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

Q.1. How does the poet react to the sound of the rain falling on the roof?
Or
What is the effect of the sound of the rain on the heart and mind of the poet?
Ans. The poet’s heart and mind react strongly to the sound of the rain falling on the roof. He is in a blissful mood as he enjoys the comfort of his bedroom, leisurely listening to the music of the rain. The music stirs a corresponding echo in the heart of the poet. His heartbeat responds to the sound of the rain by its rhythmic throbbing. He gets engrossed in fanciful, dreamy thoughts. Moreover, the rain awakens many memories of the past. Particularly, it revives the memory of his mother as she looked at her children very affectionately before she went to sleep in her room. He recollects the fond, affectionate look of his mother which she cast on him. Thus, the poet’s mind and heart respond sensitively to the soft pattering sound of the rain falling on the roof.

Q.2. The poet says:
“What bliss to press the pillow
Of a cottage-chamber bed”
Is rain ‘bliss’ for everybody? What do different people feel about the rain?
Or
Does everybody have a cozy bed? Look around and describe how different kinds of people or animals spend time, seek shelter, etc. during rain?
Ans. In the poem “Rain on the Roof”, the poet Coates Kinney relates the various blissful emotions he has while he lies comfortably in his bed. For him, it is pure bliss to listen to the patter of raindrops falling on the roof. But enjoying this bliss is not a privilege for everyone. There are many poverty-stricken people for whom rain brings a number of difficulties. Some of these people are without shelter, while some live in poor, thatched cottages with leaking roofs. When we look around, we find people reacting differently to the rain. Rich people sit comfortably in the verandas of their luxurious houses and enjoy delicious snacks while watching the rain. Those who are burdened with a busy schedule, feel uncomfortable when they have to run around in the rain. Exposed to the rain, the poor homeless are forced to take cover lest they are drenched in rain.
Animals too are uncomfortable when the rain falls. The domestic animals may be protected but the stray ones have to seek shelter. Thus, rain is not bliss for everybody.

Q.3. Suppose you are a poet. You lie in your bed-chamber listening to the ‘pattern’ of the rain. Many memories of your childhood occupy your mind. Write a diary entry in about 100-150 words about the most important experience that you recollect.
Ans. (Day & date)
Dear Diary
(Time)
As I lie here comfortably in my bed enjoying the melodious music of the soft rain falling on the roof, I feel that my bond with the past is strengthened further. Some experiences, buried in my unconscious mind have surfaced today. I recall the day from my childhood when it was raining at night and I was in bed along with my brothers and sisters. Mother walked in our room and looked upon us with affection and warmth in her eyes. I can never forget the love with which her face glowed as she bent over us one by one to put us to sleep. We were like her prized treasures and dreaming darlings.
The rain that night was almost like the one falling today. Not a heavy shower, but a soft and gentle one pattering rhythmically on the roof. It is a bliss to recall Mother’s angelic eyes and smiling face amidst the gentle sound of the rain.
Miss you mom.
Coates Kinney

Q.4. Do you like the rain? What do you do when it rains steadily or heavily as described in the poem?
Ans. Yes, I like rain and prefer to take a bath in the rain for some time. But when it rains heavily, I stay inside and enjoy the beauty of nature. During rains, a romantic atmosphere is created. I feel like curling into bed and watch the T.V. Further I would like to have a hot cup of tea and some nice dish that will make me happy. I also like to watch the sight outside looking through the window. The noise and the smell that comes with rain are very refreshing.

Q.5. What virtue do you find in the sound of rain? Explain with reference to the poem `Rain on the Roof.
Ans. The sound of rain is pleasing to the ear. When we hear this sound, we forget everything. We feel nostalgic and find ourselves in the world of fancies. We remember the sweet memories of the past in a peaceful heart. Of course, we are unable to forget such moments of life. We must take this lesson from the rain and create peace in the mind of people by our behaviour.

Q.6. When you were a young child, did your mother tuck you in, as the poet’s mother did? Explain with reference to the poem ‘Rain on the Roof.
Ans. Yes, my mother used to tuck me in when I was a child. Whenever I said that I could not do some work, she embraced me and took me in her lap to get that work done. She used to feel sad and dejected if I was involved in any kind of mischievous work. Mothers are great in the world. Their love is immortal because it always charges our life in their absence.