct observation. Instead of a clear sighting, the reader encounters:

• The initial hint of its presence through its "loud sharp call".
• A brief, almost missed, visual of the "very end of his tail".
• The image of the peacock "turning away as he gathers his tail" when someone attempts to get a closer look.

These descriptions emphasize that the peacock is a creature that is difficult to spot clearly or to observe for long, highlighting its shy and fleeting character.

The poem uses specific and evocative colour-related expressions to capture the vibrant hues of the peacock's plumage:

• "Turquoise" directly names the prominent greenish-blue colour.
• "Blue shadow" suggests the deep blue tones that can appear in its feathers.
• The description of its eyes, "dark glowing eyes violet fringed with golden amber", adds further colour details, mentioning violet and golden-amber hues that complement the primary colours.

These carefully chosen words and phrases work together to present a rich and varied palette of colours associated with the peacock's magnificent feathers.