NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Woven Words Chapter 9
NCERT Solutions for Class 11 English Chapter 9 Refugee Blues – complete answers & explanations
This NCERT solutions blog for Class 11 English Chapter 9 Refugee Blues is designed to help students understand the poem in a clear, structured, and exam-oriented manner. Written by Wystan Hugh Auden, the poem highlights the pain, displacement, and helplessness of refugees through a moving ballad form. The poem presents themes of homelessness, rejection, political cruelty, and human suffering. These solutions strictly follow the latest NCERT textbook (Woven Words) and present answers in the exact order of the exercises without adding or omitting any question.
What this NCERT chapter covers?
1. Theme of displacement and exile
2. The ballad form and use of refrain
3. Contrast between humans and animals
4. Political injustice and bureaucratic cruelty
5. Symbolism in “two tickets to Happiness”
6. Literary devices such as irony, pathos, and sarcasm
7. Emotional symbolism of colours
How to use these NCERT solutions?
1. Read the poem carefully and notice the repeated refrain
2. Observe how the speaker addresses “my dear” throughout
3. Identify contrasts between refugees and the free world
4. Attempt answers independently before checking
5. Revise poetic devices for exam preparation
Important tips & tricks for students
1. Focus on tone — it is plaintive and sorrowful
2. Quote short repetitive lines to support answers
3. Understand the historical context (refugees during Nazi rule)
4. Write structured answers with clear thematic points
5. Analyse symbolism carefully
NCERT Solutions – Complete Answer Key
UNDERSTANDING THE POEM
1. The title, ‘Refugee Blues’ encapsulates the theme of the poem. Comment.
The title combines “Refugee,” meaning displaced people without a homeland, and “Blues,” suggesting sorrow and melancholy. It reflects the sadness, helplessness, and repeated rejection faced by refugees. The title captures both their physical displacement and emotional suffering.
2. What is the poetic technique used by the poet to convey the plaintive theme of the poem?
The poet uses the ballad form with a repetitive refrain such as “my dear” and repeated final lines. This repetition creates a musical yet sorrowful tone. The simple conversational style intensifies the emotional appeal.
3. What do the references to the birds and animals made in the poem suggest?
Birds, fish, cats, and dogs are shown as free and accepted everywhere. They do not require passports or official approval. These references highlight the tragic irony that animals enjoy more freedom than displaced human beings.
4. How does the poet juxtapose the human condition with the behaviour of the political class?
The refugees are helpless and seeking shelter, while political authorities reject them through rigid rules and speeches about “stealing our daily bread.” Leaders focus on laws and power rather than compassion. This contrast exposes political cruelty and indifference.
5. How is the essence of the poem captured in the lines ‘two tickets to Happiness’?
The line symbolises hope for safety and belonging. However, “every coach was full” suggests that happiness and security are inaccessible to refugees. It captures their despair and exclusion from a stable life.
TRY THIS OUT
1. Here is a list of devices used in poetry. Elaborate on their use in this poem
Refrain:
The repeated use of “my dear” and repeated closing lines create rhythm and reinforce sorrow and helplessness.
Pathos:
The poem evokes deep sympathy through images of homelessness, rejection, and fear of soldiers searching for them.
Irony:
Animals have freedom and shelter, while human refugees are denied safety and rights.
Sarcasm:
Statements about refugees “stealing our daily bread” sarcastically expose prejudice and xenophobia.
2. What does the colour ‘blue’ suggest in the poem? Make a list of other colours and the emotions and moods they carry.
Blue – Sadness, melancholy, loneliness
Red – Anger, danger, passion
White – Peace, purity
Black – Death, fear, mourning
Green – Hope, renewal
Yellow – Joy, warmth
SUGGESTED READING
1. ‘Taller Today we Remember’ by W.H. Auden
2. ‘Our Hunting Fathers’ by W.H. Auden
Why NCERT solutions help students?
NCERT solutions help students understand themes of social justice, human suffering, and poetic techniques clearly. Structured and textbook-aligned answers improve analytical skills and exam performance.
Develop deeper literary understanding and exam confidence with expert-aligned NCERT solutions.