English Class 11 Chapter 9 Poem Refugee Blues Summary - FREE PDF Download
FAQs on Refugee Blues Notes Class 11 Notes: CBSE English Chapter 9
1. What is the main summary of Refugee Blues in Class 11 English Chapter 9 Revision Notes?
Refugee Blues is a poem by W.H. Auden that powerfully summarises the intense feelings of displacement, loss, and alienation experienced by refugees. The poem narrates the struggles faced by people forced to leave their homes, highlighting the social, emotional, and political challenges they endure while seeking safety and acceptance. As covered in CBSE Class 11 English Revision Notes, the poem's central message revolves around human suffering, themes of exclusion, and the longing for belonging.
2. Which are the most important key points to remember while revising Refugee Blues?
Key points in the Revision Notes for Refugee Blues include:
- The poem describes the pain of losing one's identity and home due to conflict.
- It uses imagery, repetition, and symbolism to portray the sense of hopelessness and alienation.
- It criticises societal and political apathy towards refugees.
- The context is set during World War II, but the poem’s themes remain relevant today.
- The poem’s structure (twelve tercets, AAB rhyme scheme) reinforces its mood and blues-like quality.
3. How does understanding the historical context help in revising Refugee Blues effectively?
Knowing the historical background—specifically, the plight of Jewish refugees in 1930s Europe—helps students appreciate why the poem’s themes of displacement and indifference are so powerful. This context clarifies references in the poem, deepens empathy during revision, and supports strong answers in CBSE exams that require connection between context and literary analysis.
4. In what ways do literary devices in Refugee Blues support exam preparation?
By focusing on how Auden uses imagery, symbolism, repetition, and a blues-inspired structure, students can better understand the emotional and social commentary of the poem. Revision Notes highlight these devices, which are often asked about in board exams. Identifying and explaining them supports deeper analysis and prepares students for long-answer questions.
5. What strategies should students use for quick revision of Refugee Blues according to CBSE guidelines?
Effective revision strategies for Class 11 English include:
- Breaking down the poem by stanzas and summarising each one in your own words.
- Listing out all the key themes and examples from the poem.
- Making a concept map connecting historical context, themes, and devices.
- Regularly reviewing notes and discussing with peers to reinforce understanding.
- Practising short, focused answers for each major theme.
6. Why is Refugee Blues still relevant for today’s students as per revision notes?
The poem remains relevant because it raises important questions about empathy, justice, and the continuing challenges faced by refugees worldwide. By studying this poem, students develop not only literary understanding but also an awareness of ongoing social issues, making revision more meaningful and application-based for board exam questions.
7. What is a common misconception students have when revising Refugee Blues?
A frequent misconception is that the poem only deals with historical events. In reality, Refugee Blues uses its historical setting to comment on universal issues of identity, belonging, and societal responsibility. Revision Notes clarify that the poem is meant to resonate with contemporary struggles and should not be understood as solely a World War II text.
8. How to structure answers for exam questions on Refugee Blues using revision notes?
Students should start with a clear topic sentence, identify and explain relevant themes or devices, and connect analysis to the historical context or present-day issues. Using bullet points for key points and referencing key terms from the poem ensures answers are concise, comprehensive, and adhere to CBSE answer-writing formats.
9. What are some high-yield FUQs to practise while revising Refugee Blues?
Students should practise answering:
- How does Auden use poetic form to highlight refugee experiences?
- Why is the repeated feeling of being 'unwanted' significant in understanding the poem’s emotional impact?
- What parallels can be drawn between the poem’s historical context and current global situations?
10. How can concept maps aid revision of Refugee Blues in Class 11?
Concept maps are visual tools that help organise key themes, devices, historical context, and character emotions. In revision, mapping these interconnected ideas clarifies the overall structure of the poem. This technique supports faster, more effective recall and is especially useful before exams for a quick summary of the entire chapter.

















