The Peacock | Class 11 English Notes

The Peacock

The poem 'The Peacock' by Sujata Bhatt vividly captures the elusive and vibrant presence of the peacock through rich imagery and sensory details. The poem opens with the loud, sharp call of the peacock, which seemingly comes from nowhere, immediately drawing the reader's attention. The sudden 'flash of turquoise' in the pipal tree creates a striking visual image of the bird's brilliant plumage. The description of the peacock's 'slender neck arched away from you as he descends' conveys grace and elegance. The poet then describes the bird darting away, leaving only a glimpse of the very end of its tail, emphasizing its fleeting nature. The poem shifts to a more intimate setting where the observer is advised to sit quietly in the veranda and read a favourite book with great concentration. This quiet focus is essential to notice the subtle signs of the peacock's presence. The poem describes a 'blue shadow' falling over the reader, the wind changing direction, the bees' hum stopping, and the cat awakening and stretching. These natural cues signal the peacock's arrival without directly seeing it. The poet highlights how the peacock's tail, with its 'dark glowing eyes, violet fringed with golden amber,' is the most captivating feature. The tail is personified as blinking to protect the eyes that are 'always open,' suggesting the tail's eyespots are a protective or watchful feature. Overall, the poem beautifully captures the peacock's elusive nature, its vibrant colours, and the quiet moments needed to observe it.

📊 Diagram: No diagrams are provided, but readers can visualize the peacock perched on a pipal tree with its vibrant tail feathers and the surrounding natural environment.

🧪 Activity: No specific activity is mentioned in this section.

🔗 Connection: This detailed reading of the poem prepares students for the 'About the Poet' section, which provides context about Sujata Bhatt and her poetic style.