Rain on the Roof

Solutions

I.

1. What do the following phrases mean to you? Discuss in class.

(i) humid shadows
The phrase refers to dark rain clouds filled with moisture that cover the sky before or during rainfall. These clouds create a calm, slightly gloomy atmosphere that prepares nature for rain.

(ii) starry spheres
It means the vast sky filled with shining stars. The poet imagines the rain clouds spreading across the heavenly sky where stars usually sparkle.

(iii) what a bliss
This expression shows the poet’s deep happiness and comfort. It refers to the peaceful pleasure he feels while lying safely in bed and listening to the soothing sound of rain.

(iv) a thousand dreamy fancies into busy being start
This means that as the poet listens to the rain, many pleasant thoughts, dreams, and imaginations suddenly begin to fill his mind and become active.

(v) a thousand recollections weave their air-threads into woof
The poet means that countless memories from the past slowly connect with each other like threads woven into cloth. The sound of rain brings back emotional memories from his childhood.

2. What does the poet like to do when it rains?
When it rains, the poet enjoys lying comfortably in his bed and listening to the soft sound of raindrops falling on the roof. The rhythmic music of the rain relaxes his mind and fills him with peaceful thoughts and sweet memories.

3. What is the single major memory that comes to the poet? Who are the “darling dreamers” he refers to?
The strongest memory that comes to the poet is of his loving mother gently looking at him and his siblings while they slept during childhood. The “darling dreamers” refer to the poet and his brothers and sisters, who slept peacefully while their mother watched over them with affection and care.

4. Is the poet now a child? Is his mother still alive?
No, the poet is no longer a child. He is now an adult remembering moments from his past. His mother is most likely no longer alive, which is why the memory appears emotional and nostalgic as he recalls her loving presence.

II.

1. When you were a young child, did your mother tuck you in, as the poet’s did?
Yes, like the poet, many children experience the warmth and care of their mothers during childhood. My mother also ensured that I slept comfortably and safely, which created feelings of protection and happiness that remain memorable even today.

2. Do you like rain? What do you do when it rains steadily or heavily as described in the poem?
Yes, I enjoy rainfall because it creates a peaceful and refreshing atmosphere. During steady rain, I like sitting near a window, listening to the sound of raindrops, reading a book, or enjoying warm food while watching nature become calm and beautiful.

3. Does everybody have a cosy bed to lie in when it rains? Look around you and describe how different kinds of people or animals spend time, seek shelter etc. during rain.
No, everyone does not have a cosy bed or safe shelter during rain. While many people enjoy the rain from the comfort of their homes, homeless people often take shelter under bridges, shops, or temporary coverings. Street vendors struggle to protect their goods, and workers may continue working despite the rain. Animals like dogs and cats hide under vehicles or trees, while birds stay in their nests. Thus, rain brings comfort to some but difficulty to others.