Song of the Rain Question Answers (Important)| Class 9 English Literature Reader (Communicative) Book

by Meenu Saini | Dec 30, 2023 | General | 0 comments

Song of the Rain Important Question Answers

CBSE Class 9 English Chapter 11 Song of the Rain Question Answers (Important) from Literature Reader (Communicative) Book

Song of the Rain Question Answers – Looking for Song of the Rain question answers for Class 9 English Literature Reader (Communicative) book Chapter 11? Look no further! Our comprehensive compilation of important questions will help you brush up on your subject knowledge. Practising Class 9 English Communicative question answers can significantly improve your performance in the exam. Our solutions provide a clear idea of how to write the answers effectively. Improve your chances of scoring high marks by exploring Chapter 11: Song of the Rain now. The questions listed below are based on the latest CBSE exam pattern, wherein we have given solutions to the chapter’s extract based questions, short answer questions, and long answer questions.

Also, practising with different kinds of questions can help students learn new ways to solve problems that they may not have seen before. This can ultimately lead to a deeper understanding of the subject matter and better performance on exams.

Song of the Rain Textbook Questions
Song of the Rain Extract Based Question
Song of the Rain Short Question Answers
Song of the Rain Long Question Answers

Song of the Rain Class 9 Summary, Explanation

Song of the Rain Textbook Questions

Exercises

Q1. On the basis of your understanding of the poem, answer the following questions by selecting the correct option.
(a) The rain calls itself the ‘dotted silver threads’ as ________.
(i) the shimmering drops fall one after the other
(ii) it ties heaven and earth
(iii) it dots the earth with shimmering water
(iv) it decorates the fields
Ans. (ii) it ties heaven and earth

(b) The tone and mood of the rain in the poem reflects its ________ .
(i) love for the earth
(ii) desire to take revenge
(iii) merriment as it destroys
(iv) desire to look beautiful
Ans. (i) love for the earth

(c) Choose the option that lists the examples of ‘elated’.
1. Asmi is convalescing from her ailment.
2. Gurdeep and Sanvi met each other after a decade.
3. Damehi heard the news that he had been nominated for an award.
4. Sohrab has witnessed a burglar in the dark.
(i) 1, 3
(ii) 2, 3
(iii) 3, 4
(iv) 1, 4
Ans. (ii) 2, 3

(d) Antithesis is a figure of speech which brings out a contrast in the ideas by placing opposing words, clauses or sentences within a parallel grammatical structure.
For example:
“To err is human; to forgive divine.” – Alexander Pope
Hope for the best; prepare for the worst.
Keep your friends close; keep your enemies closer.
From the following phrases in the poem, select the option that correctly lists the examples of Antithesis.
1. When I cry the hills laugh; When I humble myself the flowers rejoice;
2. And between them I am a messenger of mercy.
3. When I bow, all things are elated.
4. The voice of thunder declares my arrival; The rainbow announces my departure.
5. I am dotted silver threads dropped from heaven
6. I touch gently at the windows with my Soft fingers
(i) 1, 3, 4, 6
(ii) 1, 3, 4
(iii) 1, 3, 4, 5
(iv) 1, 3, 5
Ans. (iii) 1, 3, 4, 5

Q2. Read the given extracts and answer the following questions by selecting the correct option.

(a) I am dotted silver threads dropped from heaven
By the gods. Nature then takes me,
to adorn Her fields and valleys.
I am beautiful pearls, plucked from the
Crown of Ishtar by the daughter of Dawn
To embellish the gardens.

i) Select the option that DOES NOT include a visual connected to the given lines.

visual connected

A. Option i
B. Option ii
C. Option iii
D. Option iv
Ans. A. Option i

ii) Read the definitions given below:

Allusion: Reference to a famous person, place, or historical event, either directly or through implication.

Alliteration: Repetition of same consonant sound at the initial position in two or more neighbouring words.

Select the option that correctly includes examples of i) allusion and ii) alliteration from the extract.
A. i) Ishtar ii) daughter of Dawn
B. i) Dawn ii) dotted silver threads
C. i) Nature ii) pearls, plucked from the Crown
Ans. A. i) Ishtar ii) daughter of Dawn

(iii) Choose the option containing a statement that is NOT conveyed through the extract.
A. The rain calls itself the shimmering drops sent by gods.
B. The rain is the daughter of Dawn born to decorate the gardens.
C. Nature has adopted rain to decorate her fields and valleys.
D. The rain is beautiful pearls plucked from the crown of the goddess of fertility.
Ans. B. The rain is the daughter of Dawn born to decorate the gardens.

(iv) Ishtar is a Mesopotamian goddess and signifies diverse things in different cultures. Select which symbol of Ishtar is relevant in the extract with the most appropriate reason.
A. The poet utilized the symbol of ‘Love’ to represent Ishtar because the rain brings love and peace to the world.
B. Ishtar signifies ‘War’ as her power arises from her connection with storms.
C. Ishtar here represents ‘Fertility’ because she is responsible for all life and so is the relevance to the rain.
D. The poet meant to associate the symbol of ‘Beauty’ to Ishtar as the rain makes the world beautiful.
Ans. C. Ishtar here represents ‘Fertility’ because she is responsible for all life and so is the relevance to the rain.

(b) The voice of thunder declares my arrival;
The rainbow announces my departure.
I am like earthly life, which begins at
The feet of the mad elements and ends
Under the upraised wings of death.

i) The rain says, ‘I am like earthly life’. Select the option with the most suitable explanation of the expression.
A) The rain undergoes the same phases as that of earthly beings.
B) Most of the rain’s life is on the earth.
C) The fate of earthly life is dependent on the rain.
D) Rain has a concern for earthly life.
Ans. A) The rain undergoes the same phases as that of earthly beings.

ii) The tone and mood of the rain in the extract reflects _________.
A) its merriment as it destroys
B) rain’s desire to reach its destiny
C) its objective and realistic manner
D) the rain’s pride at its might
Ans. B) rain’s desire to reach its destiny

iii) Read statements 1 and 2 given below and choose the option that correctly assesses these statements.
1. Rainbow declares the rain’s parting.
2. Rainbow causes the end of the rain.
A) Both statements 1 and 2 are false.
B) Statement 1 is true but 2 is false.
C) Statement 1 is the reason for statement 2.
D) Statement 2 is the cause of statement 1.
Ans. B) Statement 1 is true but 2 is false.

Q3. Answer briefly.
(a) Why is the rain divine?
Ans. Rain is divine because it comes from heaven which is the abode of god. It is a pearl taken from the crown of goddess Ishtar. It gives new life and nourishment to all.

(b) In this universe, rain performs many functions. What are those?
Ans. The rain performs the following functions:
(1) It makes the flowers blossom.
(2) It acts like a messenger between the field and the cloud.
(3) It quenches the thirst of the field.
(4) It makes all things happy when it bows.
(5) It causes the hills to laugh.

(c) “When I cry the hills laugh; When I humble myself the flowers rejoice; When I bow, all things are elated.”
Cry, humble and bow indicate different intensity with which the rain falls. Explain the three in the context of the poem.
Ans. The rain cries means that it falls with great intensity and this heavy rain makes the hills laugh. The rain falls with lesser intensity when it is humble and it bows. This mild shower makes the delicate flowers happy and everyone is full of joy.

(d) The Poem invokes beautiful imagery which is built around ‘sigh of the sea’, ‘laughter of the field’ and ‘tears of heaven’. Explain the three expressions in the context of rain.
Ans. The rain quenches the thirst of the fields as it fills them with plenty of water. It helps the cloud get rid of the water it carries and frees it from the burden, hence the cloud’s ailment gets cured.

(e) Define the role of rain as the “messenger of mercy”.
Ans. The poem describes the rain as a messenger of God which blesses the life on Earth. It gives life to new beings, nourishes everyone and is of utmost importance for survival of all living beings.

(f) Contrast the arrival of the rain with that of its departure
Ans. When the rain arrives, thunder accompanies it. The sky becomes dark and there is a lot of noise. On the contrary, the rain’s end is signified by the appearance of a rainbow in the clear sky. The Sun shines brightly which makes the rainbow formation.

Q4. Answer in detail
a) Shakespeare’s ‘Seven Ages’ designates different stages of human life. Draw a parallel between the two poems to elicit the different stages of rain’s life.
Ans. Shakespeare’s ‘Seven Ages’ and Kahlil’s ‘Song of the Rain’, both depict different stages of life – one for human beings and the other for rain. According to William Shakespeare, human life can be categorised into seven ages – infancy, schoolboy, lover, youthful soldier, judge and old man. A human’s life starts with him being an infant who cries and pukes in its caretaker’s arms. A human’s life ends at old age, when he is experiencing his second childhood. Kahlil Gibran, on the other hand, described the different stages of rain’s life in the following lines – “The voice of thunder declares my arrival; The rainbow announces my departure. I am like earthly life which begins at, The feet of the mad elements and ends, Under the upraised wings of death.” Therefore, rain is formed due to an interaction between different elements in the world like water, wind and the sun. Due to this interaction, clouds are formed, which burst when they are too much filled with water. The bright light of lighting and the sound of thunder informs the citizens of the earth of the arrival of rain. After rainfall occurs, the sun comes out. The interaction between the emerging sun and the ongoing drizzle forms a rainbow, which indicates the end of death. The rainbow acts like the Grim Reaper or Death and ends the spell of rain.

b) Imagery evokes a mental image or other kinds of sensual impressions in literary writings.
“I am beautiful pearls…”, “dotted silver threads”, “laughter of the field” , etc.
Now, observe auditory images created by the words “sighs”, “thunders”, “laughter”, etc. Critically appreciate the poem, explaining the effect these techniques create in the mind of the reader.
Ans. The use of imagery brings the poem to life. The reader can visualize scenes, imagine hering the sounds, think about the emotions felt by others, etc.
The poem uses a lot of such techniques and so, the poem has an imprint on the reader’s mind.

c) “When I see a field in need, I descend and embrace the flowers and the trees in a million little ways”.

Write an imaginary conversation between a flower, a tree and the field, discussing the role of rain in their lives.
You may begin like this:
Tree: My life began as a seed. I came to life only after the rain drops embraced me.
Field: My survival, thereby the survival of all mankind depends on me. And only rains can help me thrive…
Flower: ….
Ans.
Tree: My life began as a seed. I came to life only after the rain drops embraced me.
Field: My survival, thereby the survival of all mankind depends on me. And only rains can help me thrive.
Flower: It is the rain which helps me remain alive.
Tree: The rainwater nourishes me and then I grow
Field: Even I grow the seeds and grains only because of the rain
Flower: I need the rain water to remain bright and colourful.
Trees: We all need rain in order to survive

Q5. Rain in the hills and rain in the desert present entirely different scenario. In the hills it revitalises the greenery and freshens the vegetation; it waters the parched land and relieves the thirsty and panting souls in the desert.
(i) This has been a year of scanty rains. Imagine how the rain would be welcomed when it pours in the hills and in the desert after a long dry spell. Choose one such place and describe
(a) What are you likely to see?
(b) What would happen to the rain water?
(c) What would be the scene before and after the rain?
Ans. The rain was welcome in the dry desert of Rajasthan. The fields had gone barren but now the farmer had hope of growing some crops. Everyone rejoiced at the arrival of the rain. People prayed and thanked the Gods for blessing them. Some people were dancing in the rain and children were seen playing and sailing paper boats. The rain water was seen gushing throught he streets and lanes. The low lying areas were flooded. The dry and barren earth which was dusty now looked fresh. All the trees which had become dull now became green and were invigorated.

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Class 9 Communicative English Song of the Rain Question Answers Chapter 11 – Extract Based Question

I. “I am dotted silver threads dropped from heaven
By the gods. Nature then takes me, to adorn
Her fields and valleys.

I am beautiful pearls, plucked from the
Crown of Ishtar by the daughter of Dawn
To embellish the gardens.”

1. Who is “Nature” in the third line?
(a) A specific goddess
(b) The Earth itself
(c) A personification of rain
(d) The reader’s imagination
Answer: (b) The Earth itself

2. What literary device is used in the phrase “dotted silver threads”?
(a) Simile
(b) Metaphor
(c) Personification
(d) Alliteration
Answer: (b) Metaphor

3. In the second stanza, what is the “Crown of Ishtar” a symbol of?
(a) Royalty and power
(b) Beauty and fertility
(c) The sky and clouds
(d) The tears of the gods
Answer: (b) Beauty and fertility

4. Who is the “daughter of Dawn” referred to in the second stanza?
(a) Aurora, the Roman goddess of dawn
(b) A personification of the morning light
(c) A specific character from mythology
(d) The speaker of the poem
Answer: (b) A personification of the morning light

5. What is the overall effect of the imagery in these two stanzas?
(a) Scary and ominous
(b) Peaceful and serene
(c) Joyful and playful
(d) Elegant and majestic
Answer: (d) Elegant and majestic

II. “When I cry the hills laugh;
When I humble myself the flowers rejoice;
When I bow, all things are elated.

The field and the cloud are lovers
And between them I am a messenger of mercy.
I quench the thirst of one;
I cure the ailment of the other.”

1. What is the personified rain doing when it causes the hills to laugh?
(a) Pouring heavily and causing flooding
(b) Drizzling softly and nourishing the land
(c) Rushing down the slopes with a joyful sound
(d) Withdrawing completely and leaving the land dry
Answer: (c) Rushing down the slopes with a joyful sound

2. What literary device is used in the phrase “the flowers rejoice”?
(a) Hyperbole
(b) Simile
(c) Metaphor
(d) Personification
Answer: (d) Personification

3. What does the phrase “when I humble myself” suggest about the rain’s relationship with the Earth?
(a) It feels superior and dominates the land.
(b) It acknowledges the land’s dependence and provides for it.
(c) It is in constant conflict with the land’s forces.
(d) It is indifferent to the land’s needs.
Answer: (b) It acknowledges the land’s dependence and provides for it.

4. What is the main function of the rain as a “messenger of mercy” between the field and the cloud?
(a) To deliver messages of love and affection
(b) To bring news of upcoming events
(c) To carry threats and warnings
(d) To transfer water from the clouds to the thirsty field
Answer: (d) To transfer water from the clouds to the thirsty field

5. What do you understand by the word “quench”?
(a) Light
(b) Extinguish
(c) Satisfy thirst
(d) Blow out
Answer: (c) Satisfy thirst

III. “The voice of thunder declares my arrival;
The rainbow announces my departure.
I am like earthly life, which begins at
The feet of the mad elements and ends
Under the upraised wings of death.

I emerge from the heard of the sea
Soar with the breeze. When I see a field in
Need, I descend and embrace the flowers and
The trees in a million little ways.”

1. What is the purpose of the voice of thunder in the poem?
(a) To scare away predators
(b) To celebrate the arrival of rain
(c) To warn of impending danger
(d) To announce the rain’s arrival dramatically
Answer: (d) To announce the rain’s arrival dramatically

2. What does the rainbow symbolize in this context?
(a) A promise of continued rain
(b) A bridge between heaven and earth
(c) A symbol of hope and peace
(d) The rain’s final farewell
Answer: (d) The rain’s final farewell

3. How does the image of the rain “soaring with the breeze” contribute to the overall theme of the poem?
(a) It highlights the rain’s destructive potential.
(b) It emphasizes the rain’s playful and free-spirited nature.
(c) It underscores the rain’s role as a vital part of the natural cycle.
(d) It suggests the rain transcends earthly limitations.
Answer: (c) It underscores the rain’s role as a vital part of the natural cycle.

4. The rain “descends and embraces the flowers and the trees in a million little ways.” What literary device is used here?
(a) Simile
(b) Metaphor
(c) Personification
(d) Hyperbole
Answer: (d) Hyperbole

5. What is the most likely meaning of “embrace the flowers and the trees in a million little ways”?
(a) The rain completely engulfs the flowers and trees, drowning them in water.
(b) The rain provides a quick and temporary burst of nourishment, soon to be forgotten.
(c) The rain gently and subtly nourishes each individual flower and leaf.
(d) The rain’s impact on the flowers and trees is so vast and complex it cannot be quantified.
Answer: (c) The rain gently and subtly nourishes each individual flower and leaf.

IV. “I am the sigh of the sea;
The laughter of the field;
The tears of heaven.

So with love –
Sighs from the deep sea of affection;
Laughter from the colorful field of the spirit;
Tears from the endless heaven of memories.”

1. What literary device is used in the first line, “I am the sigh of the sea”?
(a) Simile
(b) Metaphor
(c) Personification
(d) Alliteration
Answer: (b) Metaphor

2. What does the “laughter of the field” represent in this context?
(a) The sound of wind rustling through the crops
(b) The vibrant colors of wildflowers blooming
(c) The joy and fertility brought by rain
(d) The playful antics of animals in the field
Answer: (c) The joy and fertility brought by rain

3. What emotion is associated with “tears of heaven” in the poem?
(a) Sorrow and loss
(b) Cleansing and renewal
(c) Divine anger and punishment
(d) Tranquility and peace
Answer: (b) Cleansing and renewal

4. The above lines have been taken from-
(a) Song of the rain
(b) Summer Shower
(c) Little raindrops
(d) After rain
Answer: (a) Song of the rain

5. Who is the poet of the above poem?
(a) Salman Rushdie
(b) Khaled Hosseini
(c) Amir Khusro
(d) Khalil Gibran
Answer: (d) Khalil Gibran

Class 9 Communicative English Song of the Rain Short Question Answers

1. Who plucks the pearls from the Crown of Ishtar? Why does she do so?
Ans. The daughter of dawn plucks the pearls (rain drops) from the Crown of Ishtar, the goddess of fertility. This could symbolize the sun’s rays drawing moisture from the sky, leading to the formation of rain, which then nourishes the earth.

2. How does the poem personify the rain, and what effect does it have?
Ans. The rain “laughs” with fields, “embraces” flowers, and “whispers secrets” to leaves, suggesting an emotional bond with the nature.

3. Explore the relationship between the rain and the sun in the poem.
Ans. Despite being seemingly contrasting forces, they harmonize through a rainbow collaboration, the sun cleansing the air for the rain’s work to shine and the rain washing away dust to allow the sun’s brilliance to pierce through.

4. Analyze the significance of the line “All can hear, but only the sensitive can understand.”
Ans. While everyone experiences the rain physically, truly comprehending its message requires emotional intelligence, an openness to its deeper symbolic meaning and connection to nature’s cycles.

5. Analyze the emotional impact of the rain on the speaker and the reader.
Ans. The poem evokes feelings of joy, peace, and hope, cleansing away negativity and reminding us of the interconnectedness of all things. This emotional resonance contributes to the poem’s universality and lasting impact.

6. What do you understand by “Tears from the endless heaven of memories”?
Ans. The “endless heaven” suggests a vast repository of experiences, some joyful, some sorrowful, all woven into the fabric of our lives. The tears represent the emotional weight of these memories, a reminder that joy and pain coexist within us.

7. What do you understand by “Laughter from the colorful field of the spirit”?
Ans. This line paints a picture of a vibrant, joyful spirit brimming with energy and playfulness. It’s like a meadow bursting with blooming flowers, each representing a different aspect of happiness. The laughter emanating from this field signifies a carefree spirit, open to joy and experiencing life with enthusiasm.

8. How do the hills, flowers and fields respond to the arrival of the rain?
Ans. When the rain comes, hills, flowers and fields become happy. They get decorated and look fresh and beautiful. The rain seems to give them new life.

9. How does the rain embrace the flowers and trees in the poem ‘Song of the Rain’?
Ans. The poem suggests the rain shares in the joy of the flowers and the strength of the trees, its own spirit echoing their responses. The shared experience of the rain creates a sense of unity and harmony between all living things. The embrace emphasizes the interdependence of nature, where each element relies on the others for survival and thrives in their presence.

10. What does “dotted silver threads” symbolize?
Ans. The “dotted silver threads” symbolize the drops of rain, shimmering and precious like threads of silver. Calling them “dropped from heaven by the gods” suggests a divine origin, connecting the rain to a higher power and emphasizing its value.

Q11. What does “Nature then takes me, to adorn Her fields and valleys.” mean?
Ans. The lines, “Nature then takes me, to adorn her fields and valleys,” highlights the transformative power of the rain. It brings life and vibrancy to the parched land, turning barren fields into fertile havens. The rain becomes an ornament, dressing Nature in her finest.

Q12. What does “beautiful pearls” symbolize in the poem?
Ans. The rain identifies itself as “beautiful pearls,” a symbol of rarity, purity, and elegance. This hints at the rain’s inherent value and potential to bring beauty to the world.

Q13. How does the poem celebrate the rhythm of nature?
Ans. The poem celebrates the rhythm of nature, where one element gives way to another in a delicate balance. The lines “The heat in the air gives birth to me, But in turn I kill it” suggest that
the rain signifies renewal and rebirth, not conquest. The heat gives rise to the rain through evaporation, allowing life to flourish once more.

Q14. Why does the poet call rain as earthly life?
Ans. The poet calls rain as earthly life because the fate of rain is like that of man on the earth. When the child is born, it grows up into a young man and then an old man, and finally dies in the end. Similarly, rain is born in the form of a cloud in the sky and then come down to earth.

Q15. Explain the line “The upraised wings of death” in the poem.
Ans. “The upraised wings of death” represent the inevitable end of every raindrop, whether evaporating back into the sky or returning to the earth. It acknowledges the cyclical nature of life and death, where rain is just a temporary form of water in its endless journey.

Q16. What are the recurrent elements in the poem?
Ans. The recurrent elements in the poem are sea, field, and clouds.These recurring elements represent different aspects of the natural world, showcasing the rain’s interconnectedness with various ecosystems and its role in maintaining their balance.

Class 9 Communicative English Song of the Rain Long Answer Questions Chapter 11

Q1. Justify the title ‘Song of the Rain’.
Ans. There are several compelling reasons why “Song of the Rain” is a perfect title for Khalil Gibran’s poem:

1. Musicality of the Rain: The poem vividly evokes the sounds of rain through its rich imagery and language. We hear the “laughter of the field,” the “voice of thunder,”. Gibran paints landscape, transforming the natural phenomenon of rain into a musical experience.
2. Personification of the Rain: The rain in the poem is not just water falling from the sky, but a living entity with emotions and actions. It “sighs,” “laughs,” “cries,” and “embraces,” giving it a voice. This personification allows the rain to sing its own song, expressing its connection to the world.
3. Universal Connection: “Song of the Rain” speaks to a universal human experience. Rain is something everyone has encountered and felt its emotional impact. The title resonates with anyone who has ever found joy in the pitter-patter of raindrops or felt a sense of peace during a downpour.

Q2. Describe the beneficial effect of the rain on different objects of the earth.
Ans. In Khalil Gibran’s “Song of the Rain,” the rain’s beneficial effects on different objects of the earth paint a vibrant picture of its life-giving touch.

The Fields: Rain is the field’s lullaby, its laughter. It quenches its thirst, transforming parched brown into emerald tapestries.
The Flowers: For wilting flowers, rain is the saviour. It revives their drooping petals, restoring their vibrant colours and fragrance. Each raindrop becomes a jewel adorning their delicate crowns.
The Trees: Rain washes away dust and grime, leaving them with a glistening. The thirsty roots drink deep, feeling the earth soften and welcoming the nourishment that strengthens their grip on the land.

Q3. “….All can hear, but only
The sensitive can understand”
What does the poet want to convey?
Ans. The lines from the poem “Song of the Rain” by Khalil Gibran suggests that while everyone can physically hear the rain falling, truly understanding its message requires more. It requires sensitivity, an openness to its emotional and symbolic meanings.
The rain’s song, like many aspects of life, has various layers. The surface level is readily accessible to everyone, but deeper meaning and nuance are reserved for those who are willing to listen attentively and empathize with its message.
The rain becomes a symbol of nature’s inherent language, a language that speaks to those who are attuned to its rhythms and messages. It emphasizes the importance of connecting with and appreciating the natural world through a deeper emotional lens.
The exact interpretation depends on the reader’s own perspective and sensitivity. However, the main takeaway is that while the rain’s song is available to all, truly understanding its message requires a deeper level of connection

Q4. Selfless giving in the spirit of love is the greatest virtue. Do you agree? Discuss it in relation to the poem ‘Song of the Rain’ in 80-100 words.
Ans. The poem “Song of the Rain” paints a vivid picture of rain’s selflessness. It descends not for its own gain, but to nourish the earth, quench thirst, and bring life. It embraces fields without expecting anything in return, offering its touch to “sunburnt skin” and “wilting flowers.” Rain’s purpose is not self-preservation, but service, finding joy in giving and sacrificing its own form to sustain others.
This spirit of love is further emphasized by the rain’s emotional connection to the world. It sighs with the sea, laughs with the field, and cries with the heavens. This suggests a deep empathy and understanding of the needs of others, motivating its selfless actions. Rain’s actions not only sustain life but also create beauty, peace, and emotional connection. It becomes a symbol of hope, reminding us of the inherent goodness and interconnectedness of the world.

Q5. Comment upon the following extract and draw a parallel to the fate of the rain and the fate of man.
‘I am the sigh of the sea;
The laughter of the field;
The tears of heaven’.
Ans. The extract from Khalil Gibran’s “Song of the Rain” presents a beautiful and poetic metaphor for the interconnectedness of nature and the human experience. It draws parallels between the rain and the fate of man in several ways:
1. Transience: Both the rain and human life are temporary and ever-changing. The rain sighs, laughs, and cries, signifying its constant movement and transformation. Similarly, humans are born, live, and eventually return to the earth, their lives a fleeting dance between joy and sorrow.
2. Connection to the divine: The rain is described as “tears of heaven,” suggesting a connection to a higher power or a spiritual dimension. This parallels the human yearning for meaning and purpose beyond our earthly existence, often expressed through faith and spirituality.
3. Cyclicity: The rain evaporates from the sea, condenses into clouds, and falls back to earth, completing a continuous cycle. This mirrors the cyclical nature of human life, where death paves the way for new beginnings and generations rise and fall.

Q6. Write an autobiography of the rain in about 100 words.
Ans. I, rain was born from a tiny splash in the ocean, a giggle in the sun’s warm hand. Up, up, I went, tickled by the wind, a fluffy white cloud in the big blue sky.
Then, I grew up. The wind and I, we’d laugh in thunder rumbles, cry in lightning tears. My laughter made rivers dance and sing. My tears, soft and cool, quenched thirsty fields and flowers. I wash away dust and dirt, making everything fresh and new.
Now, I’m older, wiser. I tiptoe down. I’m the earth’s heartbeat, the sky’s happy tears, the lullaby of the world. I’m rain, and I’ll keep falling, dancing with the wind, a tiny but important part of this big, beautiful world.

Q7. On the basis of your understanding of the poem “Song of the Rain,” write a speech to be delivered in the morning assembly of your school on the importance of rain in our life.
Ans. Good morning, fellow students and dear teachers! Today, I want to talk about something magical, something that dances on rooftops, sings to the leaves, and paints rainbows across the sky – rain.
This gift from the heavens plays a vital role in the symphony of life. While we huddle under umbrellas, the thirsty earth drinks its fill, transforming parched plains into emerald carpets. Flowers wake up with sparkling jewels on their petals, and trees dance after their refreshing bath.It washes away dirt.. It whispers secrets to leaves, secrets of hope and renewal that echo in our hearts. It reminds us that life, like rain, is a cycle of giving and receiving, of nourishing and being nourished.
So, the next time rain taps on your window, listen to its song, a melody of life, a poem of hope. Open your heart to its message, and you’ll see the world come alive with vibrant colours and a renewed sense of wonder.
Thank you

Q8. How is the rain a “messenger of mercy”?
Ans. The rain is called a “messenger of mercy” in Khalil Gibran’s “Song of the Rain” as-
1. Life-Giving Force: Rain replenishes dry fields and wilting flowers with vital hydration, sparking renewed growth and vibrancy.
2. Divine Connection: Throughout history, many cultures have associated rain with divinity. The poem hints at this with phrases like “tears of heaven” and “gifts dropped by gods,” suggesting a link between the rain and a higher power showering compassion upon the earth.
“Messenger of mercy” encapsulates the multifaceted way in which the rain brings life, comfort, and renewal to the world. It invites us to appreciate the beauty and generosity of nature, recognizing the rain as a symbol of hope, resilience, and the endless cycle of giving and receiving that sustains our existence.

Q9. Discuss the poetic devices used in the poem “Song of the Rain”.
Ans. 1. Personification: The rain laughs, sighs, cries. All these emotions personify the rain.
2. Metaphor: The poem is filled with evocative metaphors that describe the rain in various ways. It’s seen as “tears of heaven,” “sighs of the sea,” and “laughter of the field,” bringing life and joy to the earth. These metaphors connect the rain to different natural elements and human emotions, deepening our understanding of its significance.
3. Imagery: The poem paints vivid pictures with sensory details. We can see the “dotted silver threads” falling, feel the “soft fingers” touching windows, and hear the “voice of thunder” and the “welcome song” of the rain. These images bring the poem to life and allow us to experience the rain through our senses.
4. Symbolism: The rain symbolizes more than just water. It represents life, renewal, and hope. It cleanses the earth, quenches thirst, and brings joy to all living things. This symbolism elevates the poem beyond the physical and invites us to contemplate its deeper meaning.
5. Repetition: The poem uses repetition for emphasis and to create a sense of rhythm and flow. Words like “I am” and “When I” are repeated, highlighting the importance of the rain and its impact on the world.

When I cry the hills laugh;
When I humble myself the flowers rejoice;
When I bow, all things are elated.

Q10. Discuss the cultural and mythological references in the poem, such as Ishtar and the daughter of Dawn.
Ans. Cultural and Mythological References in “Song of the Rain”:

Ishtar:

Mesopotamian Goddess: Ishtar was a powerful goddess in Mesopotamian mythology, worshipped by various cultures like the Akkadians, Babylonians, and Assyrians. She was associated with love, fertility, war, and sexuality.
Crown of Ishtar: The poem’s metaphor of pearls being plucked from Ishtar’s crown likely symbolizes the life-giving essence of rain, suggesting it originates from a divine source connected to fertility and abundance.

The daughter of Dawn could also be a symbolic figure representing any force that heralds new beginnings, hope, and the emergence of fresh possibilities, often associated with the arrival of rain.

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