Coming
NCERT Class 11 English Chapter 11: Coming (Pages 111–112)
Coming at a Glance
CBSE
Class 11
English
Woven Words
11
111–112
6 study resources
Coming is a chapter in the CBSE Class 11 English syllabus from Woven Words. This chapter hub brings together revision notes, practice questions, worksheets, flashcards to help students learn, practice, and revise Coming effectively.
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NCERT Class 11 English Chapter 11: Coming (Pages 111–112)
CBSE
Class 11
English
Woven Words
11
111–112
6 study resources
Download the Coming revision guide with key points, summaries, and quick revision notes for CBSE Class 11 English.
Key Points
Philip Larkin's life and career.
Larkin (1922–1985) was an English poet known for his modernist viewpoint and existential themes.
Theme of nature in 'Coming'.
The poem illustrates the transition from winter to spring, symbolizing rebirth and hope.
Imagery of light and evening.
Larkin uses 'light, chill and yellow' to convey a serene yet vivid evening, enhancing mood.
Significance of the thrush's song.
The thrush represents the joyous arrival of spring, correlating closely with the poem's title.
Description of childhood.
The speaker reflects on childhood as 'a forgotten boredom', emphasizing a loss of innocence.
Adult reconciling theme.
The speaker observes adults reconciling and feels distanced, highlighting the complexity of growing up.
Value of laughter in the poem.
Laughter signifies happiness and understanding, subtly contrasting childhood and adult experiences.
Fresh-peeled voice imagery.
This phrase evokes purity and newness, reinforcing themes of renewal in spring.
Emotional transition in the poem.
The narrator moves from a sense of nostalgia to a newfound happiness, marking a significant change.
Comparison of seasons.
The poem compares winter's dullness to the vibrant resurgence of spring, highlighting life's cyclical nature.
Connection between environment and emotions.
The surrounding atmosphere reflects the speaker’s internal state, linking nature to personal feelings.
Use of repetition in 'It will be spring soon'.
Repetition emphasizes anticipation and relief associated with the arrival of spring.
Structure of the poem.
The free verse structure allows fluidity, mirroring the natural themes present in the content.
Larkin's minimalism in language.
Larkin's concise and straightforward language creates clearer emotional connections with readers.
Role of setting in the poem.
The setting, a serene garden, enhances feelings of peace and complements the poem's themes.
Contrasts in adult and child perspectives.
Larkin contrasts childlike simplicity with adult complexity to explore themes of understanding.
Cultural relevance of spring.
Spring signifies renewal across cultures, acting as a universal metaphor for hope and change.
Literary devices used.
Imagery and metaphor are prevalent, enhancing the emotional depth of the poem and its themes.
Real-world connections.
The poem reflects universally relatable experiences of growth, memory, and the passage of time.
Larkin's place in poetry.
As a member of the 'Movement', Larkin's work reflects a departure from romanticism to realism.
Analyzing reader's response.
Readers are encouraged to reflect on their perspectives and emotional responses to changing seasons.
Practice important questions and exam-style problems from Coming. These questions cover key topics from the CBSE Class 11 English syllabus.
How to practice: Start with the questions below to test your understanding of Coming. Use the revision guide to review concepts you find difficult, then come back and retry the questions for better retention.
What is the primary theme of Philip Larkin's poetry?
From which volume is the poem 'Coming' taken?
Which literary movement is Philip Larkin associated with in the 1950s?
What does the bird in the poem symbolize?
How is the speaker's childhood described in the poem?
What element causes surprise in the poem when the adult is reconciled?
In the phrase 'fresh-peeled voice,' what does 'fresh-peeled' imply?
What does the title 'Coming' suggest about the poem's themes?
Which technique does Larkin often use in his poetry?
What does the imagery of 'Light, chill and yellow' in the poem convey?
How does Larkin's poetry typically respond to the theme of death?
What is the significance of the poem's setting in understanding its themes?
Which best describes Larkin's style throughout his works?
What does the word 'chill' in the line 'Light, chill and yellow' imply?
What type of poem is Larkin's 'Coming' classified as?
What theme does the poem predominantly explore?
What literary device is primarily used in the phrase 'fresh-peeled voice'?
The title 'Coming' reflects which aspect of the poem?
How does the imagery of 'light, chill and yellow' contribute to the theme?
Which element presents a contrast to childhood in the poem?
What does the bird’s song symbolize in the poem?
What emotional tone does the poem convey?
Which two contrasting ideas are explored through the poem?
In what way does Larkin evoke a sense of nostalgia?
What is the primary function of nature in the poem?
Which of the following lines best illustrates the poem’s theme of renewal?
What aspect of childhood does the phrase 'forgotten boredom' suggest?
How does the imagery employed in the poem enhance its emotional impact?
What underlying message about life does 'Coming' communicate?
What duality can be found in the imagery of the poem?
How does the use of nature as a motif affect the poem's overall theme?
What does the bird in the poem signify?
Why is childhood described as 'a forgotten boredom'?
What is the traditional structure of a haiku?
What creates surprise when the child appears in the poem?
Which of the following correctly exemplifies the theme of haiku?
Which two elements are compared in the poem?
What does the term 'syllable' refer to in poetry?
What mood is evoked by the lines 'Light, chill and yellow'?
Which English-language poem follows the haiku structure?
What is meant by the phrase 'fresh-peeled voice'?
In haiku poetry, the focus is often on what kind of moment?
How does the poem explore the theme of change?
Which of the following is a common subject in haiku?
What literary device is predominantly used in the phrase 'bathed in light'?
Haikus often evoke what type of feeling?
Which emotion does the poem primarily evoke?
What is the main purpose of a haiku?
How does the poem’s structure contribute to its meaning?
What distinguishes a haiku from other types of poems?
What role does nature play in the poem?
Which of the following lines illustrates a haiku’s seasonal reference?
Which line illustrates a moment of realization?
Haikus are typically written in which language?
What does the title 'Coming' suggest in relation to the poem?
What literary device is commonly used in haikus?
In what way does Larkin maintain a sense of realism throughout the poem?
Which line from the excerpt 'NIGHT' illustrates a sense of calmness?
What overall message can be derived from the poem?
Which haiku focuses on the theme of solitude?
What structural pattern does a typical haiku follow?
Which of these haikus includes a warning?
What does the thrush in the poem 'Coming' signify?
Which phrase describes the speaker's childhood in the poem?
How does the poem 'Coming' describe the houses?
What effect does the phrase 'fresh-peeled voice' have in the poem?
What two elements are juxtaposed in the poem 'Coming'?
What does the repetition of 'It will be spring soon' imply?
What is the mood established by the line 'Light, chill and yellow'?
Which poet is suggested for further reading after 'Coming'?
What does the speaker’s reaction to the scene of 'adult reconciling' signify?
What literary technique is predominantly used in depicting nature in 'Coming'?
What does the title 'Coming' suggest in the context of the poem?
In what way does the poem 'Coming' depict the passage of time?
What emotion does the speaker associate with ‘unusual laughter’?
How does the use of color in 'Light, chill and yellow' contribute to the poem?
Where was Philip Larkin born?
What literary movement is Philip Larkin associated with?
Which of the following is NOT a principal work of Philip Larkin?
Larkin's poetry often explores themes of:
In what decade did Larkin emerge as a prominent poet?
What does the title 'The Less Deceived' suggest about Larkin's poetry?
Which poet is known for their existential themes and is a contemporary of Larkin?
What does Larkin's exploration of death often convey?
In which way does 'Coming' relate to Larkin's themes?
Which of the following statements best describes Larkin's poetic style?
How does 'The Less Deceived' establish kinship with the environment?
Which characteristic is least associated with Larkin's poetry?
What is a recurring element in Larkin's poetry regarding memory?
Identify a poetic device frequently used by Larkin.
Which form does Larkin's poetry typically adopt?
Download and practice Coming worksheets to improve problem-solving accuracy and speed for CBSE Class 11 English exams.
This worksheet covers essential long-answer questions to help you build confidence in Coming from Woven Words for Class 11 (English).
Questions
What is the significance of the thrush's song in the poem 'Coming', and how does it relate to the theme of seasonal change?
The thrush's song represents the arrival of spring and symbolizes renewal and joy. This joyous moment in nature contrasts with the speaker's reflections on childhood. The song acts as a catalyst for the speaker's emotions, linking nature's cycles with personal growth. Discuss the symbolism of the thrush in relation to the idea of awakening and the tension between childhood innocence and adult experiences.
Explain the imagery used in the opening lines of the poem. How does it set the tone for the rest of the poem?
The imagery of 'light, chill and yellow' creates a vivid visual and sensory experience that sets a tranquil yet strange atmosphere. It suggests an early spring evening that is both cool and inviting, enhancing the themes of change. Explore how this imagery prepares the reader for the emotional journey of the speaker from boredom to happiness.
Discuss the phrase 'forgotten boredom' in relation to the theme of nostalgia within the poem.
The phrase 'forgotten boredom' encapsulates the speaker's feelings about childhood, suggesting a mix of nostalgia and detachment. Delve into how this phrase reflects the complexity of the speaker's emotions and memory, contrasting with the joyous sound of the thrush. Explore the tension between past experiences and present feelings.
What role does the concept of 'adult reconciling' play in the emotional development of the speaker throughout the poem?
The phrase 'adult reconciling' suggests a moment of coming together or acceptance among adults, which the speaker observes from a child's perspective. Discuss how this observation shapes the speaker's understanding of happiness and complicates the relationship between youth and maturity, highlighting the confusion and delight experienced during this moment.
Analyze the title 'Coming'. What does it signify in the context of the poem?
The title 'Coming' signifies both the literal arrival of spring and the metaphorical emergence of the speaker's emotions. Discuss how this duality impacts the reader's interpretation of the speaker's journey towards happiness, as well as the transient nature of time and change, and what 'coming' means in life.
How does Larkin use sound devices in the poem? Provide examples and discuss their effects.
Larkin employs sound devices such as alliteration and assonance to create musicality in the poem. For example, the phrase 'fresh-peeled voice' contains assonance that emphasizes the clarity of the thrush's song. Discuss how these sound devices enhance the imagery and emotional impact of the poem, contributing to the overall theme.
Examine the notion of happiness as presented in the poem. How does the speaker's understanding of happiness evolve?
The poem presents happiness as a fleeting experience, often tied to nature and childhood. Analyze how the speaker moves from a sense of detached boredom to momentary joy while observing spring's arrival. Discuss how this contrasts with adult experiences and what it reveals about the pursuit of happiness in different life stages.
Contrast the themes of childhood and adulthood in Larkin's 'Coming'. How do these themes interact?
The themes of childhood and adulthood are juxtaposed throughout the poem, with the speaker reflecting on their past while observing adult interactions. Discuss how Larkin illustrates the simplicity of childhood joy against the complexities of adult life, and how this comparison evokes a sense of longing.
What does the phrase 'unusual laughter' convey about the speaker's perspective on the adult world?
The phrase 'unusual laughter' suggests a sense of bewilderment or surprise from the speaker regarding adult joy. Analyze how this reflects the speaker's detachment and emerging understanding of happiness amid the complexities of adult life, hinting at their own transition.
Discuss the use of nature as a reflection of human emotions in the poem. Provide specific examples.
Nature in Larkin's poem serves as a mirror for the speaker's inner emotions. The arrival of spring, symbolized by the thrush's song, contrasts with the speaker's nostalgic memories. Discuss how scenes of nature contribute to the themes of renewal and emotional awakening, providing a backdrop for the human experience portrayed in the poem.
This worksheet challenges you with deeper, multi-concept long-answer questions from Coming to prepare for higher-weightage questions in Class 11.
Questions
Analyze how Larkin uses imagery in 'Coming' to convey the transition from childhood to adulthood. Provide examples and explore the emotional undercurrents in these images.
Larkin employs visual imagery such as 'Light, chill and yellow' to depict the serene environment, contrasting it with the speaker's feelings of disconnection from childhood. This juxtaposition highlights the emotional complexity of growing up. A structured paragraph would analyze one image at a time, concluding with an interpretation of how these images reflect the theme of reconciliation with the past.
Discuss the significance of the bird's song in the poem. How does it relate to the theme of new beginnings and the cyclical nature of life?
The thrush's song symbolizes the arrival of spring and represents renewal and optimism. It contrasts with the speaker's feelings of boredom and disconnection, suggesting that life continues even when one feels stagnant. A detailed response could compare the bird's call with the human experience of change.
Evaluate the phrase 'fresh-peeled voice' within the context of the poem. What does it reveal about the speaker's perception of innocence and experience?
The 'fresh-peeled voice' suggests purity and a new perspective, contrasting with the speaker's nostalgic view of his childhood. The phrase indicates freshness in perception, evoking childhood innocence. The evaluation should connect with how the speaker's adult understanding alters his view of these experiences.
Examine the role of light in the poem. How does Larkin's use of light reflect the themes of awareness and awakening?
Light in 'Coming' serves as a metaphor for hope and clarity. It bathes the houses, creating warmth, which mirrors the speaker's gradual shift from disillusionment to happiness. A structured analysis would discuss placement, tone shifts, and how these transitions signify the awakening to life's joys.
Reflect on the emotional journey of the speaker during the transition from 'forgotten boredom' to the understanding of adult reconciliations. What does this suggest about the nature of growth?
The speaker's journey illustrates movement from apathy to engagement with life. The gradual acceptance of 'adult reconciling' signifies growth—realizing that joy can arise from previously misunderstood situations. A comprehensive response would explore stages of this transition using quotes for support.
Compare Larkin's perspective on childhood in 'Coming' with another poem of your choice that addresses similar themes. What are the key similarities and differences?
A comparative analysis would note Larkin's nostalgic but critical view of childhood against another poet's approach, perhaps favoring innocence. Address thematic elements such as remembrance, disillusionment, and joy. A table or structured paragraphs can effectively present similarities and differences.
Investigate how the poem reflects societal expectations of adulthood. What insights does Larkin provide about the tension between personal expectations and societal norms?
Larkin's depiction of adult reconciling juxtaposes personal feelings with societal expectations of happiness and fulfillment. It raises questions about conformity and individual satisfaction. A response could dissect specific lines illustrating this tension and provide context.
Analyze how the poem's title, 'Coming', encapsulates the overarching themes within the text. How does it set the tone for the exploration of personal growth?
The title 'Coming' symbolizes anticipation and the unfolding of new experiences. It establishes a sense of inevitability that accompanies growth. An analysis could link the title to various points in the poem that depict readiness for change.
Assess the juxtaposition between the natural imagery and the human emotional responses presented in 'Coming'. How does this duality enrich the poem's meaning?
The interplay between nature and human emotions draws a parallel between external and internal transformations. This duality emphasizes the complexity of one's emotional landscape, enhancing themes of awareness and change. Create a detailed response exploring specific images and corresponding emotional states.
Critique the poetic devices used in 'Coming' that establish mood and atmosphere. How do these devices contribute to the reader's understanding of the speaker's experience?
Larkin employs alliteration, imagery, and juxtaposition to craft a vivid atmosphere that reflects the speaker's internal conflict and eventual joy. A critique should include analysis of specific lines that exemplify each device's contribution to mood.
The final worksheet presents challenging long-answer questions that test your depth of understanding and exam-readiness for Coming in Class 11.
Questions
Analyze the theme of nature's cyclical patterns as depicted in 'Coming.' Discuss how the imagery enhances this theme.
Consider the descriptions of light, chill, and the thrush's song. How do these elements reflect the idea of renewal and the passage of time? Incorporate relevant examples and contrasting interpretations to support your analysis.
Discuss the psychological implications of the speaker's reflection on childhood as 'forgotten boredom.' How does this perspective shape the poem's narrative?
Evaluate the contrast between childhood innocence and adult experience. Consider how this shapes the speaker's current emotional state and perceptions about happiness.
Critique the use of sound imagery in 'Coming.' How does Larkin's choice of auditory description influence the reader's emotional experience?
Explore the phrase 'fresh-peeled voice' and its impact on both the setting and the speaker's emotions. Discuss the relationship between sound and emotion in the poem.
Evaluate the significance of the phrase 'adult reconciling.' What does it reveal about the transition from childhood to adulthood?
Discuss how this phrase encapsulates broader themes of maturity and understanding. Include examples from the poem and societal observations.
Interpret the artistic significance of the poem’s structure and form in conveying its themes. How do these choices affect its overall message?
Examine the flow of ideas and emotions, considering stanza breaks and line lengths. Discuss how these elements reflect the poem's themes.
Construct an argument regarding the relationship between the individual and their environment as portrayed in 'Coming.' What does the poem suggest about this interplay?
Analyze how the speaker engages with their surroundings and what implications this has for understanding one's identity within a larger context.
Explore the role of anticipation in the poem. How does Larkin create a sense of 'coming' and what undercurrents does this elicit?
Discuss the duality of anticipation for spring versus the nostalgia for childhood. Support your argument with textual examples.
Analyze the use of colors in 'Coming' and their symbolic meanings. How do these color elements contribute to the poem’s themes?
Evaluate the connotations of colors mentioned and their effect on emotion and imagery within the poem.
Discuss the notion of happiness in the poem. How does Larkin define happiness through the lens of the speaker's experience?
Critique the distinction between transient joy and a deeper, more fulfilling happiness. Frame your analysis with references to personal and societal expectations.
Reflect on how 'Coming' compares and contrasts with other poems about spring or renewal. What unique perspective does Larkin offer?
Engage with at least two other texts and assess their treatment of spring as a theme. Discuss what Larkin contributes that is different or similar.
Explore the themes and imagery in Philip Larkin's poem 'Coming,' featured in Class 11 English. This chapter provides insights into the poem's significance and its connection to nature and childhood.
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Coming Official Textbook PDF
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Coming Revision Guide
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Coming Practice Worksheet
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Coming Mastery Worksheet
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Coming Challenge Worksheet
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Coming Question Bank
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