NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English - Song of The Rain

Q4. A. On the basis of your understanding of the poem, answer the following questions by choosing the correct option.
(a) The rain calls itself the ‘dotted silver threads’ as _____________.
(i) the shimmering drops fall one after the other.
(ii) it ties heaven and earth.
(iii) it dots the earth with shimmering water.
(iv) it decorates the fields.

Ans : (ii) it ties heaven and earth.

The rain refers to itself as 'dotted silver threads' because it ties heaven and earth. This metaphor highlights the connection between the sky and the ground, illustrating how rain serves as a bridge, linking the two realms.

(b) The tone and mood of the rain in the poem reflects: its _____________.
(i) love for the earth.
(ii) desire to take revenge.
(iii) merriment as it destroys.
(iv) desire to look beautiful.

Ans : (i) love for the earth.

The tone and mood of the rain in the poem reflect its love for the earth. This affection is expressed through the rain's gentle and nurturing presence, highlighting its role in sustaining life and beauty.

(c) Choose the option that lists the examples of ‘elated’.
1. Asmi is convalescing from her ailment.
2. Gurdeep and Sanvi met each other after a decade.
3. Damehi heard the news that he had been nominated for an award.
4. Sohrab has witnessed a burglar in the dark.
(i) 1, 3
(ii) 2, 3
(iii) 3, 4
(iv) 1, 4
Ans. (ii) 2, 3

(d) Antithesis is a figure of speech which brings out a contrast in the ideas by placing opposing words, clauses or sentences within a parallel grammatical structure.
For example:
“To err is human; to forgive divine.” – Alexander Pope
Hope for the best; prepare for the worst.
Keep your friends close; keep your enemies closer.
From the following phrases in the poem, select the option that correctly lists the examples of Antithesis.
1. When I cry, the hills laugh; When I humble myself, the flowers rejoice;
2. And between them I am a messenger of mercy.
3. When I bow, all things are elated.
4. The voice of thunder declares my arrival; The rainbow announces my departure.
5. I am dotted silver threads dropped from heaven
6. I touch gently at the windows with my Soft fingers
(i) 1, 3, 4, 6
(ii) 1, 3, 4
(iii) 1, 3, 4, 5
(iv) 1, 3, 5
Ans. (ii) 1, 3, 4

Q4. B.  Read the given extracts and answer the following questions by selecting the correct option.

(a) 

I am dotted silver threads dropped from heaven
By the gods. Nature then takes me,
to adorn Her fields and valleys.
I am beautiful pearls, plucked from the
Crown of Ishtar by the daughter of Dawn
To embellish the gardens.

i) Select the option that DOES NOT include a visual connected to the given lines.

A. Option i
B. Option ii
C. Option iii
D. Option iv
Ans. A. Option i

ii) Read the definitions given below:

 Select the option that correctly includes examples of i) allusion and ii) alliteration from the extract.
A. i) Ishtar ii) daughter of Dawn
B. i) Dawn ii) dotted silver threads
C. i) Nature ii) pearls, plucked from the Crown
Ans. A. i) Ishtar ii) daughter of Dawn

Ishtar represents fertility in this context because she is associated with the creation of life, which is directly linked to the rain. Rain is essential for growth and sustenance, making it relevant to Ishtar's role.

(iii) Choose the option containing a statement that is NOT conveyed through the extract.
A. The rain calls itself the shimmering drops sent by the gods.
B. The rain is the daughter of Dawn born to decorate the gardens.
C. Nature has adopted rain to decorate her fields and valleys.
D. The rain is beautiful pearls plucked from the crown of the goddess of fertility.
Ans. D. The rain is beautiful pearls plucked from the crown of the goddess of fertility.

(iv) Ishtar is a Mesopotamian goddess and signifies diverse things in different cultures. Select which symbol of Ishtar is relevant in the extract with the most appropriate reason.
A. The poet utilised the symbol of ‘Love’ to represent Ishtar because the rain brings love and peace to the world.
B. Ishtar signifies ‘War’ as her power arises from her connection with storms.
C. Ishtar here represents ‘Fertility’ because she is responsible for all life and so is the relevance to the rain.
D. The poet meant to associate the symbol of ‘Beauty’ with Ishtar as the rain makes the world beautiful.
Ans. C. Ishtar here represents ‘Fertility’ because she is responsible for all life and so is the relevance to the rain.

Ishtar represents fertility in this context because she is associated with the creation of life, which is directly linked to the rain. Rain is essential for growth and sustenance, making it relevant to Ishtar's role.

(b) 

The voice of thunder declares my arrival;
The rainbow announces my departure.
I am like earthly life, which begins at
The feet of the mad elements and ends
Under the upraised wings of death.

i) The rain says, ‘I am like earthly life’. Select the option with the most suitable explanation of the expression.
A) The rain undergoes the same phases as that of earthly beings.
B) Most of the rain’s life is on the earth.
C) The fate of earthly life is dependent on the rain.
D) Rain has a concern for earthly life.
Ans. A) The rain undergoes the same phases as that of earthly beings.

The rain compares itself to earthly life because it experiences similar stages. Just as life begins with challenges and ends with death, rain also has a cycle of arrival and departure. It starts with the thunder announcing its coming and concludes with the rainbow marking its exit. This reflects the natural progression of life, highlighting the phases that both rain and living beings undergo.

ii) The tone and mood of the rain in the extract reflects _________.
A) its merriment as it destroys
B) rain’s desire to reach its destiny
C) its objective and realistic manner
D) the rain’s pride at its might
Ans. B) rain’s desire to reach its destiny

The tone and mood of the rain in the extract reflect its desire to reach its destiny. This suggests a sense of purpose and longing inherent in the rain's journey.

iii) Read statements 1 and 2 given below and choose the option that correctly assesses these statements.
1. Rainbow declares the rain’s parting.
2. Rainbow causes the end of the rain.
A) Both statements 1 and 2 are false.
B) Statement 1 is true but 2 is false.
C) Statement 1 is the reason for statement 2.
D) Statement 2 is the cause of statement 1.
Ans. B) Statement 1 is true but 2 is false.

Statement 1 is true, as the rainbow signifies the end of rain, indicating its parting. However, Statement 2 is false because the rainbow does not cause the rain to end; it appears after the rain has stopped.

Q5. A. Answer the following questions :

(a) Why is the rain divine?

Ans: Rain is often considered divine because it is a precious gift from heaven. It plays a vital role in sustaining life on Earth, providing essential water for plants, animals, and humans. This life-giving quality makes rain a symbol of nourishment and renewal.

(b) In this universe, rain performs many functions. What are those?

Ans: Rain beautifies and refreshes the surroundings, spreading happiness and rejuvenating nature. It gives life and quenches the thirst of the dry, barren earth. Furthermore, rain brings prosperity and joy to countless hearts.

(c) “When I cry the hills laugh;
 When I humble myself the flowers rejoice;
 When I bow, all things are elated”.
 ‘Cry', ‘humble’ and ‘bow’ indicate different intensities with which the rain falls. Explain the three in context.

Ans: Cry, humble, and bow represent different intensities of rain. When it cries, it symbolises heavy rainfall accompanied by thunder, causing the hills to echo as if they are laughing. This powerful sound resonates across the landscape. In contrast, when the rain humbles itself, it falls gently, bringing joy to the flowers, which thrive in the light drizzle. Finally, when the rain bows, it creates a sense of elation among all living things, as the gentle showers nourish the earth and often lead to the beauty of a rainbow, delighting everyone.