Class 9 Beehive Poem Chapter 3 Important Question Answers - Rain on the Roof

Short Answer Type Questions

Q1. How does the poet describe the sky before the rain falls?

Ans: The poet describes the sky before the rain as:

• Dark clouds gathering in the sky, obscuring the stars.
• The darkness is compared to sadness, as the humid shadows seem to weep.
• These shadows release rainy tears that fall gently.

Q2. Do you think that the poem, Rain on the Roof, is lauding the healing power of nature’s rain?

Ans: The poet appreciates the rain, especially while lying in a cosy bed in a charming cottage. The sound of the rain brings back cherished memories of his mother. As the rain falls, he reflects on his past pains but also finds comfort and upliftment.

• The rain's soothing sound evokes fond memories.
• It reminds him of his mother's nurturing presence.
• Despite recalling past sorrows, the rain lifts his spirits.

Q3. What does each sound of shingle create? 

Ans: Every raindrop on the roof creates a rhythm that resonates with the poet's heartbeat. This sound inspires countless dreams and fills his mind with thoughts. As he listens to the pitter-patter of the rain, he reflects on cherished memories from the past.

• The sound of rain evokes a sense of bliss as he relaxes in bed.
• Each tinkle on the roof stirs emotions and ignites imaginative thoughts.
• Memories of his mother come to mind, recalling her tender care.
• Listening to the rain brings a comforting feeling of nostalgia.

Q4. Who all does the poet remember while listening to the rain?

Ans: The poet recalls several important figures while listening to the rain:

• His mother, who lovingly tucked him in at night.
• His sister, who passed away at a young age.
• A young girl he once admired during his life.

Q5. Is the poet, Coates Kinney, able to enjoy the rain or he reminisces at the lost time? [Old NCERT]

Ans:

The atmosphere of the poem is quite somber. Despite the surrounding darkness, the rain brings a sense of peace to the lonely night. The poet finds joy in the simple pleasure of sleep, especially when resting his head on the pillow after a long day.

• The rain creates a soothing sound that enhances his mood.
• Each drop on the roof evokes memories and dreams.
• The poet recalls his mother, who used to watch over him as he slept.
• He feels her affection as he listens to the rain.

Q6. Who are the “darling dreamers” referred to by the poet?

Ans:

The darling dreamers refer to the poet and his siblings. They were cherished by their mother, who likely wished them “sweet dreams” each night before she went to bed.

• The term dreamers indicates their tendency to have pleasant dreams.
• These children held a special place in their mother’s heart.

Long Answer Type Questions

Q1. What happens when the poet listens to the patter of rain? Do you think that rain is a narrative tool in the poet’s life?

Ans: The raindrops create a musical sound on the roof, producing a delightful pitter-patter. For the poet, this sound is a source of joy. Initially, there is a hint of sadness that gradually fades with the arrival of the rain. Each raindrop resonates with the poet's heartbeat, as he focuses on the soothing rhythm while reminiscing about cherished memories.

Rain is intricately linked to various aspects of life. It acts as a significant narrative tool in the poet's experience, conveying emotions and moments more effectively than words alone. The rain's sound captures the essence of time and space, enhancing the emotional depth of the poet's reflections.

Q2. There is an image of the past in the poem, ‘Rain on the Roof’. Is this imagery similar to ones used in the poem, ‘The Road not Taken’? Explain.

Ans: In the poem ‘Rain on the Roof’, the imagery of the past is presented without feelings of regret or sadness. In contrast, ‘The Road Not Taken’ evokes a sense of sadness and regret.

• The rain in ‘Rain on the Roof’ lulls the poet into dreams, bringing back memories of family and loved ones.
• In ‘The Road Not Taken’, the poet reflects on a past decision with regret.
• While both poems contain imagery of the past, Kinney's poem focuses on the warm memory of a loving mother.
• Frost's poem, however, highlights the regret associated with choices made.
• The road not taken represents the choice of venturing into the unknown, symbolising a desire to be different.

Overall, both poems explore the past, but they evoke different emotions: one creates a sense of love and longing, while the other conveys a somber mood of regret.

Q3. Dreams hold importance in the poet’s life. Is it true? Explain.

Ans: The poem captures the mood of a rainy night. The humid clouds create dark shadows over the starry sky. The poet dreams of his mother, recalling how she used to tuck him in bed.

This dream evokes memories of his childhood, when his mother would tell stories to help him sleep. The music of the rain on the rooftop reminds him of her affectionate gaze during his early years.

Through these dreams, he realises the importance of the past and the things he now misses.