The Peacock by Sujata Bhatt

 The Peacock by Sujata Bhatt 

The poem describes a serene moment when a peacock appears. Its loud call captures attention, and then a flash of turquoise reveals its presence in a pipal tree. The peacock descends gracefully, its slender neck arched away from the observer. As it darts away, only the very end of its tail is visible.

The narrator was told that to witness this magical sight, one must sit on the veranda and read a book with great concentration. When fully immersed in the book, a blue shadow falls over the reader. The wind changes direction, the hum of bees nearby ceases, and even the cat stirs. Something disrupts the reader’s attention, and if they look up in time, they might catch the peacock turning away. Its tail, with dark glowing eyes, is violet fringed with golden amber. Interestingly, it is the tail that blinks, even though the peacock’s eyes are always open.

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Word Meanings

Notice these words in the poem and guess their meaning from the context

turquoise                darts

 Answer:

Turquoise: A greenish-blue colour

Dart: To move suddenly and quickly in a particular direction

Understanding the Poem

1. Comment on the lines that make you visualise the colourful image of the peacock.

Answer: The lines that paint a vibrant image of the peacock are:

When the poet describes the peacock as “a flash of turquoise,” it evokes a vivid, colourful image in the reader’s mind.

The phrase “the slender neck” highlights the sleek figure and the graceful posture of the peacock.

“A blue shadow” further enhances the captivating image of the peacock.

The poet's mention of “Those dark glowing eyes violet fringed with golden amber” beautifully depicts the peacock’s stunning eyes.

2. What are the cues that signal the presence of the peacock in the vicinity?

Answer: The loud, sharp call, a flash of turquoise, a disappearing tail, a blue shadow, the wind changing direction, and the cat awakening and stretching all signal that a peacock is nearby.

3. How does the connection drawn between the tail and the eyes add to the descriptive detail of the poem?

Answer: The pattern on a peacock's tail resembles eyes, but these eyes do not blink. Instead, when the tail contracts, it creates the illusion of numerous eyes blinking simultaneously. This detail enriches the poem's imagery.

4. How does the poem capture the elusive nature of the peacock?

Answer: The poem captures the elusive nature of the peacock by describing the indirect signs of its presence. For instance, the opening line features "His loud sharp call," and the last line of the first stanza mentions a "glimpse of the very end of his tail." If someone tries hard to catch sight of the elusive bird, they "might see the peacock turning away as he gathers his tail." This portrayal emphasizes the peacock's elusive character.

5. The peacock is a colourful bird. How does the poem capture the various colours that its plumage displays?

Answer: The poem vividly captures the peacock's plumage with expressions like "turquoise," "blue shadow," "dark glowing eyes," and "violet fringed with golden amber." These descriptions beautifully convey the vibrant colours associated with peacocks.

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?

Answer: In the literature of Indian languages, the peacock is often associated with qualities such as beauty, grace, and divinity. Its magnificent plumage and striking appearance make it a symbol of elegance and splendour. The peacock is frequently linked to the monsoon season, symbolizing joy and prosperity as its dance is believed to herald the arrival of rains.

In Hindu mythology, the peacock is associated with various deities, most notably with Lord Krishna, who is often depicted with a peacock feather in his crown, symbolizing divine beauty and cosmic unity. The peacock is also the mount of Kartikeya (Murugan), the god of war, representing victory and valor.

 

Additionally, the peacock embodies immortality and renewal, as its feathers are believed to bring good luck and protection. The bird's ability to shed its feathers and regrow them is seen as a metaphor for the cycle of life, death, and rebirth.

In summary, the peacock in Indian literature represents a blend of aesthetic beauty, divine connection, prosperity, and the cyclical nature of life.

2. The peacock is the national bird of India. Why do you think the peacock has been chosen?

Answer: The peacock has been chosen as the national bird of India for several reasons:

Cultural Significance: The peacock holds a prominent place in Indian mythology, art, and folklore. It is associated with various deities in Hindu mythology, such as Lord Krishna and Kartikeya, symbolizing beauty, grace, and divinity. The bird's presence in ancient and contemporary Indian culture underscores its deep-rooted significance.

Aesthetic Appeal: The peacock is known for its stunning plumage and vibrant colours, which make it a symbol of elegance and splendour. Its impressive and colourful display during the mating dance captivates people and represents the rich and diverse beauty of India's wildlife.

Symbol of Pride and Grace: The peacock embodies pride and grace, qualities that resonate with India's national identity. Its majestic appearance and dignified bearing reflect the country's cultural richness and heritage.

Ecological Importance: As a native species, the peacock is an integral part of India's ecosystem. Choosing a bird that is indigenous to the region emphasizes the country's commitment to preserving its natural heritage and biodiversity.

National Unity: The peacock's widespread presence across the country makes it a unifying symbol for all Indians. It is a bird that people from various regions and cultures can recognize and take pride in, fostering a sense of national unity.

In summary, the peacock's choice as India's national bird reflects its cultural, aesthetic, ecological, and symbolic importance, making it a fitting emblem for the nation.

Additional Questions

1. Who is the poet of "The Peacock"?

Answer: Sujata Bhatt.

2. What signals the presence of the peacock in the poem?

Answer: A loud sharp call, a flash of turquoise, and a blue shadow.

3. What colour is mentioned in the poem to describe the peacock's appearance?

Answer: Turquoise.

4. What happens to the cat in the poem when the peacock is nearby?

Answer: The cat awakens and stretches.

5. What must one do to possibly see the peacock, according to the poem?

Answer: Sit in the veranda and read a favourite book with great concentration.

6. What does the peacock do as it gathers its tail in the poem?

Answer: It turns away, and the tail appears to blink.

7. What is the significance of the peacock's tail in the poem?

Answer: It has patterns that resemble eyes which appear to blink.

8. What happens to the wind in the poem when the peacock is nearby?

Answer: The wind changes direction.

9. What imagery is used to describe the peacock’s eyes?

Answer: "Dark glowing eyes violet fringed with golden amber."