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

Q1. According to the poet, what is nature’s mood in ‘rainy darkness’?

Ans: The poet depicts nature's mood in the rainy darkness as one of deep melancholy. This sadness is illustrated through the imagery of darkness weeping and shedding tears, which take the form of raindrops.

Q2. Which is the single major memory that comes to the poet?
Or
Which distinctive memory is revived in the poet’s mind?

Ans: The single major memory that comes to the poet is of his mother. The sound of the rain brings back thoughts of when she would look at him and his siblings with love before she went to sleep in her bed chamber.

Q3. 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” highlights their innocence and the peaceful dreams they often experienced.

Q4. Write the central theme of the poem ‘Rain on the Roof.

Ans: The central theme of the poem “Rain on the Roof” revolves around the soothing effect of the rain on the poet's mind. The gentle patter of the rain brings him comfort and inspires a flood of dreamy thoughts. As he listens, he reminisces about his mother, who cherished him deeply. The rain evokes a sense of happiness and nostalgia, allowing him to escape into cherished memories.

Q5. How is the mood of the poet contrasted with the mood of darkness?

Ans: While the darkness conveys a sense of sadness and gloom, the poet experiences joy. He finds it blissful to lie comfortably in bed, resting his head on the pillow and listening to the soothing music created by the rain falling softly.

Q6. What is the impact of the tinkle of the raindrops on the poet’s heart?

Ans: The tinkle of the raindrops resonates deeply within the poet's heart as if his heartbeat synchronises with the rhythm of the rain. This sound evokes a multitude of memories, allowing the poet to drift into a world of dreamy imagination. Each drop brings forth recollections and feelings, creating a tapestry of thoughts that enrich his experience.

Q7. What do the following phrases mean? 

(a) Humid shadows

Ans: Humid shadows refer to clouds that are heavy with moisture, casting a shadow over the starry sky.

(b) Starry spheres

Ans: The term starry spheres refers to the night sky filled with stars.

(c) What a bliss

Ans: What a bliss is an exclamatory phrase that expresses a feeling of great pleasure.

(d) A thousand dreamy fancies into busy starting

Ans: The clause suggests that a large number of memories are stirred in a mind that is otherwise busy.

(e) A thousand recollections weave their air-threads into woof

Ans: This clause uses a metaphor to describe memories. It suggests that recollections act like weavers, with each memory represented as a thread that forms the fabric of the mind.

Q8. Describe the weather just before the rain starts.

Ans: The weather just before the rain is humid and dark. The sky, which is usually filled with stars, is now covered by thick clouds, creating a sense of melancholy as the atmosphere prepares for the impending rain.

Q9. What does the poet want to do when it rains?

Ans: When it rains, the poet wishes to lie snug in his cosy cottage, resting on a soft pillow. He wants to enjoy the gentle music of raindrops falling on the roof. The sound of the rain brings back memories and inspires dreamy thoughts, creating a comforting atmosphere.

Q10. Why does the poet call the sound of the rain a “refrain”?

Ans: The term refrain refers to a line or phrase that is repeated in a song or poem. In this context, the poet describes the sound of raindrops as a unique and continuous melody created by their gentle pattering. This repetitive sound is aptly termed a ‘refrain’ because it echoes throughout the poem, much like a recurring theme in music.

Q11. Is the poet now a child? Is his mother still alive?

Ans: The poet is no longer a child and his mother has passed away. He reflects on his childhood and his mother with a sense of nostalgia, which indicates that she is no longer alive.

Q12. What does the poet like to do when it rains?

Ans: When it rains, the poet enjoys lying on a cottage bed and listening to the gentle sound of the rain. This experience brings him a sense of comfort and evokes fond memories of his mother. As he listens, his mind fills with blissful recollections, creating a peaceful atmosphere.

Q13. Is the rain referred to in the poem as a heavy downpour?

Ans: No, the rain mentioned in the poem is not a heavy downpour. Instead, it is described as soft and gentle, evident from the pattering sound it makes as it falls on the roof.

Q14. What type of dreamy fancies comes to the poet’s mind?

Ans: Old recollections come to the poet's mind, particularly the memory of his mother, which brings him solace. The gentle patter of soft rain on the roof evokes dreamy fancies in his heart, resembling nature's sadness expressed through the rain's tears. This soothing sound creates a melody that fills the poet with happiness.

Q15. What did the poet dream of while listening to the rain?

Ans: While listening to the pattering of the rain, the poet was immersed in various fancies. He became lost in memories of his mother, who used to care for her children before leaving them in the morning. The poet felt her loving gaze upon him as he listened to the soothing sound of the rain.