CBSE Class 9 English: Rain on the Roof Poem NCERT Solutions
CBSE Class 9 English Poem 'Rain on the Roof' NCERT Solutions offer a comprehensive guide to understanding this evocative poem. The solutions explore the poet's reflections on the healing power of nature, particularly the sensory experience of rain. They delve into how the sound of raindrops triggers cherished memories, including those of his mother, highlighting the emotional resonance of the natural world. By addressing extract-based and short answer questions, these explanations aim to clarify the poem's themes and the poet's sentiments. This resource is designed to equip students with the analytical skills needed to appreciate the poem's beauty and to confidently express their interpretations, providing a solid preparation for examinations.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 9 |
| Subject | English |
| Session | 2026 |
| Language | English |
| Type | NCERT Solutions |
| Chapter | 3. Rain On The Roof Poem |
Chapter summary
NCERT Solutions for 'Rain on the Roof' (Class 9 English) offers in-depth answers to extract-based and short answer questions. The solutions focus on interpreting the poem's imagery, the poet's emotional response to rain, and the theme of memory, particularly the recollection of his mother. They explain how the sound of rain triggers nostalgic feelings and highlights nature's therapeutic effect on the human mind, aiding students in comprehending the poem's nuances for their exams.
Learning outcomes
- Understand the central themes of the poem 'Rain on the Roof'.
- Analyze the imagery and sensory details used by the poet.
- Explain the connection between rain, memory, and emotion.
- Identify and interpret poetic devices within the extracts.
- Articulate the healing power of nature as depicted in the poem.
- Answer extract-based and short answer questions effectively.
Topics covered
Paper topics
- Poem Analysis
- Rain on the Roof
- Extract Based Questions
- Short Answer Questions
- Themes of Nature
- Theme of Memory
- Poetic Devices
- Sensory Imagery
- Mother's Love
- Healing Power of Nature
- Nostalgia
- CBSE Class 9 English
Important topics
- The role of rain in evoking memories
- The poet's relationship with his mother
- Nature's therapeutic effect
- Interpretation of poetic imagery
- Analysis of themes
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Questions and Solutions
Extract Based Questions (3 marks each)
Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow:
- 1. Now in memory comes my mother
As she used in years agone,
To regard the darling dreamers Ere she left them till the dawft:
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.
(i)Which sound is the poet listening to?
(ii)The sound reminds the poet of
(iii)Which word in the extract means "the ability to remember things"?
(Board Term 1,2012, ELI-014)
(i) The poet is listening to the gentle and continuous sound of the rain falling on the roof tiles, described as 'the patter of the rain'.
(ii) This sound of the rain brings back a fond memory of his mother, specifically her loving gaze.
(iii) The word that means 'the ability to remember things' is 'memory'.
Q.2. Now in memory come 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
(i)What is the memory that comes to the poet?
(ii)Who are the darling dreamers he refers to?
(iii)Trace a word from the extract that means "rectangular wooden tiles".
(Board Term 1,2012, ELI-018)
(i) The memory that comes to the poet is of his mother, who used to look at him fondly as he slept.
(ii) The 'darling dreamers' he refers to are likely the children, including himself, whom his mother watched over as they slept before she left them until morning.
(iii) The word from the extract that means 'rectangular wooden tiles' is 'shingles'.
Q.3. Every tinkle on the shingles Has an echo in the heart And a thousand recollections Weave their air threads into woof As I listen to the patter Of the rain upon the roof
(i)How does the poet describe the falling rain?
(ii)What does the mind of the poet fancy?
(iii)Trace a word from the extract that means "memories". (Board Terml, 2012, ELI- 019)
(i) The poet describes the falling rain not just by its sound ('tinkle' and 'patter') but also by its effect on his heart, suggesting it creates a pleasant, echoing sensation.
(ii) The poet's mind is filled with 'a thousand recollections', meaning it is busy recalling numerous past memories and thoughts as he listens to the rain.
(iii) The word from the extract that means 'memories' is 'recollections'.
Q.4. When the humid shadows hover. Over all starry spheres And the melancholy darkness Gently weeps in rainy tears,
(i)What are the humid shadows?
(ii)What do they do?
(iii)Why does the poet call darkness melancholy? (Board Term 1,2012, ELI-025)
(i) The 'humid shadows' refer to the dark, moisture-laden clouds that gather in the sky before and during the rain.
(ii) These clouds hover over the 'starry spheres' (the night sky with stars), obscuring them and bringing about the rain.
(iii) The poet calls the darkness 'melancholy' because it evokes a feeling of sadness, gloom, and pensiveness, much like the gentle weeping of the rain.
Q.5. 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.
(i)Who comes in the memory of the child when it rains?
(ii)What does the poet like to do when it rains?
(iii)Find the word in the extract that refers to "repeated sound of the rain". (Board Term 1,2012, ELI-027)
(i) When it rains, the child's mother comes into his memory, bringing with her the recollection of her loving gaze.
(ii) When it rains, the poet enjoys the experience of lying on his bed, pressing his pillow, and listening to the rhythmic sound of the rain on the roof.
(iii) The word in the extract that refers to the 'repeated sound of the rain' is 'refrain', which in this context means the recurring sound or pattern of the rain.
Short Answer Type Questions (2 marks each) (About 30-40 words each)
1. How does the poet describe the sky before the rain falls ? (SA-1, DDE-2014)
Before the rain, the poet describes the sky as being filled with 'humid shadows', which are dark clouds. These clouds hover over the stars, creating a sense of melancholy darkness that seems to weep with the coming rain.
Q.2. Do you think that the poem, Rain on the Roof, is lauding the healing power of nature's rain?
Yes, the poem strongly suggests the healing power of nature's rain. The sound of the rain, especially when heard from a cozy place, resurrects fond memories of the poet's mother. While it brings back some melancholic feelings, it ultimately provides comfort and lifts the poet's spirits, showcasing nature's therapeutic effect.
Q.3. What does the each sound of shingle create?
Each sound of the raindrops on the shingles creates an 'echo in the heart' for the poet. This sound triggers a multitude of memories and thoughts, causing his mind to weave them together, much like threads forming a fabric, as he focuses on the rain's rhythm.
Q.4. Who all does the poet remember while listening to the rain?
While listening to the rain, the poet primarily remembers his mother, recalling her tender care and loving gaze as she watched him sleep. He also mentions remembering his 'angelic sister', implying a memory of a loved one who passed away.
Common mistakes
- Confusing the poet's current feelings with past memories.
- Misinterpreting the 'darling dreamers' reference.
- Failing to connect the sound of rain to specific memories.
- Overlooking the role of nature in evoking emotions.
Revision tips
- Reread the poem after reviewing the solutions to reinforce understanding.
- Focus on the connection between the sound of rain and the poet's memories.
- Practice answering extract-based questions by identifying key phrases.
- Summarize the poem's main themes in your own words.
- Pay attention to the vocabulary used in the poem and its meaning in context.
Practice MCQs
Q1. What sound does the poet primarily focus on in the poem?
Explanation: The poet repeatedly mentions listening to 'the patter of the rain' and its sound on the shingles, which is the central auditory experience.
Q2. The sound of rain reminds the poet of:
Explanation: The refrain of the rain brings back the memory of his mother and her loving gaze upon him, as described in the poem.
Q3. What does the word 'shingles' refer to in the poem?
Explanation: Shingles are described as rectangular wooden tiles that are part of the roof, upon which the rain falls.
Q4. The 'melancholy darkness' is associated with:
Explanation: The poet uses 'melancholy darkness' to describe the sad, gloomy atmosphere that precedes and accompanies the rain.
Q5. What does the poet weave with 'air threads into woof'?
Explanation: The poet describes how his thoughts, triggered by the rain, weave together his recollections and memories into a complex pattern, like threads in a fabric.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main theme of the poem 'Rain on the Roof'?
The main theme of the poem is the healing and comforting power of nature, specifically the sound of rain, which evokes cherished memories and provides solace to the poet.
Who does the poet remember when it rains?
When it rains, the poet remembers his mother, recalling her loving gaze as she used to watch over him when he was a child.
What does the sound of rain symbolize in the poem?
The sound of rain symbolizes nostalgia and triggers a flood of memories, both happy and sad, weaving them into the poet's consciousness.
How does the poem describe the sky before the rain?
Before the rain, the sky is described as being covered by 'humid shadows' (dark clouds) that obscure the stars, creating a 'melancholy darkness' that 'weeps in rainy tears'.
What is the significance of 'shingles' in the poem?
Shingles are the tiles on the roof. The sound of the rain pattering on these shingles is what the poet listens to, and it forms the central sensory experience that triggers his memories.
How can these NCERT Solutions help students?
These solutions provide clear, detailed answers to questions based on the poem, helping students understand its themes, imagery, and language, thereby improving their comprehension and exam performance.
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