Rain on the Roof Extra Question Answer English

By | January 20, 2024
Rain on the Roof Extra Questions and Answers edumantra.net

Extra Questions, Notes, Assignment and study material for Class 9th as Per CBSE Syllabus

Chapter- 3.1 English Language and Literature

Rain on the Roof Extra Question Answer English

                                                        By- Coates Kinney

Introduction of the lesson- Rain on the Roof

Following is the introduction English text for Chapter ‘ Rain on the Roof Class 9,’ aimed to give you a clear grasp of its main ideas.”

When the sky is covered with dark clouds and it starts raining, everybody feels thrilled. One wishes to lie in a cosy bed and thousands of fancies rush through his mind. It is most joyful to enjoy listening to the music of the pattering sound of the rain-drops on the shingles of the roof. The poet expresses his love for nature and its beauty.

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 ( जब आसमान में काले बादल छाए होते हैं और वर्षा शुरू हो जाती है तो प्रत्येक व्यक्ति रोमांचित हो  उठता  है । प्रत्येक व्यक्ति चाहता है कि वह आरामदायक बिस्तर पर पहा रहे और हजारों कल्पनाएँ उसके मन में पड़ा रहे और हजारों कल्पनाएँ उसके मन में दौड़ती हैं । छत की लकड़ी की स्लेटों पर वर्षा की बूंदों की आवाज़ को सुनना बहुत मधुर लगता है । कवि प्रकृति के प्रति उसमें प्यार और उसकी सुंदरता का वर्णन करता है । )

Introduction of the lesson- Rain on the Roof:(2)

This lyrical poem “Rain on the Roof” by Coates Kinney presents the memories aroused in the poet’s mind by the showers falling on the tin roof. Through a number of metaphors, the poet shows that the drops of rain falling on the shingles of the roof sends a train of thoughts running in his mind. He is reminded of the way his mother used to bid him and his siblings a good night and put them to sleep. The poet connects his present with his past through the memories revived by the rain.

 (Only three out of the original five stanzas have been included in this text.)

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Theme of the lesson- Rain on the Roof

Explore the theme as well as the theme background of the chapter ‘ Rain on the Roof Class 9‘ to gain a richer understanding of the underlying messages and ideas presented in the chapter

 The theme of the poem is the healing power of rain. The musical sound of raindrops falling on the rooftop at night has the ability to revive sweet memories and rouse fancies in an otherwise busy mind. The rain thus soothes and comforts an overworked mind by taking it back to its lovely past. Some of our best memories in life are associated with rain.

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Theme of the lesson- Rain on the Roof (2)

When certain events happen, long last memories come flooding back to our mind. Here, on a rainy day, the poet is listening to the sound made on the roof by the falling raindrops. This pitter-patter sound of the raindrops brings back lost memories of the poet about his mother and her affection towards him. The sound of rain appears to create bliss to the poet.

Title of the lesson- Rain on the Roof

The very title, with a repetition of the sounds ‘r’ and ‘n’ and the long vowels ‘ai’ and ‘oo’ imitates the rhythmic pitter-patter of rain on a tin roof. Article ‘the’ before the word ‘roof’ makes it a specific roof – the roof of the poet’s house. Thus, the title is very apt as it is suggestive of the childhood memories the poet has of rain.

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The rain has magic like an effect on him every time it falls on his room and lying lazily in his room, he listens to the sheer music of the rain. It triggers ‘a thousand dreamy fancies’ in his mind and thousands of memories come alive. In particular, the memory of the poet’s mother putting her children to sleep at night is indelible in his mind. Every time it rains, the poet relives the golden moments of his childhood. Thus, the title of the poem can be termed very appropriate.

Literary Devices of the lesson- Rain on the Roof

Alliteration

Alliteration is the repetition of sounds in a sequence of words. It lends a lyrical or musical element to a poem.

Examples:

  • Overall the starry spheres

(Here ‘s’ and ‘r’ sounds are repeatedly used)

  • What a bliss to press the pillow

(In this line ‘s’ and ‘p’ sounds are used repeatedly)

  • Into busy being start

(Here the poet uses ‘b’ sound repeatedly)

  • Now in memory conies my mother

 (Here we find alliteration, as ‘m’ sound, is repeated)

  • 0! I feel her fond look on me

(Here ‘f sound is repeatedly used)

Personification

 Personification is a literary device in which human traits are attributed to inanimate things or birds, beasts and trees such that they seem to be living beings.

Examples:

  • And the melancholy darkness

Gently weeps in rainy tears.

Here the poet personifies darkness who is presented to be in a melancholy mood and sheds tears in the form of raindrops.

  • And a thousand recollections

Weave their air-threads into woof

Recollections are personified here as they are shown to be weaving cloth with threads of air.

Transferred Epithet

Transferred Epithet is a poetic device in which an adjective is used not with the noun which it qualifies but with some other noun.

Examples:

  • melancholy darkness

 Here it is not the darkness that is sad but some human beings who are sad in the darkness.

  • dreamy fancies

Here fancies are not lost in dreams, but it is the human beings who dream.

Onomatopoeia

 Onomatopoeia (sometimes called echoism) is a figure of speech in which words imitate the sound or sounds they describe. In other words, the sound an onomatopoeic word produces is the meaning it intends to convey. ‘Bang’, ‘pop’, ‘hiss’ etc are some onomatopoeic words.

 Examples:

  • patter

imitates the sound the raindrops make as they land on the surface of the roof tiles.

  • tinkle

 imitates the gentle and clear musical sound that a droplet makes.

Rhyme Scheme of the lesson- Rain on the Roof

The rhyme scheme followed in the poem is: abcbdefe

Poetic Devices

  1. Alliteration

The repetition of the first consonant sound in neighbouring words. Connects the lines and keeps the sonnet flowing.

Example:

  • When the humid shadows hover (repetition of h sound).
  • Overall the starry spheres (repetition of s sound).
  • Press the pillow (repetition p sound).
  • Cottage chamber bed (repetition c sound).
  • Lie listening (repetition l sound).
  1. Imagery

Imagery is using vivid and expressive language to evoke pictures or feelings.

Example:

  • Melancholy darkness
  • Rainy tears
  • Starry spheres
  1. Repetition

Repetition in poetry is multiple uses of a word, phrase, sound, or stanza.

Example:

  • Listening to the patter (7), Listen to the patter (15)

Value Points of the lesson- Rain on the Roof

  • The poet is resting on his bed.
  • Suddenly he hears the sound of clouds and quietness all around disappears.
  • The rain starts all of a sudden.
  • The tin roof of his cottage creates the beautiful sound of raindrops.
  • The sound of rain echoes in the heart of the poet and he remembers a good number of things.
  • Some of his memories are sweet and some are sad.
  • The poet receives the sound of rain as a bliss.
  • He remembers his childhood and sweet love received from his mother.

Useful Expressions of the lesson- Rain on the Roof

  • … starry spheresAn area in the sky where stars appear in a group.
  • What a blissA pleasing movement that the poet is unable to forget.
  • … a thousand dreamy fancies’ Into busy starting, The poet remembers his past and finds himself lost in imagination.
  • … a thousand recollections ‘Weave their air-threads into woof, — A chain of memories that visit the poet’s mind during the rainy season.
  • … darling dreamersRefers to children who love and remember their mother equally like the poet.

    Paraphrasing of the lesson- Rain on the Roof

    STANZA 

    When the humid shadows hover

    Overall the starry spheres

    And the melancholy darkness

    Gently weeps in rainy tears,

    What a bliss to press the pillow

    Of a cottage-chamber bed

    And like listening to the patter

    Of the soft rain overhead!

    MEANING

    When the sky is covered with dark clouds, the shimmering light of stars seems to be the round visible source of light. The darkness mourns sadness but the sweet rain comes with peace to solace the lonely night. At this moment, the poet likes to enjoy the joy and pleasure of sleep. He wants to lie on his bed and enjoy perfect rest. He can sleep with a sound like a child and hear the patter of sweet raindrops falling on the roof.

    STANZA 

    Every tinkle on the shingles

     Has an echo in the heart;

    And a thousand dreamy fancies

    Into busy being start,

    And a thousand recollections

    Weave their air-threads into woof,

    As I listen to the patter

    Of the rain upon the roof

    MEANING

    Every tinkle of raindrops that fall on the tin roof produces an echo in the poet’s heart. The sweet memory of his childhood evaporates in his mind. With such feeling and imagination, he hears the patter of the rain on the roof.

    STANZA 

    Now in memory comes my mother,

    As she used in years agorae,

    To regard the darling dreamers

    Ere she left them till the dawn:

    O! I feel her fond look on me

    As I list to this refrain

    Which is played upon the shingles

    By the patter of the rain.

    MEANING

    In this stanza, the poet remembers his mother. Many years ago, during the poet’s childhood, his mother used to look down at him and her other children. His mother would look at them every night, for she knew she would not see them again till the next morning. The poet stresses how his mother would watch over him. The memory is evoked as he listens to the repetitive sound of raindrops as they are falling on his roof.

Vocabulary

Humid—wet; Hover—remain in one place in the air; Starry—full of stars; Sphere—a solid figure that is completely round with every point at an equal distance from the centre; Melancholy—sad; Bliss—happiness; Cottage—small hut; Chamber—room; Patter—a sound of drops; Overhead—above head; Tinkle—ringing sound; Echo—reflected sound; Dreamy—dreamlike; Fancies—imagination; Recollections—memories; Weave—pattern of weaving; Woof—word to describe a sound; Agone—past time; Dreamer—one who dreams; Ere—before; Dawn—early morning; Fond look—loving gaze; Shingles—small round stones.

Important Word-Meanings of difficult words from the lesson– Rain on the Roof

Humid  = damp = गीला ; hover == float in the air = फड़फड़ाना ; starry = full of stars =तारों से पूर्ण ; sphere = the heavens = आकाश ; melancholy =sadness =उदासीपूर्ण ; patter = a tapping noise = टक – टक का शोर I  Tinkle = soft ringing sound = मधुर हल्की –सी आवाज़ ; shingles = wooden tiles used on roof= छत पर लगाई जाने वाली लकड़ी की फट्टियां (स्लेटें) ; echo = reflection of sound = गूँज ; fancies = imaginations  = कल्पनाएँ ; woof = cloth = बाना , वस्त्र ।

Short and Simple Summary of the lesson in English– Rain on the Roof

Take a look at the following summary example to better understand the chapter ” Rain on the Roof,” crafted through careful summary writing.

This is a lyrical poem by Coates Kinney. In this poem, the poet expresses his love for nature and praises the beauty of nature. The poet says that when the clouds filled with rain vapours fleet in the sky everybody feels thrilled. The sadness weeps in rainy tears. It is very enjoyable to have rest in a cosy bed when it is raining outside. It is very enjoyable to hear the pattering sound of soft rain on the shingles of the roof. This makes an echo in the poet’s heart.

Many recollections and fancies take place in the poet’s mind. In his memory, his dead mother’s imagination also takes place. He feels happy at this. lie again listens the pattering sound of rain and gets thrilled.

Summary of the lesson- Rain on the Roof (2) :

 The poet observes that when the starry sky is overcast with rain-bearing clouds, the sad darkness is filled with raindrops which are like gentle tears. It is a very pleasant, comforting, and thrilling experience to lie in one’s room with the head pressed on the pillow and listen to the sound of the raindrops falling on the tin roof overhead.
Every drop of rain falling on the roof makes a tinkling sound that moves the poet’s heart. These sounds rouse a number of imaginary things in the thoughts of an otherwise busy poet. The soft pitter-patter of the falling rain-drops also revives many childhood memories.
Among these memories, there is one about his mother. He recollects how she used to look at her dear children as she put them to sleep and wished them to have sweet dreams till they met again early in the morning. As the poet listens to the music made by the rain falling on the roof, he visualizes in his mind the affectionate look of his mother. Thus, the rain makes a bridge between his present and his past.

Message of the lesson- Rain on the Roof

The poem conveys the message that rain has therapeutic and healing powers and forms lasting memories in the human mind of the sights, sound, fragrances and our experience associated with it, especially those involving our loved ones. Rain refreshes and rejuvenate us and forces us to recollect and relive our past memories.

Summary in Hindi of the lesson- Rain on the Roof

Here is the Hindi story summary of the chapter ” Rain on the Roof Class 9,” designed to give you a clear understanding of its essential ideas in Hindi.

 यह Coates Kinney द्वारा रचित एक  सुंदर कविता है । इन कविता में कवि प्रकृति प्रति प्रेम और प्रकृति  की सुंदरता के प्रति अपना लगाव प्रदर्शित करता है । कवि कहता है कि जब जलवाष्पों से भरपूर बादल असमान में दौड़ते है तो प्रत्येक व्यक्ति रोमांचित हो उठता है । उदासी वर्षा रूपी आँसुओं के रूप में रोने लगती  है । जब बाहर वर्षा हो रही होती है तो उस समय आरामदायक बिस्तर में सोने का बहुत आनंद है । छत पर लगी लकड़ी की स्लेटों पर पड़ रहीं वर्षा की बूँदों की आवाज को सुनना आनंदित कर देता है । इसकी गूँज ,

कवि के ह्रदय में गूँजने लगती है।

कई विस्मृतियॉ और यादें  कवि के मन में उठती हैं । उसकी स्मृतियों में उसकी मां की स्मृति भी आती है । इस पर वह बहुत प्रसन्न हो जाता है । वह एक बार फिर वर्षा की पटर-पटर की आवाज को सुनता है और बहुत प्रसन्न हो जाता है  ।

 Read the extracts and answer the questions that follow.

Here are comprehension passage question and answer sets from the chapter “ Rain on the Roof Class 9,” provided to deepen your understanding and help you prepare for exams.

(I)

When the humid shadows hover

Overall the starry spheres

And the melancholy darkness

 Gently weeps in rainy tears,

 What a bliss to press the pillow

Of a cottage-chamber bed

 And like listening to the patter

 Of the soft rain overhead!

In this stanza, the poet describes his experience of rain one day as he lies in a comfortable, leisurely mood in his cottage and listens to the soothing music made by the showers of rain falling overhead on the roof. The poet states that when the star-studded sky is thickly overcast with clouds, it leads to gloomy darkness all around. The vapours condense to form clouds that produce gentle rain. According to the imagination of the poet, the raindrops are the tears shed by the dense and sad darkness. The poet considers it to be a heavenly, delightful experience to lie in the comfortable bed pressing the head against a soft pillow and listening to the pattering sound of the showers of rain falling on the roof.

(a) What does the poet imply by “humid shadow?

Ans: By “humid shadows”, the poet implies the clouds full of rain.

(b) What does the phrase “starry spheres” refer to?

Ans: The phrase “starry spheres” refers to the sky filled with numerous stars shining at night.

 (c) What does the poet consider to be a ‘bliss’ in the rainy season?

Ans: In the rainy season when the showers are falling on the roof, the poet considers it bliss to lie comfortably in the bed pressing his head against the pillow.

 (d) Which poetic device has been used in “lie listening”?

Ans: In “lie listening”, the poetic device used is alliteration as ‘I’ sound is repeated.

(e) Which poetic device has been used in the third and fourth lines?

Ans: The third line employs ‘transferred epithet’ by the words “melancholy darkness”. Here darkness is not sad or melancholy but some man who is sad in the darkness. The fourth line uses ‘personification’ by presenting the sadness as weeping gently by shedding tears in the form of rain.

(II)

Every tinkle on the shingles

Has an echo in the heart;

And a thousand dreamy fancies

Into busy being start,

And a thousand recollections

Weave their air-threads into woof,

As I listen to the patter

Of the rain upon the roof.

In this stanza, the poet describes the impact of the music made by rain on his heart and mind. He remarks that the tinkling sound produced by the raindrops falling on the roof tiles cause a resonance in his heart. His heart beats respond sensitively to every sound of the falling rain. In his much-occupied mind, a large number of fanciful and imaginative ideas spring up. Innumerable memories of the past are revived and get entwined as if woven like a patchwork as he lies listening to the pattering sound of the raindrops.

(a) What finds an echo in the heart of the poet?

Ans: The tinkling sound of the raindrops falling on the roof overhead finds an echo in the heart of the poet.

 (b) How does this sound of the rain affect the busy mind of the poet?

Ans: The sound of the rain triggers a large number of imaginative and fanciful ideas in the busy mind of the poet.

(c) Explain the metaphor used in And a thousand recollection/Weave their air-threads into woof.”

Ans: Here the recollections are compared to the weavers and the memories to a fabric. The entwined memories create a unique fabric of memories.

(d) Which poetic device has been used in the last line of the stanza?

 Ans: The poetic device used in the last line is alliteration as ‘r’ sound is repeated in ‘Of the rain upon the roof’.

(III)

Now in memory comes my mother,

 As she used in years agone,

 To regard the darling dreamers

Ere she left them till the dawn:

0! I feel her fond look on me

As I list to this refrain

Which is played upon the shingles

By the patter of the rain.

As the poet lies in his bed listening to the soft pattering sound of the gentle rain falling on the roof, among many other memories, there emerges in his mind the memory of his mother. He vividly remembers how she used to look affectionately at her children before she went to her bed leaving them for the night to meet again in the early morning. As he listens to the music of the rain, he can still experience the loving look of his mother. In fact, the rainy night reminds the poet of similar nights during his childhood when his mother was alive and showered love on him and his siblings.

(a) Who comes in the memory of the poet and when?

Ans: The poet’s mother comes in his memory as he sleeps in his bedchamber on a rainy night when rain lashes the tiles of the roof of his house.

(b) What does the poet remember about his mother?

Ans: The poet remembers the affectionate look of his mother as she was about to leave her children in their bedchamber for the night when she herself went to sleep in her own room.

 (c) What does the poet imply by “the darling dreamers”?

 Ans: By “the darling dreamers”, the poet implies the children in the family – the poet himself and his siblings – who were about to go to sleep. They would often have pleasant dreams in their sleep.

 (d) What refrain is the poet talking about?

 Ans: By ‘refrain’ the poet here means a song or recurring melody and in this stanza, it refers to the musical sound of the rain.

COMPREHENSION OF STANZAS

STANZA 1

 When the hunted shadows hover

 Overall the starry spheres

  And the melancholy darkness

 Gently weeps in rainy tears,

What a bliss to press the pillow

Of a cottage-chamber bed

 And like listening to the patter

 Of the soft rain overhead!

हिंदी अनुवाद – जब पानी से तर बादल हवा में मंडराने हुए सितारों से भरे आसमान में घूमते हैं और उदासी से पूर्ण अंधेरा वर्षा रुपी बूँदों के रूप में अपने आंसू बहाता है । ऐसे दिन में अपने घर में बिस्तर के सिरहाने पर रखकर लेटना और वर्षा की बूँदों की पटर –पटर की मधुर आवाज़ को सुनना कितना अच्छा लगता है । 

Questions :

(i) What do the humid shadows refer to?

(ii) How does the melancholy darkness weep?

 (iii) What is a bliss for the poet?

 (iv) What is the poet listening?

(v) Name the poet.

Answers :

(i) The humid shadows refer to the dark clouds.

(ii) The melancholy darkness weeps gently in rainy tears.

 (iii) Lying in the bed on a rainy day is a bliss for the poet.

 (iv) The pattering sound of the raindrops.

 (v) Coates Kinney.

STANZA 2

Every tinkle on the shingles

Has an echo in the heart ;

And a thousand dreamy fancies

Into busy being start,

 And a thousand recollections

 Weave their air-threads into woof,

As I listen to the patter

Of the rain upon the roof.

हिंदी अनुवाद – छत पर लगी स्लेटों पर पड़ने वाली प्रत्येक बूँद की मधुर –सी आहट की गूँज मेरे ह्रदय  में उठती है । जब मैं छत पर वर्षा की बूँदों की पटर –पटर की आवाज़ को सुनता हूँ , तो मेरे मन में हजारों स्मृतियाँ अपना ताना – बाना सा बुनने लग जाती हैं । 

Questions :

(i) What makes an echo in the poet’s heart?

(ii) What rises in the poet’s mind?

(iii) What do the recollections do?

(iv) What does the poet listen?

(v) What is the meaning of the word ‘Shingles’?

Answers :

(i) he sounds of raindrops on the roof makes an echo in the poet’s heart.

(ii) Many fancies rise in the poet’s mind.

(iii) The recollections weave their air-threads into woof.

 (iv) The sound of the raindrops.

(v) The rectangular shaped wooden tiles.

STANZA 3

Now in memory conies my mother,

As she used in years agorae,

To regard the darling dreamers

Ere she left them till the dawn :

O! I feel here fond look on me

 As I list to this refrain

Which is played upon the shingles

By the patter of the rain.

हिंदी –अनुवाद – अब मुझे अपनी स्मृतियों में अपनी माँ का स्मरण हो उठता है ; जैसे कि बीते हुए समय में जब वह जीवित थी । अपने प्यारे बच्चों के लिए जिन प्यारी स्मृतियों को वह छोड़कर गई थी । और अब जब मैं अपनी छत की स्लेटों पर वर्षा की बूँदों की पटर –पटर की आवाज़ को सुनता हूँ तो मैं आनंदित महसूस करता हूँ ।

Questions :

 (i) Where is the poet’s mother now?

 (ii) Whose memory does come in the poet’s mind?

 (iii) Whose fond look is the poet feeling?

 (iv) What music is he listening?

 (v) Name the poem and the poet.

Answers :

(i) She had died.

(ii) There comes the memory of his mother in his mind.

 (iii) The poet is feeling the fond look of his mother.

 (iv) He is listening to the music of the raindrops on the roof

(v) The name of the poem is ‘Rain On The Roof’ and the name of the poet is Coates Kinney 

Additional Very Short Answer Type Questions of the lesson- Rain on the Roof

Here are Very Short Answer Type Important Questions from the chapter ” Rain on the Roof Class 9.” These question answer English sets aim to deepen your understanding and help you prepare for exams.

1. What do the humid shadows refer to?

Ans. The humid shadows refer to the dark clouds.

2. What is melancholy in the poem ‘Rain on the Roof’?

Ans. in this poem ‘darkness’ is melancholy.

3. What does the poet like to do when it rains?

 Ans. When it rains the poet like to keep lying in his cosy bed and enjoy listening to the patter of soft raindrops.

4. What sound do the raindrops make?

 Ans. The raindrops make the sound of patter.

5. What makes an echo in the poet’s heart?

 Ans. The sound of the raindrops on the roof makes an echo in the poet’s heart.

6. What do the recollections do?

 Ans. The recollections weave their air-threads into woof.

7. Where do the raindrop patter?

Ans. The raindrops patter on the shingles of the roof.

8. What is the single major memory that comes to the poet?

Ans. It is the memory of his mother.

9. Is the poet, Coates Kinney, a child now?

Ans. No, he is not a child now.

10. Who are the -darling dreamers” Coates Kinney refers to in the poem ‘Rain on the Roof’?

 Ans. They are all the children of the mother.

11. Is the poet’s mother still alive now?

Ans. No, his mother is not alive.

12. Give the name of the poet of the poem ‘Rain on the Roof’.

 Ans. Coates Kinney.

Short Answer Questions of the lesson- Rain on the Roof

Check out these short answer type questions from the chapter ” Rain on the Roof Class 9.” These question answer English sets are designed to offer a deeper understanding and help in exam preparation.

Q1. What do the following phrases mean?                    (Textual)

Ans:                                                                                      

  • Humid shadows: ‘Humid shadows’ here refers to the clouds which are water-laden and shadow or cover the starry sky.
  • Starry spheres: ‘Starry spheres’ implies the night sky studded with stars.
  • What a bliss: ‘What a bliss’ is an exclamatory expression showing great pleasure.
  • A thousand dreamy fancies into busy starting: The clause implies that a large number of memories are revived in an otherwise much-occupied mind.
  • A thousand recollections weave their air-threads into woof: This clause is a metaphorical expression. Recollections are presented as weavers and the particular memories are the threads woven into the fabric of the mind.

Q2. Describe the weather just before the rain starts.

Ans: As described by the poet, the weather before the rain is humid. It is dark, and the starry night sky is covered by thick clouds just before it begins to rain.

 Q3. What does the poet want to do when it rains?                                                                         (Textual)

Ans: When it rains, the poet wants to lie snugly in his cosy cottage with a soft pillow under his head. He wants to enjoy the rhythmic, soft music of the raindrops falling on the roof.

Q4.According to the poet, what is nature’s mood in ‘rainy darkness’?

Ans: The poet shows the darkness to be in a melancholy or sad mood. This sadness is further heightened when the poet shows the darkness to be weeping and shedding tears in the form of raindrops.

Q5. How is the mood of the poet contrasted with the mood of darkness?

Ans: Whereas the darkness is in a sad and gloomy mood, the poet is in a happy mood as he considers it bliss to lie comfortably in bed pressing the head against the pillow and listening to the music made by the showers of the rain.

Q6. Is the rain referred to in the poem a heavy downpour?

Ans: No, the rain referred to in the poem is not a heavy downpour. Instead, it is soft and gentle as is obvious from the pattering sound made by it while falling on the roof.

Q7. What is the impact of the tinkle of the raindrops on the poet’s heart?

Ans: The tinkle of the raindrops echo in the heart of the poet as if his heartbeat responds to every sound of the rain by its rhythm. Moreover, the rain kindles many memories in the poet’s mind and he gets lost in dreamy imagination.

Q8. Which is the single major memory that comes to the poet?                                              (Textual)               Or

Which distinctive memory is revived in the poet’s mind?

Ans: The single major memory that comes distinctly to the poet is or his mother. The rain revives his thoughts of the time when his mother used to look lovingly at him and his siblings before she went to sleep in her bedchamber.

Q9. Who are the “darling dreamers” referred to by the poet?                                                   (Textual)

Ans: The darling dreamers are the poet and his siblings. They were very dear to their mother and they are called ‘dreamers’ because they would often have sweet dreams in their sleep. Their mother must have always wished them “sweet dreams” before retiring to her room.

Q 10. Why does the poet call the sound of the rain as “refrain”?

Ans: A refrain is a line repeatedly used in a song or a poem. The drops of the rain produce a piece of distinct and continuous music by way of their pattering. This repetitive sound of the rain is called ‘refrain’ by the poet.

Q11. Is the poet now a child? Is his mother still alive?                                                                   (Textual)

Ans: The poet is no longer a child. He has grown up and his mother is no more alive. He thinks of his mother and his childhood with a feeling of nostalgia which makes it clear that his mother is no more.

Q12. What does the poet like to do when it rains?

Ans. When it rains, the poet wants to lie on the bed in a cottage and listen to the pitter-patter sound of the rain. The poet feels very comfortable and old memories come back to his mind. His mind is in bliss as the memories of his mother come to his mind.

Q13. Is the poet now a child? Is his mother still alive?

Ans. No, the poet is not a child. His mother is no more. But her memories still haunt him. The poet’s mother used to look at him fondly and showed much love and affection towards him. But now he is a grown-up man and his mother is no more.

Q14. Write the central theme of the poem ‘Rain on the Roof.

Ans. The central idea or theme of the poem “Rain on the Roof’ is that the pattering of the rain on the roof gives the poet solace and he is lost in many fancies. He dreams of his mother who loved him dearly. The rain provides him with great happiness.

Q15. What type of dreamy fancies comes to the poet’s mind?

Ans. Old recollections appear in the poet’s mind. The memory of his mother gives him solace. The pattering of soft rain on the roof echoes dreamy fancies in the poet’s heart like nature’s sadness in the form of tears of rain. The pattering of raindrops causes melody of nature which brings feelings of happiness to the poet’s mind.

Q16. What did the poet dream of while listening to the rain?

Ans. While listening to the pattering of the rain, the poet dreamed of several fancies. The poet was lost in old recollection. He dreamed of his mother who paid attention to her children before leaving them in the morning. The poet felt as if her mother was looking at him in a loving manner.

Q17. What is a ‘bliss’ for a poet in the poem?

Ans. The poet loves the rain because it carries him in old memories. He thinks it is bliss to hear the sound of the rain on the roof. He lies in his cosy bed and enjoys the music of nature. It is a bliss for him.

Q18. How is the movement before rain described in the poem?

Ans. Before the rain, the dark wet shadows of clouds come over the sky. The stars seem to be turned into big spheres and covered under these clouds. Suddenly it starts raining.

Q19. What does the patter of the rain on the roof remind the poet?

Ans. The poet is deeply attached to the patter of the rain en the roof. He seems to remember his mother. He feels the presence of his mother’s love in the sound.

Long Answer Questions of the lesson- Rain on the Roof

Explore our Long Answer Type Questions from the chapter ” Rain on the Roof Class 9.” This question’s English collection is intended to deepen your understanding of the chapter and assist in exam preparation.

Q1. How does the poet react to the sound of the rain falling on the roof?

Or

What is the effect of the sound of the rain on the heart and mind of the poet?

 Ans: The poet’s heart and mind react strongly to the sound of the rain falling on the roof. He is in a blissful mood as he enjoys the comfort of his bedroom, leisurely listening to the music of the rain. The music stirs a corresponding echo in the heart of the poet. His heartbeat responds to the sound of the rain by its rhythmic throbbing. He gets engrossed in fanciful, dreamy thoughts. Moreover, the rain awakens many memories of the past. Particularly, it revives the memory of his mother as she looked at her children very affectionately before she went to sleep in her room. He recollects the fond, affectionate look of his mother which she cast on him. Thus, the poet’s mind and heart respond sensitively to the soft pattering sound of the rain falling on the roof.

Q2. The poet says:

“What bliss to press the pillow

 Of a cottage-chamber bed”

Is rain ‘bliss’ for everybody? What do different people feel about the rain?

Or

Does everybody have a cosy bed? Look around and describe how different kinds of people or animals spend time, seek shelter etc. during rain?                                                                               (Textual)

Ans: In the poem “Rain on the Roof”, the poet Coates Kinney relates the various blissful emotions he has while he lies comfortably in his bed. For him, it is pure bliss to listen to the patter of the raindrops falling on the roof. But enjoying this bliss is not a privilege for everyone. There are many poverty-stricken people for whom rain brings a number of difficulties. Some of these people are without shelter, while some live in poor, thatched cottages with leaking roofs. When we look around, we find people reacting differently to the rain. Rich people sit comfortably in the verandas of their luxurious houses and enjoy delicious snacks while watching the rain. Those who are burdened with a busy schedule, feel uncomfortable when they have to run around in the rain. Exposed to the rain, the poor homeless are forced to take cover lest they are drenched in rain.

Animals too are uncomfortable when the rain falls. The domestic animals may be protected but the stray ones have to seek shelter. Thus, rain is not bliss for everybody.

Q3. Suppose you are the poet. You lie in your bed-chamber listening to the ‘patter’ of the rain. Many memories of your childhood occupy your mind. Write a diary entry in about 100-150 words about the most important experience that you recollect.

Ans: (Day & date)                                                                                                                                                     (Time)

Dear Diary

As I lie here comfortably in my bed enjoying the melodious music of the soft rain falling on the roof, I feel that my bond with the past is strengthened further. Some experiences, buried in my unconscious mind have surfaced today. I recall the day from my childhood when it was raining at night and I was in bed along with my brothers and sisters. Mother walked in our room and looked upon us with affection and warmth in her eyes. I can never forget the love with which her face glowed as she bent over us one by one to put us to sleep. We were like her prized treasures and dreaming darlings.

 The rain on that night was almost like the one falling today. Not a heavy shower, but a soft and gentle one pattering rhythmically on the roof. It is a bliss to recall Mother’s angelic eyes and smiling face amidst the gentle sound of the rain.

Miss you mom.

 Coates Kinney

Q4. Do you like the rain? What do you do when it rains steadily or heavily as described in the poem?

Ans. Yes, I like rain and prefer to take a bath in the rain for some time. But when it rains heavily, I stay inside and enjoy the beauty of nature. During rains, a romantic atmosphere is created. I feel like curling into bed and watch the T.V. Further I like to have a hot cup of tea and some nice dish that will make me happy. I also like to watch the sight outside looking through the window. The noise and the smell that comes with rain are very refreshing.

Q5. What virtue do you find in the sound of rains? Explain with reference to the poem `Rain on the Roof.

Ans. The sound of rain is pleasing to the ear. When we hear this sound, we forget everything. We feel nostalgic and find ourselves in the world of fancies. We remember the sweet memories of the past in a peaceful heart. Of course, we are unable to forget such moments of life. We must take this lesson from the rain and create peace in the mind of people by our behaviour.

Q6. When you were a young child, did your mother tuck you in, as the poet’s mother did? Explain with reference to the poem ‘Rain on the Roof.

Ans. Yes, my mother used to tuck me in when I was a child. Whenever I said that I could not do some work, she embraced me and took me in her lap to get that work done. She used to feel sad and dejected if I was involved in any kind of mischievous work. Mothers are great in the world. Their love is immortal because it always charges our life in their absence.

Quick Review of the lesson- Rain on the Roof

1.What are the humid shadows doing in the sphere?

 (A) steeping                                                                      (B) resting

(C) floating in the air                                                       (D) doing nothing

 Ans. (C) floating in the air

2.What does the poet attach the darkness with?

(A) joyful mood                                                                                (B) sadness

 (C) pleasant                                                                       (D) soothing

Ans .(B) sadness

3.What is a bliss for the poet?

(A) bathing in the rain                                                    (B) getting a lot of money

(C) going to an office in rain                                               (D) lying on the bed in a joyful mood

Ans. (D) lying on the bed in a joyful mood

4.What does the poet enjoy listening to?

 (A) the classical music of piano                                  (B) film music

 (C) pattering sound of raindrops                             (D) old songs

Ans(C) pattering sound of raindrops

5.What tinkles on the shingles?

 (A) raindrops                                                                   (B) hailstones

(C) brass-bells                                                                   (D) silver bangles

Ans(A) raindrops

6.What makes an echo in the poet’s mind?

 (A) his poverty                                                                                 (B) his successes

 (C) the music of pattering rain                                   (D) all these things

Ans(C) the music of pattering rain

7.Where is the rain making a noise?

 (A) in the room                                                                               (B) on the roof

 (C) in the garden                                                             (D) in the lanes

Ans. (B) on the roof

8.Who comes in the poet’s memory?

(A) the rain                                                                         (B) his father

 (C) his mother                                                                  (D) his friends

 Ans(C) his mother

9.Where does the poet’s mother live?

 (A) in another town                                                       (B) in a village

 (C) with the poet                                                            (D) she has died

Ans. (D) she has died

10.Who are the darling dreamers?

 (A) the poet and his brothers                                    (B) the street children

(C) the school children                                                   (D) none of these

Ans (A) the poet and his brothers

11.What does the poet listen?

(A) the sweet music of insects                                           (B) sweet music of piano

 (C) the sweet music of raindrops                                     (D) all the options are incorrect

Ans(C) the sweet music of raindrops

12.Select the correct meaning of ‘refrain’.

 (A) stop making noise                                                   (B) sound of piano music

(C) making refined efforts                                           (D) the noise of the rain

Ans(D) the noise of the rain

13.Select the name of the poet of the poem ‘Rain on the Roof’.

(A) Robert Frost                                                                               (B) Subramanian

 (C) Coates Kinney                                                           (D) W.B. Yeats

  Ans(C) Coates Kinney

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