Short and Long Answer Questions: Waiting for the Rain | English Poorvi Class 8 - New NCERT PDF Download

Short Answer Questions 

Q1. Why are the people waiting eagerly for the rain?
Ans: The people are eagerly waiting for the rain because the land has become dry and barren due to the long drought. The crops and grass have withered away, and animals are thirsty. The rain symbolizes relief, hope, and life for the suffering villagers.

Q2. How does the poet describe the condition of the earth before rain?
Ans: The poet describes the land as dry, cracked, and lifeless. The fields are parched, streams are empty, and trees stand wilted. The entire atmosphere reflects despair and longing for the rain.

Q3. What changes do the people expect after the rain falls?
Ans: The people expect greenery, fresh crops, and flowing streams after the rain. They believe the rain will bring prosperity, happiness, and relief from the hardships caused by drought.

Q4. How do the children react to the coming of rain?
Ans: The children are filled with joy and excitement. They look up to the sky eagerly, sing, dance, and play in the rain, expressing their innocent delight in the long-awaited blessing.

Q5. What emotions does the poet connect with the rain?
Ans: The poet connects rain with hope, renewal, joy, and gratitude. It is not just a natural event but a life-giving blessing that restores faith and brings happiness to people’s hearts.

Q6. How does nature respond to the rain in the poem?
Ans: Nature responds to the rain with revival and freshness. The trees sway happily, flowers bloom, streams start flowing again, and the earth looks vibrant and alive once more.

Q7. Why is the rain called a blessing in the poem?
Ans: The rain is called a blessing because it saves people from drought and suffering. It revives crops, quenches thirst, and renews life on earth, spreading joy and relief everywhere.

Q8. What is the mood of the poem before and after the rain?
Ans: Before the rain, the mood is sad, tense, and filled with despair due to drought. After the rain, the mood changes to happiness, peace, and gratitude as nature and people celebrate together.

Q9. How do the elders in the village react to the rain?
Ans: The elders feel relieved and thankful when the rain finally comes. Their hearts are filled with gratitude, as they see the drought ending and life returning to the land.

Q10. What role does rain play in the lives of farmers?
Ans: Rain plays a vital role in the lives of farmers as it ensures the growth of crops, fills rivers and wells, and provides food and income. Without rain, farming life becomes very difficult.

Long Answer Questions 

Q1. Describe the impact of drought on people and nature as shown in the poem.
Ans: The poem vividly portrays the harshness of drought. The land is dry and cracked, crops fail, rivers run empty, and animals as well as people suffer from thirst. The atmosphere is heavy with despair as everyone waits anxiously for relief. Children look to the sky with hope, while elders pray silently for rain. The absence of rain brings hunger, poverty, and sadness. This depiction emphasizes how deeply human life depends on nature, particularly on rainfall.

Q2. Explain the significance of rain in the poem.
Ans: Rain is the central theme and symbol in the poem. It represents life, renewal, and hope. The people eagerly wait for its arrival because it ends their suffering. The moment rain falls, everything changes—the land turns green, crops begin to grow, streams flow, and happiness spreads everywhere. Rain also reflects divine mercy and blessing, as it restores balance to life. The poet uses rain to highlight how closely human emotions and survival are tied to the natural world.

Q3. How does the poet show the contrast between drought and rainfall?
Ans: The poet creates a sharp contrast between the lifelessness of drought and the joy of rainfall. Before rain, the earth is cracked, fields barren, and faces sad. The mood is filled with anxiety and despair. When the rain comes, the dry soil drinks it eagerly, rivers overflow, and greenery spreads quickly. People, especially children, celebrate with songs and laughter. This contrast shows how rain brings not only physical relief but also emotional and spiritual happiness to the community.

Q4. What message does the poem ‘Waiting for the Rain’ convey?
Ans: The poem conveys the message of hope, patience, and gratitude. It reminds us that just as rain follows drought, difficult times in life will also pass, bringing relief and joy. The poem also emphasizes the close connection between human life and nature—without rain, life is incomplete. Furthermore, it teaches us to value natural blessings and be thankful for them. Rain here becomes a metaphor for renewal and the promise of a better tomorrow.