All questions of Rain on the Roof for Grade 9 Exam

Understanding the Poet's Haunting Memories
The correct answer is option 'C', which indicates that the poet is haunted by his mother’s memory. This theme is often prevalent in poetry, where the poet reflects on personal experiences and emotions tied to familial relationships.
Significance of the Memory
- Emotional Connection: The bond between a poet and their mother often evokes deep feelings of love, loss, and nostalgia.
- Influence on Creativity: Memories of a mother can inspire creativity, leading to profound artistic expressions in poetry.
Common Themes in Poetry
- Loss and Longing: Many poets explore themes of absence and the enduring impact of a loved one’s memory. The pain of losing a mother can be a recurring subject.
- Reflection on Childhood: Poets often reflect on their childhood experiences, drawing inspiration from their mothers’ roles in shaping their lives.
Why Other Options Are Less Relevant
- Friends: While friendships can be significant, they may not evoke the same depth of emotion as a mother’s memory.
- Sounds of Rainfall: Nature sounds can inspire poets, but they typically represent external experiences rather than internal, personal reflections.
- None: This option does not apply as the poet is indeed haunted by a memory, specifically that of their mother.
In conclusion, the haunting memory of a mother is a powerful emotional theme in poetry, deeply influencing the poet's thoughts and creative expressions.

Answer:


In the given extract, the poet reminisces about his mother who comes to his memory. He describes his mother's habit of looking after the dreamy children before leaving them till dawn.


The extract begins with the phrase "Now in memory comes my mother," which suggests that the poet is reminiscing about his mother. The use of the word "memory" indicates that the poet is thinking about his mother in the past.

The poet further describes how his mother used to care for the dreamy children before leaving them till dawn. This implies that the poet's mother would tuck the children in bed and watch over them until they fell asleep. This act of care and love is a fond memory for the poet.

The poet then expresses how he feels his mother's fond look on him as he listens to the refrain. The refrain refers to the sound of rain falling on the shingles. The patter of the rain creates a soothing and comforting sound that reminds the poet of his mother's presence. It is as if his mother's fond gaze is present in the sound of the rain.


In conclusion, the poet's mother comes in his memory in the given extract. The poet reminisces about his mother's habit of looking after the dreamy children before leaving them till dawn. The sound of the rain serves as a reminder of his mother's fond presence.

Understanding the Term 'Woof'
The term 'woof' has a specific meaning in the context of textiles, particularly in weaving. Here’s a detailed explanation:
Definition of 'Woof'
- 'Woof' refers to the horizontal threads that are woven into the vertical threads (also known as the warp) to create fabric.
- This term is crucial in understanding the structure of woven textiles.
Context in Weaving
- In the weaving process, the warp threads are set up on a loom, and the woof threads are interlaced through them.
- The combination of these two sets of threads produces various types of fabrics, influencing their texture and strength.
Importance in Textile Production
- Knowing the difference between warp and woof is essential for anyone involved in textile production or fashion design.
- The balance between these elements contributes to the overall quality and characteristics of the final fabric.
Common Misconceptions
- It is easy to confuse 'woof' with other terms, but in the context of textiles, it specifically denotes the weft or lateral threads.
- The other options provided (dreams, memories, or none of these) do not relate to the definition of 'woof' in this context.
Conclusion
In summary, 'woof' is accurately defined as woven cloth, specifically referring to the threads that run horizontally in a woven fabric. Understanding this term is fundamental for grasping the basics of textile and fabric production.

The darkness of the night and the sound of the rain makes him feel sad and reflective which is why the poet refers to it as darkness melancholy.

Since the clouds are weeping, the poet describes the darkness as melancholy, as he lies down to listen to the patter.

The raindrops falling on the roof of the poet's heart make an echo in his heart. The sound of the raindrops makes the poet imagine different things. These things are very fancy and pleasing to the poet. These sounds make the poet view many dreams in his mind. All the past memories get back to the poet in the form of dreams when the poet hears the sound of the raindrops.

Explanation:

Favourite Activity of the Poet
- The favourite activity of the poet during the rainy season is to lie on the bed and listen to the pitter-patter sound of the rain.
- The poet finds bliss in pressing the pillow of a cottage-chamber bed and listening to the soft rain overhead.
- The poet describes the experience of listening to the rain as a soothing and comforting one, highlighting the joy it brings.

Reasoning
- The poet enjoys this activity because it allows them to relax and unwind while being surrounded by the sounds of nature.
- The gentle sound of raindrops falling on the roof creates a peaceful atmosphere, making it a perfect moment for the poet to enjoy.

Conclusion
- In conclusion, the poet's favourite activity during the rainy season is to lie on the bed and listen to the pitter-patter sound of the rain. This activity brings the poet a sense of bliss and tranquillity, allowing them to appreciate the beauty of nature in a peaceful setting.

In the poem, Rain on the Roof, seeing the rain, the poet refreshes his memories of the past. He is remembering his mother who is no longer alive. Seeing the rain and listening to the sound the rain drop is making while falling on the rooftop, the poet feels that his mother is looking at him.

Understanding Rhyme Schemes
Rhyme scheme refers to the pattern of rhymes at the end of each line in a poem. It is usually described using letters to represent the sounds, with the same letter denoting lines that rhyme with each other.
Analyzing the Options
Let's break down the provided options to identify the correct rhyme scheme:
- Option A: abcbdefeb
- Here, the first line (a) rhymes with the third line (b).
- The second line (c) does not rhyme with the first or third.
- The fourth line (d) introduces a new sound.
- The fifth line (e) rhymes with the first line (b).
- The sixth line (f) introduces another new sound.
- The seventh line (e) rhymes again with the fifth line.
This creates a structured pattern, confirming that it is indeed a valid rhyme scheme.
- Option B: aabbccdd
- This option features couplets, where every two lines rhyme with each other, which does not match the structure of the poem.
- Option C: abbccdded
- This option also suggests couplets and does not fit the pattern described in the poem.
- Option D: aaabbbab
- This option indicates a continuous rhyme without the interspersed new sound, which diverges from the expected pattern.
Conclusion
The correct answer is Option A: abcbdefeb because it demonstrates a varied rhyme scheme with distinct sounds that alternate, fitting the description of the poem's structure. Each sound is represented clearly, allowing for a more dynamic reading experience.

Understanding Personification in Poetry
In the third line of the extract, "the melancholy darkness gently weeps in rainy tears," the poetic device used is personification. Let's explore this concept in detail.
Definition of Personification
- Personification is a literary device where human qualities are attributed to animals, inanimate objects, or abstract ideas.
- It allows writers to create vivid imagery and emotional connections with their audience.
Analysis of the Extract
- In the line, "the melancholy darkness gently weeps," the darkness is described as "melancholy," a human emotion.
- The term "weeps" further emphasizes this by suggesting that darkness has the ability to express sorrow, much like a human would.
- By giving darkness these human qualities, the poet evokes a deeper emotional response from the reader, making the scene more relatable and poignant.
Impact of Personification
- This device enhances the mood of the poem, creating a sense of gloom and sadness that resonates with the overall theme of rain and melancholy.
- It transforms the natural phenomenon of darkness and rain into something that feels alive and emotionally charged.
In summary, the use of personification in this line not only enriches the imagery but also deepens the emotional impact, allowing readers to connect more profoundly with the feelings being conveyed.

Extract Analysis:
The given extract is from the poem "Rain on the Roof" by Coates Kinney. The speaker in the poem is describing the sound and impact of rain on a rooftop.

Explanation:
The extract states that every sound of rain falling on the shingles of the roof creates an echo in the heart. It suggests that the sound of rain has a profound effect on the speaker, evoking a range of emotions and imaginations.

Identification of Key Points:
- Rain falling on the shingles of the roof
- Echo in the heart
- Dreamy fancies and recollections
- Air-threads weaving into woof
- Patter of rain on the roof

Answer:
The noise of rain is coming from the roof (option B). The extract clearly mentions that the rain is making a noise on the shingles of the roof.

Explanation in Detail:
The extract describes the impact of rain on the speaker's emotions and thoughts. The raindrops falling on the shingles of the roof create a tinkling sound, which resonates deeply within the speaker's heart. This suggests that the sound of rain has a profound effect on the speaker, stirring up various emotions and stimulating their imagination.

The extract also mentions that the sound of rain triggers a thousand dreamy fancies. This implies that the speaker's mind is filled with imaginative thoughts and ideas as they listen to the rain. The raindrops also bring back a thousand recollections, indicating that the sound of rain acts as a catalyst for memories and nostalgia.

Furthermore, the extract mentions that the air-threads are woven into woof as the speaker listens to the patter of rain on the roof. This imagery suggests that the sound of rain weaves a tapestry of thoughts and emotions within the speaker's mind.

Therefore, based on the given information in the extract, it can be concluded that the rain is making a noise on the roof, as explicitly mentioned in the lines "And a thousand recollections / Weave their air-threads into woof, / As I listen to the patter / Of the rain upon the roof."

Hence, the correct answer is option B, "on the roof."

What tinkles on the shingles?
Rain drops tinkle on the shingles.
- The poet describes how every tinkle on the shingles has an echo in the heart, suggesting a deep emotional connection to the sound of raindrops falling on the roof.
- The raindrops are portrayed as creating a symphony of sounds that evoke dreamy fancies and recollections in the poet's mind.
- The imagery of raindrops tinkling on the shingles creates a soothing and comforting atmosphere, highlighting the beauty of nature and its ability to inspire creativity and reflection.
In conclusion, the sound of raindrops falling on the shingles is what tinkles in the poem, symbolizing a connection between the external world and the internal emotions of the poet.

The poet is appreciating rain, especially when he hears it from a cozy bed in a lovely “cottage. This rain and its sound have resurrected the fondest memory of the poet’s mother in his mind. As the rain continues, the poet tries to recollect all that caused him pain, yet at the same time lifted his spirits.

The poets mother had died years ago. When ever he hears the pitter-patter of the rain. He remembers his mother who had died years ago. She loved him a lot and considered him a darling.

Recollections: The action or faculty of remembering or recollecting something.

When the poet listens to the refrain of the rain, he feels his mother's fond look upon him. This memory is vividly recalled by the sound of the rain, reminding him of the love and care his mother showed him.

Recollections refer to memories. In the poem, they are the remembered experiences and moments from the poet's past that come to mind as he listens to the sound of the rain.

The mother looks at the children with fondness. This tender and affectionate gaze reflects her deep love and care for them, highlighting the strong emotional bond between the mother and her children.

Alliteration is the repetition of the same initial consonant sound in multiple words in close succession. In the phrases ‘Starry Spheres’ and ‘darling dreamers,’ the 's' and 'd' sounds are repeated, demonstrating the use of alliteration. This technique is often used in poetry to create rhythm and musicality.

The poet's mother is the single major memory that comes to his mind. 'Darling dreamers' are those 'kids' who remember their mothers like the poet.

The tinkle of the rain on the shingles causes an echo in the poet's heart. This reflects the deep emotional response that the sound of the rain evokes, stirring up feelings and memories within him.

Description of the sound of rain on the shingles:
Rain on the shingles is described as a soothing melody by the speaker. This description implies that the sound of rain falling on the shingles is pleasant, calming, and peaceful.

Reasons for the description:
- Calming effect: The gentle patter of raindrops on the shingles can create a sense of tranquility and relaxation. This can be compared to a soothing melody that brings a sense of comfort and peace.
- Nature's music: The natural rhythm and sound of rain falling on the shingles can be likened to a musical composition. It has a harmonious quality that can be pleasing to the ears and create a sense of harmony with nature.
- Connection to nature: The sound of rain on the shingles can evoke a connection to the natural world and remind the listener of the beauty and power of nature. This can be a comforting and grounding experience.
- Sensory experience: The sound of rain on the shingles can engage the senses and create a multi-sensory experience. It can be not only heard but also felt, seen, and even smelled, depending on the intensity of the rain.
In conclusion, the description of the sound of rain on the shingles as a soothing melody highlights the speaker's positive and calming experience of this natural phenomenon. It suggests a deep appreciation for the beauty and tranquility that can be found in the simple act of listening to the rain fall.

The term "darling dreamers" refers to children who are deeply cherished and loved, often evoking a sense of innocence and wonder. In the poem, it recalls the poet's childhood memories and the affection his mother had for him and his siblings.

Shingles are the tiles or slates that cover a roof. In the poem, the sound of rain hitting the shingles on the roof creates a soothing and nostalgic atmosphere, evoking the poet's memories.