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Rain on the Roof is a Class 9 English poem by Coates Kinney. It expresses the soothing effect of rain as the poet lies in bed, listening to raindrops on the roof. The rain sparks daydreams, brings back childhood memories, and reminds him of his mother’s love as mentioned in the class 9 syllabus.
Notes PDF
Introduction – Rain on the Roof Poem Class 9
If the poem feels a little dreamy or confusing at first, don’t worry, we’ve broken it down to the stuff that actually matters. From the calming sound of the rain to the poet’s tender memories of his mother, we’ll help you understand every important theme in clear and simple words.
If you're running short on time and need to revise the poem Rain on the Roof quickly, you're in the perfect place! This class 9 rain on the roof summary is made just for last-minute revision, simple, neat, and packed with only what truly matters.
Summary of Rain on the Roof Poem
“Rain on the Roof” is a beautiful lyric poem by Coates Kinney. The poet expresses the soothing effect of rain, especially when he lies on his bed and listens to the soft sound of raindrops falling on the roof. The poem brings out feelings of comfort, nostalgia, and connection with memories.
- Rain and Its Calming Effect
The poet describes the sky as filled with humid, moisture-laden clouds that cover the starry night sky, creating a dark and melancholy atmosphere. He finds it relaxing and says it has a magical effect that makes him forget his worries and drift into a dreamy state.
- Rain Brings Back Memories
As the poet listens to the gentle rain, he starts remembering his childhood. He recalls the loving face of his mother, who used to lovingly watch over him and his siblings as they slept, before leaving them till the morning.
- Emotional Connection
The poem shows how natural elements like rain can stir deep emotions and memories. For the poet, rain is not just water falling from the sky, it is a bridge to the past and a source of comfort and reflection.
Line by Line Explanation - Rain on the Roof
Following is the line-by-line explanation of the poem “Rain on the Roof” by Coates Kinney
Stanza 1
- When the humid shadows hover
The poet describes the sky filled with dark, heavy clouds that are full of moisture (humid shadows). These clouds cover the sky before it rains.
- Over all the starry spheres,
The clouds cover the stars in the sky, hiding them completely.
- And the melancholy darkness
The dark clouds and night create a sad and gloomy atmosphere.
- Gently weeps in rainy tears,
The rain is described as gentle crying as if the sky is weeping through raindrops.
- What a bliss to press the pillow
The poet feels it is a great joy (bliss) to lie down with his head on the pillow.
- Of a cottage-chamber bed
He is lying in a small cozy bedroom in a cottage.
- And lie listening to the patter
He enjoys listening to the sound of the raindrops falling.
- Of the soft rain overhead!
The soft raindrops are falling on the roof above him, creating a soothing sound.
Stanza 2
- Every tinkle on the shingles
Each raindrop makes a soft sound as it hits the shingles (roof tiles).
- Has an echo in the heart;
These gentle sounds touch the poet emotionally and bring back feelings.
- And a thousand dreamy fancies
Many daydreams and thoughts start coming into his mind.
- Into busy being start;
His imagination becomes active and full of thoughts.
- And a thousand recollections
The rain also brings back many old memories.
- Weave their air-threads into woof,
These memories are compared to threads that weave into the fabric of his thoughts.
- As I listen to the patter
While listening to the raindrops, he continues to reflect.
- Of the rain upon the roof.
Again, he highlights how peaceful the sound of rain is as it hits the roof.
Stanza 3
- Now in memory comes my mother,
He starts thinking about his late mother.
- As she used in years agone,
He remembers how she used to be in the past, when he was a child.
- To regard the darling dreamers
She would lovingly look at her sleeping children, whom she called her darling dreamers.
- Ere she left them till the dawn:
Before leaving them to sleep until morning.
- O! I feel her fond look on me
He imagines and feels his mother’s loving gaze even now.
- As I list to this refrain
While he listens to the repeating sound (refrain) of the rain.
- Which is played upon the shingles
The rain keeps making music on the roof tiles.
- By the patter of the rain.
Again, the soft sound of raindrops comforts him and brings back memories.
Themes of Rain on the Roof
Here are the themes of the poem “Rain on the Roof” by Coates Kinney, written in simple, board-appropriate language for Class 9:
- Beauty of Nature
The poem highlights the beauty of rain. The gentle sound of raindrops falling on the roof creates a peaceful and calming atmosphere. The poet shows how nature can relax the mind and bring happiness.
- Power of Memories
Rain reminds the poet of his childhood and his loving mother. It shows how simple things in nature can bring back strong and emotional memories from the past.
- Comfort and Peace
The poet feels safe and comforted lying in bed while listening to the rain. It brings him peace and helps him forget his worries, showing how rain can have a healing effect on the mind.
- Mother’s Love
The sound of rain makes the poet vividly recall his mother’s affectionate gaze, as though she is still watching over him with love.
- Imagination and Dreams
The soft sound of rain sparks many dreams and thoughts in the poet’s mind. It shows how nature can stir our imagination and help us dream freely.
Important Elements – Title, Mood, & Message
Here are some important elements of the poem that shall help you in exams;
- Title Significance
The title “Rain on the Roof” directly points to the central image of the poem. The sound of rain falling on the roof, which triggers memories and emotions in the poet’s heart.
- Setting
The poem is set in a quiet, cozy cottage room during a rainy night. The peaceful setting adds to the calming and emotional tone of the poem.
- Mood and Tone
The mood is calm, nostalgic, and emotional. The tone shifts from peaceful to reflective as the rain brings back the poet’s childhood memories and thoughts of his mother.
- Message of the Poem
The poem tells us how nature, especially rain, can bring deep comfort, help us reconnect with our past, and make us reflect on the warmth of relationships, especially family.
Central Idea of Rain on the Roof Poem
The poem “Rain on the Roof” talks about the soothing and emotional effect that rain has on the poet. As he lies in his bed, listening to the soft sound of raindrops falling on the roof, it fills his mind with old memories and sweet thoughts.
The rain reminds him of his childhood and brings back the loving image of his mother. The poet feels calm, peaceful, and comforted. Through this poem, the poet shows how rain connects with human emotions, brings back memories, and creates a dreamy, relaxing mood.
Conclusion
And that’s a wrap on Rain on the Roof, the soft rain, the sleepy thoughts, and those heartwarming memories of the poet’s mother. What looks like a simple rainy night actually turns into a beautiful blend of peace, nostalgia, and imagination.
If this helped clear things up or saved you from flipping through the NCERT Class 9 Beehive textbook, again, we’d call that a win! Just remember, sometimes, even the sound of rain can speak louder than words.
FAQs
Q1. What is the summary of The Rain on the Roof?
Ans. The poem shows how rain creates a peaceful mood. Its sound makes the poet remember happy memories of childhood and his mother’s love, filling him with joy and comfort.
Q2. What is the central theme of Rain on the Roof?
Ans. The theme is the soothing effect of rain. It brings relaxation, happiness and sweet childhood memories, showing how nature’s beauty connects with human emotions and feelings deeply.
Q3. What is the poetic device of Rain on the Roof Class 9?
Ans. The poem uses imagery, personification, and alliteration. These poetic devices make the sound of rain more lively, musical and meaningful, helping readers imagine emotions and memories connected with it.
Q4. What is the moral story of Rain on the Roof?
Ans. The moral is that nature, like rain, gives peace and happiness. It teaches us to enjoy little moments, cherish sweet memories and value family love with gratitude.
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