Rain on the Roof Summary Class 9 English Beehive Chapter 3

Introduction

The poem Rain on the Roof expresses the poet’s feelings when he hears raindrops falling on the roof of his house. He compares the raindrops at night to tears shed by a sad, dark night. The poet enjoys lying in bed, listening to the rain, as it brings back sweet memories of the past. The soothing sound of rain helps him sleep and dream, reminding him of his loving mother who used to put him to bed.

Detailed summary

The poet describes the arrival of rain through the movement of dark, rain-filled clouds in the sky. He refers to these clouds as "humid shadows" and highlights their preparation to release rain. The night sky, dotted with stars, provides a beautiful setting for this scene.

When the humid shadows hover
Over all 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 lie listening to the patter
Of the soft rain overhead!

• The poet compares raindrops to tears, showing a deep emotional connection to the weather.
• The dark sky seems to be weeping, creating a sad and calm scene.
• The poet finds comfort in this moment, enjoying the soothing sound of rain while lying in bed.
• The rain feels like a blessing, bringing peace and relaxation.

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.

• The poet feels a deep emotional connection with the sound of raindrops falling on the roof.
• Each "tinkle on the shingles" touches his heart and sparks his imagination.
• The rhythmic sound of the rain brings up dreamy thoughts and creative ideas.
• It also evokes many memories from the past, weaving them together like threads in a fabric.
• The poet finds the rain both soothing and inspiring as he listens to its gentle patter.

Now in memory comes my mother, 
As she used in years agone, 
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. 

• In the final part, the poet remembers his mother, who has passed away.
• The rain triggers memories of her love and care.
• He imagines his mother watching over him while he listens to the rain.
• The sound of raindrops connects the past and present, stirring deep emotions.
• Every rainfall brings back memories of his mother, creating a bittersweet feeling.
• The rain becomes a soothing yet emotional reminder of cherished moments with her.

In conlusion, This poem celebrates the joy of listening to raindrops on the roof. Using vivid images and heartfelt memories, the poet captures the peaceful beauty of a rainy night. The sound of rain feels like a soothing melody, bringing back cherished memories, especially of the poet’s mother. The poem beautifully shows the deep bond between nature, emotions, and comfort.

Theme/Message

Themes:

• Nostalgia: The poem explores the theme of nostalgia through the speaker's memories of their mother and past experiences.
• Comfort in Nature: Finding solace and comfort in the natural world, specifically in the sound of rain, is a prominent theme.

Message:

• The poem conveys the idea that simple, everyday experiences like listening to the rain can evoke deep emotions and memories.
• It emphasizes the importance of finding solace and peace in the midst of life's uncertainties through connecting with nature and memories.

Useful Expressions 

• … starry spheres – An area in the sky where stars appear in a group.
• What bliss — A 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 dreamers — Refers to children who love and remember their mother equally like the poet. 

Glossary

1. Hover: To stay suspended in the air at a single point, without moving in any particular direction.
2. Melancholy: A profound feeling of sadness or sorrow, often without a clear cause.
3. Bliss: A state of pure joy and overwhelming happiness.
4. Patter: A light, rapid sound made by repeated tapping or striking, like raindrops hitting a surface.
5. Shingles: Thin, overlapping pieces of material, typically wood or asphalt, used to cover and protect rooftops.
6. Woof: The horizontal threads woven across a fabric, interlacing with vertical threads to form the structure of the textile.
7. Refrain: A line or group of lines regularly repeated in a poem, song, or musical piece, often contributing to its rhythm or theme.
   
   Question for Summary: Rain on the Roof

   Try yourself:

   Which word describes a state of pure joy and overwhelming happiness?

   • A.

     Melancholy
   • B.

     Bliss
   • C.

     Patter
   • D.

     Shingles

   Explanation

   - Bliss refers to a state of pure joy and overwhelming happiness. It is a feeling of complete contentment and satisfaction.

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