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 sense of sadness is conveyed through the imagery of darkness weeping, shedding tears like raindrops, represented by the falling 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 loved by their mother, who likely wished them sweet dreams each night before bedtime. The term dreamers emphasises their innocence and the peaceful dreams they often had.

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

Ans: The central theme of the poem “Rain on the Roof” focuses on the calming effect of rain on the poet's thoughts. The gentle sound of rain provides him with comfort and sparks a wave of dreamy reflections. As he listens, he recalls his mother, who loved him dearly. The rain brings a sense of joy and nostalgia, allowing him to escape into treasured 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 wealth 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 many memories arise in an otherwise occupied mind

(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. The sound of the rain not only creates a soothing atmosphere but also evokes memories and emotions, enhancing the overall experience of the poem.

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, indicating 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 come to the poet’s mind?

Ans: Old memories fill the poet's mind, especially the comforting image of his mother. The gentle patter of soft rain on the roof inspires dreamy thoughts, reflecting nature's sadness through its tears. This soothing sound creates a melody that brings the poet joy, allowing him to reminisce about cherished moments.

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

Ans: While listening to the gentle patter of the rain, the poet was enveloped in a world of memories and fancies. He became lost in memories of his mother, who lovingly looked at her children before they went to sleep. The poet felt her loving gaze upon him as he listened to the soothing sound of the rain.