The Voice of the Rain Questions and Answers Class 11 NCERT provides detailed solutions from Hornbill. These NCERT Class 11 English questions answers explain the poem’s theme, personification of rain, and its eternal cycle. Step-by-step answers help students understand the deeper meaning of the poem. A complete study guide for Class 11 English exam preparation.
About the Poet:
Walt Whitman (1819–1892) was a celebrated American poet known for his free verse style and love for nature and humanity. He is often called the “Father of Free Verse” and is best known for his poetry collection Leaves of Grass. Whitman’s works express deep democratic ideals, spiritual insight, and a universal connection between all beings.
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Summary of the Poem: “The Voice of the Rain”
By Walt Whitman
One day, the poet sees soft rain falling and speaks to it. He asks the rain, “Who are you?” Surprisingly, the rain replies to him. It tells him that it is the “Poem of the Earth.” This means that rain is like a beautiful poem created by nature.The rain explains that it rises eternally (forever) from the land and the deep sea in the form of water vapour. This vapour is invisible and soft. It goes up into the sky and changes its form in the clouds. Though it becomes different (vapour to rain), it still remains the same in purpose.Then, the rain comes back to Earth in the form of showers (rainfall). It gives water to dry areas, cleans dust and helps tiny seeds to grow into plants. Without the rain, the seeds would remain lifeless, inactive, and unborn.Rain says that day and night, it returns life to Earth, which is its birthplace. It keeps the Earth pure, fresh, and beautiful.In the last part of the poem, the poet compares rain to a song or poem. Just like rain goes up and comes back, a song also comes from the heart, travels to the world, and then returns to the heart with love. Whether people care for the song or not, it always comes back to its source with love and fulfillment.
Main Ideas in Simple Points:
- The poet asks the rain who it is.
- The rain replies that it is the “Poem of the Earth.”
- It rises as vapour from the land and sea and goes to the sky.
- In the sky, it changes form but remains rain in nature.
- It returns to Earth as rain to refresh dry land and give life to seeds.
- It purifies and beautifies nature.
- Like rain, a poem also goes out from the heart and returns with love, whether people value it or not.
The Poem Stanza-wise Explanation, Meaning, and Literary Devices
This section explains each stanza of the poem “The Voice of the Rain” in simple English. It helps students understand the meaning, message, and beauty hidden in poetic lines. Literary devices are also highlighted to enhance appreciation of poetic techniques.
Stanza 1
Lines:
“And who art thou?” said I to the soft-falling shower,
Which, strange to tell, gave me an answer, as here translated:
Explanation:
The poet sees a gentle shower (soft rain) falling and curiously asks it, “Who are you?”
To his surprise, the rain actually responds to him. The poet tells us he is now going to translate or explain the rain’s reply.
Stanza 2
Lines:
“I am the Poem of Earth,” said the voice of the rain,
Eternal I rise impalpable out of the land and the bottomless sea,
Explanation:
The rain speaks and says, “I am the Poem of the Earth.” This means that rain is like a beautiful creation of nature, just like poetry is a creation of the human heart.
It says it rises forever (eternally) from the land and the deep sea in the form of vapour, which is impalpable (cannot be touched or seen clearly).
Stanza 3
Lines:
Upward to heaven, whence, vaguely form’d, altogether changed, and yet the same,
Explanation:
The vapour rises upward into the sky (heaven). There, it gets changed in form (becomes clouds and then rain), but its true nature and purpose remain the same—to give life and purity to the Earth.
Stanza 4
Lines:
I descend to lave the droughts, atomies, dust-layers of the globe,
Explanation:
The rain says it comes back down to wash away dryness, clean the dust, and refresh the small particles (atomies) of the Earth. In short, it moisturizes and cleanses the land.
Stanza 5
Lines:
And all that in them without me were seeds only, latent, unborn;
Explanation:
The rain helps seeds hidden in the soil to grow into plants. Without rain, these seeds would remain inactive, unborn, and would never become alive or useful.
Stanza 6
Lines:
And forever, by day and night, I give back life to my own origin,
And make pure and beautify it;
Explanation:
Rain says it constantly returns (both day and night) to the Earth, from where it originally came. It gives back life, makes Earth pure, and adds beauty to it. This is its natural duty and life cycle.
Final lines (parentheses):
(For song, issuing from its birth-place, after fulfilment, wandering
Reck’d or unreck’d, duly with love returns.)
Explanation:
Here, the poet compares rain to a song or poem. A poem comes out from the poet’s heart, travels across the world (people may care about it or not), but it returns to the poet with a feeling of love and satisfaction.
Like that, the rain too returns to the Earth after its journey in the sky.
Comment:
Whitman shows that rain is not just water—it is a symbol of life, creativity, and beauty. He presents the rain as nature’s poem, which keeps the Earth alive just as poems keep the human soul alive. The poem reflects the eternal cycle of nature and art.
Word – Meaning
thou → you → तुम
soft-falling → dropping softly → नरम तरीके से गिरना
eternal → everlasting → शाश्वत
impalpable → unable to be felt by touching → जिसे छूकर महसूस न किया जा सके
whence → from where → जहाँ से
form’d → made into a specific shape or form → विशेष आकार में बनाया गया
lave → wash → धोना
atomies → very tiny particles → अति सूक्ष्म कण
latent → dormant, inactive → सुप्त, निष्क्रिय
issuing → originating/starting → स्रोत से निकलना
wandering → moving from one place to another → एक जगह से दूसरी जगह भटकना
reck’d → cared about → जिसकी परवाह की गई
unreck’d → uncared for → उपेक्षित, महत्वहीन
duly → properly, rightly → ठीक प्रकार से, उचित रूप से
Literary Device
- Personification Stanza 1, Line 3 ‘I am the Poem’ [rain has been given a voice]
- Metaphor Stanza 1, Line 3 ‘I am the Poem of the Earth’ [rain compared with a poem]
- Hyperbole Stanza 2, Line 4 ‘bottomless sea’
- Imagery Stanza 1, Line 1 ‘soft-falling shower’ [gives an image of gentle rain or drizzle]
NCERT Hornbill Textual Questions Answers Class 11 [Page No 33]
NCERT Hornbill Textual Questions Answers Class 11 CBSE offers clear and accurate solutions to all textbook questions. These answers help students understand themes, characters, and literary devices with ease. Perfect for revision, exam preparation, and building strong conceptual knowledge.
Find Out (NCERT Page 33)
Think it out
1. There are two voices in the poem. Who do they belong to? Which lines indicate this?
Answer:
There are two voices in the poem:
(a) The poet’s voice, and
(b) The voice of the rain (personified).
The lines that show this are:
Poet’s voice:
“And who art thou?” said I to the soft-falling shower,
Rain’s voice (reply):
“I am the Poem of Earth,” said the voice of the rain,
These lines show that the poet asks a question, and the rain replies to him.
2. What does the phrase “strange to tell” mean?
Answer: The phrase “strange to tell” means “surprising to say” or “unusual but true.” The poet finds it unexpected and amazing that the rain can actually speak and give an answer to his question. It shows that nature (rain) has a voice and can communicate in a poetic way.
3. There is a parallel drawn between rain and music. Which words indicate this? Explain the similarity between the two.
Answer: The comparison appears in the last two lines of the poem, in brackets:
“For song, issuing from its birth-place, after fulfilment, wandering
Reck’d or unreck’d, duly with love returns.”
The words “song,” “birth-place,” “wandering,” “returns” indicate the similarity.
Similarity between Rain and Music:
Both start from a source:
– Rain begins as vapour from land and sea.
– A song or poem starts from the poet’s heart.
Both travel outward:
– Vapour rises to the sky.
– Song spreads to the world.
Both return to their origin:
– Rain comes back as showers to Earth.
– Song returns to the poet with love and fulfilment.
So, both rain and music are natural, beautiful, and follow a cycle.
4. How is the cyclic movement of rain brought out in the poem? Compare it with what you have learnt in science.
Answer:
In the poem:
- Rain says it rises eternally as vapour from land and sea.
(“Eternal I rise…”) - It forms in the sky and changes shape.
(“vaguely form’d, altogether changed”) - Then it returns to Earth as rain.
(“I descend to lave…”) - It refreshes the land and gives life.
(“give back life to my own origin”)
In science (Water Cycle):
- Water evaporates due to heat (from land/sea).
- It condenses into clouds in the sky.
- It falls as precipitation (rain).
- It returns to rivers, oceans, soil, and the cycle repeats.
Both show a continuous, life-giving cycle of rising, changing, and returning.
5. Why are the last two lines put within brackets?
Answer:
- The last two lines are the poet’s own reflection or personal thoughts, not part of the rain’s speech.
- They explain the comparison between rain and song.
- Brackets are used to separate the poet’s voice from the rain’s voice.
- It shows a shift from the rain speaking to the poet’s interpretation of it.
6. List the pairs of opposites found in the poem.
Answer:
Here are the main opposite pairs (antonyms) found in the poem:
- Rise ⬌ Descend
– Rain rises as vapour and descends as rain. - Changed ⬌ Same
– Rain changes form in the sky but remains the same in purpose. - Day ⬌ Night
– Rain says it returns life to the Earth both day and night. - Reck’d (cared for) ⬌ Unreck’d (not cared for)
– A song may be valued or ignored, yet it still returns.
These opposites show the cycle, transformation, and contrasts in nature and art.
II. Rewrite the sentences in prose (normal sentence structure)
1. Original:
“And who art thou?” said I to the soft-falling shower.
Prose version:
I said to the softly falling rain, “Who are you?”
2. Original:
“I am the Poem of Earth,” said the voice of the rain.
Prose version:
The rain replied, “I am the Poem of the Earth.”
3. Original:
Eternal I rise.
Prose version:
I rise eternally (forever).
4. Original:
For song… duly with love returns.
Prose version:
A song, after fulfilling its purpose and wandering, returns to its source with love.
III. Look for some more poems on the rain and see how this one is different from them.
Here’s a simple comparison between “The Voice of the Rain” and some other well-known rain poems:
Other Rain Poems:
- “Rain on the Roof” by Coates Kinney
– Describes how rain sounds on the roof and brings back sweet memories of the poet’s mother and childhood.
– Mood: Nostalgic and emotional.
– Focus: Effect of rain on human emotions. - “Rain in Summer” by H. W. Longfellow
– Talks about how rain brings relief from heat, comfort to thirsty fields, and joy to the Earth.
– Mood: Celebratory and refreshing.
– Focus: Rain as a blessing to Earth.
How “The Voice of the Rain” is different:
- It personifies the rain (gives it a voice to speak).
- The rain explains its own journey and life cycle.
- It compares rain with a poem or song that returns to its origin.
- The poem shows a scientific process (water cycle) in a poetic way.
- It is philosophical, not just emotional or descriptive.
So, this poem is more reflective and symbolic than other rain poems. It celebrates nature but also links it with creativity and poetry.
Notes for Understanding the Poem
Voices in the poem:
– Two voices:
1. Poet’s voice (asks question)
2. Rain’s voice (gives answer)
Sense of the poem (main idea):
– Rain is a life-giving cycle of nature.
– It rises, transforms, returns, and purifies the Earth.
– It is compared to poetry, which also returns to its source with love.
Scientific link (Rainfall process):
– Evaporation → Condensation → Precipitation → Back to Earth.
– This cycle is explained creatively through poetry.
Noticing poetic sentence structure:
– In poetry, word order is sometimes changed for rhythm or effect.
– Example: “Eternal I rise” instead of “I rise eternally.”
Comparison with other rain poems:
– Most rain poems talk about feelings or scenery.
– Whitman’s poem talks about the voice, purpose, and journey of rain.
– It connects nature with art (poetry), making it unique.
Exam Pattern-Based Questions Answers
Exam Pattern-Based Questions Answers are designed according to the latest CBSE guidelines to help students score better. These include MCQs, short and long answers, and competency-based questions. They ensure thorough practice and clear understanding of the exam format
Extract-Based Questions: The Voice of the Rain Questions Answers
One Poetry extract from the book Hornbill, to assess comprehension, interpretation, analysis, inference and appreciation. 3×1=3 Marks
Extract-Based Question 1
Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow
“And who art thou? said I to the soft-falling shower,
Which, strange to tell, gave me an answer, as here translated:
I am the Poem of Earth, said the voice of the rain.”
(i) What is so “strange to tell” in the above lines?
Answer:
(i) It is strange because the rain replies to the poet’s question and speaks like a human being.
(ii) Why does the rain call itself the Poem of Earth?
(a) As it is beautiful
(b) As it has a purpose
(c) As it travels back to its origin
Ans: (d) As it beautifies the Earth
(iii) In the third line of the stanza, the poetic device used is:
(a) Simile
(b) Metaphor
(c) Alliteration
(d) Personification
Ans: (b) Metaphor
Extract-Based Question 2
Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow
“Eternal I rise impalpable out of the land and the bottomless sea,
Upward to heaven, whence, vaguely form’d, altogether changed, and yet the same,”
(i) From where does the rain rise according to the poet?
Answer:
(i) The rain rises from the land and the bottomless sea.
(ii) Which phrase suggests that the rain is without a clear shape in the sky?
Ans: “vaguely form’d”
(iii) Assertion (A): The rain has completely changed.
Reason (R): The rain is still the same.
Choose the correct option:
(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation for A.
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation for A.
(c) A is true, but R is false.
(d) A is false, but R is true.
Ans: (a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation for A.
Extract-Based Question 3
Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow
“I descend to lave the droughts, atomies, dust-layers of the globe,
And all that in them without me were seeds only, latent, unborn;”
(i) What is the function of the rain described in these lines?
Answer:
(i) The rain helps wash the earth, removing dryness and giving life to seeds that were hidden and inactive.
(ii) What does the word “lave” mean in the context of the poem?
(a) Destroy
(b) Soak
(c) Wash
(d) Burn
(iii) Identify the poetic device in “seeds only, latent, unborn”:
(a) Simile
(b) Metaphor
(c) Personification
(d) Alliteration
Extract-Based Question 4
Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow
“And forever, by day and night, I give back life to my own origin,
And make pure and beautify it;”
(i) What is meant by “I give back life to my own origin”?
Answer:
(i) It means the rain returns water to the earth from where it came and keeps the earth fertile and alive.
(ii) What does the rain purify and beautify?
(a) The sky
(b) The earth
(c) The ocean
(d) The air
(iii) Which cycle is referred to in these lines?
(a) The water cycle
(b) The life cycle
(c) The carbon cycle
(d) The seed cycle
Extract-Based Question 5
Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow
“(For song, issuing from its birth-place, after fulfilment, wandering
Reck’d or unreck’d, duly with love returns.)”
(i) Why is the word “song” compared to rain?
Answer:
(i) Because like the rain, a song comes from its origin, spreads everywhere, and eventually returns with love to its source.
(ii) Why are these lines placed in brackets?
(a) To show they are not important
(b) To show they are a comparison or explanation
(c) To show they are a quote
(d) To show a dialogue
(iii) Select the correct meaning of “reck’d or unreck’d”:
(a) Remembered or forgotten
(b) Cared for or uncared for
(c) Written or unwritten
(d) Clear or unclear
Extract-Based Question 6
Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow
“I am the Poem of Earth, said the voice of the rain.”
(i) What poetic device is used in the line above?
(a) Personification
(b) Simile
(c) Metaphor
(d) Hyperbole
(ii) What message is conveyed through this poetic line?
Answer:
(ii) The rain, like poetry, is natural, beautiful, and essential. It nourishes the Earth and returns to its origin, completing a meaningful cycle.
(iii) How does this line reflect the central theme of the poem?
Answer:
(iii) This line shows that rain, like a poem, expresses nature’s beauty and performs a valuable function by nurturing life on Earth.
Short Answer Type Questions: The Voice of Rain Questions Answers
One short-answer type question (one from Poetry from the book Hornbill), to be answered in 40-50 words. Questions should elicit inferential responses through critical thinking. 3×1=3 Marks
1. The poem’s tone is contemplative, respectful, and mystical. Explain.
Ans.
The poem shows a thoughtful and respectful tone as the poet talks to the rain. It feels spiritual and peaceful because the rain speaks like a wise soul. The poet respects nature’s process and shows deep wonder about rain’s journey. This tone helps the reader connect with the beauty and mystery of the natural world.
2. Comment on the structure of the poem.
Ans.
The poem has one long stanza written in free verse. There is no fixed rhyme or meter. The structure reflects the natural and flowing movement of rain. This format helps express the poet’s thoughts freely and smoothly. The conversational style between the poet and rain adds clarity and rhythm, making the message more meaningful and poetic.
3. How does the rain justify being the ‘Poem of Earth’?
Ans.
The rain calls itself the “Poem of Earth” because it brings life, beauty, and joy to the world, just like a poem does to the reader. Rain helps plants grow and refreshes nature. Its journey is gentle and rhythmic, just like poetry. It starts from Earth, travels up, and returns—just like a well-loved song or poem.
4. Describe the never-ending cycle of rain.
Ans.
Rain rises from the land and sea as invisible water vapour. It goes up into the sky, forms clouds, and returns to the Earth as rain. This cycle repeats again and again. The rain refreshes nature and keeps the Earth alive. This natural water cycle shows the rain’s eternal role in maintaining balance and supporting life.
5. Why does the rain call itself ‘impalpable’?
Ans.
The rain calls itself “impalpable” because it becomes invisible when it rises as vapour. You can’t touch or see it in that form. Even though it’s present in the air, we can’t feel it. This shows how mysterious and silent the process of evaporation is, and yet, it is a very important part of nature.
6. How does the rain help after a long hot season?
Ans.
After a long dry and hot season, the rain refreshes the Earth by washing away dust and cooling the air. It gives water to dry plants and helps seeds grow. Rain brings new life to nature, making everything look green and fresh again. It changes the lifeless land into a living and colourful place once more.
7. How does rain give life to latent seeds?
Ans.
Latent seeds are hidden and dry without water. When rain falls, it gives them the moisture they need to start growing. These seeds then sprout and become plants. Without rain, they would remain buried and lifeless. So, rain gives them a new life and helps the Earth stay green and full of plants and crops.
8. What does the poet mean by ‘reck’d or unreck’d’?
Ans.
The poet uses “reck’d or unreck’d” to show that rain does its work whether people notice it or not. Sometimes people value rain, sometimes they don’t. Still, rain continues its journey and returns to the Earth. This means nature works silently and selflessly, without expecting attention or praise from anyone. It fulfills its purpose anyway.
9. Who are the two voices in the poem? Why is this style useful?
Ans.
The two voices in the poem are the poet and the rain. The poet asks questions, and the rain answers. This style of conversation helps readers understand the rain’s purpose and journey more clearly. It makes the poem more interesting and gives nature a voice, helping the reader feel connected to the environment and its beauty.
10. Justify the title “The Voice of the Rain.”
Ans.
The poem is about the rain speaking to the poet and telling its story. The rain’s voice explains its journey, purpose, and importance. The poet acts as a translator of its natural song. Since the whole poem is based on this imagined conversation with rain, the title “The Voice of the Rain” fits the theme perfectly.
Long Answer Type Questions: The Voice of the Rain Questions Answers
One Long answer type question, from Poetry of Hornbill, to be answered in 120-150 words. Questions can be based on incident / theme / passage / extract / event, as reference points to assess extrapolation beyond and across the text. The question will elicit analytical and evaluative response from the student. 1×6=6 Marks
1. How does the poem ‘The Voice of the Rain’ highlight the importance of rain in human life?
Ans.
The poem beautifully shows how rain is necessary for the survival of life on Earth. It starts as invisible vapour from land and sea, rises to the sky, forms clouds, and returns as rain. This process brings life to dry lands and seeds. Rain refreshes and cleans the Earth, removes dust, and cools the hot weather. It is also important for farming, as crops need water to grow. The poet calls rain the “Poem of Earth” because it is both beautiful and useful. It gives joy and serves a purpose, just like a poem does. The rain completes its cycle and returns to where it started. It does not expect anything in return. This shows how nature works quietly but powerfully. Without rain, there would be no food, water, or greenery. The poem teaches us to respect nature and understand how deeply we depend on simple things like rain.
2. Compare the endless cycle of rain with the short span of human life.
Ans.
Rain follows an endless natural cycle: it rises from Earth as vapour, forms clouds, and falls again as rain. This process continues forever and keeps nature alive. In contrast, human life is short and temporary. People are born, live for some time, and then die. Unlike rain, humans do not continue in the same form. Rain also serves a purpose in the world—it gives life, refreshes the Earth, and helps plants grow. But many human actions harm nature. People pollute air, water, and land, which affects natural cycles like rain. The poem suggests that we should learn from rain’s selfless and constant service. Rain gives without asking for anything in return, but humans often take from nature and do not give back. If we disturb nature’s balance, we will suffer. So, the poet reminds us to respect eternal things like rain and live in harmony with nature.
3. Imagine you are a social activist. Write a speech using nature as an example to talk about equality.
Ans.
Good morning, everyone!
We live in a world full of differences—rich and poor, upper and lower castes, men and women. But look at nature! Rain, air, sunlight—do they choose where to go or whom to help? No! Rain falls on everyone—rich or poor, big or small. It blesses all equally. That is the lesson we must learn.
We, as humans, have created divisions based on class, caste, gender, and religion. But nature teaches us that true beauty lies in unity and kindness. Rain helps dry lands and seeds without asking who owns the land. Why can’t we show the same love and equality to each other?
As students and future leaders, it’s your duty to break barriers and support universal brotherhood. Let’s make a society where everyone is treated equally and no one is left behind. Let’s be like rain—pure, giving, and equal. Thank you!
4. What themes are explored in the poem ‘The Voice of the Rain’?
Ans.
Walt Whitman’s poem explores several deep and meaningful themes.
First is nature’s importance—rain is shown as a life-giver that helps seeds grow and Earth stay green. Without rain, there would be no life.
Second is the cycle of life—rain’s journey from Earth to sky and back shows how nature repeats itself. It reflects the idea of rebirth and continuous renewal.
Third is the theme of interconnectedness—everything in nature is linked. Rain supports plants, which give us oxygen and food. All forms of life depend on each other.
Fourth, the poet talks about the eternity of nature—while humans live short lives, rain keeps repeating its cycle.
Lastly, rain as a metaphor for art shows how both rain and poetry come from deep within, rise to express themselves, and return fulfilled. Both are beautiful, meaningful, and give joy to others.
Overall, the poem is a celebration of nature’s balance and beauty.
5. Describe the journey of rain as shown in the poem.
Ans.
The rain begins its journey from the land and the sea. It rises up to the sky in the form of invisible vapour, which cannot be touched or seen. As it reaches the sky, it changes shape and becomes clouds. These clouds gather moisture and become heavy. Then, the rain falls back to Earth in the form of water drops. When it falls, it refreshes the land, cools the air, washes the dust, and helps plants and seeds grow. The poet calls this a never-ending cycle, as rain returns to the place it came from and starts again. This journey is natural and eternal. It does not need anyone to notice or praise it. The rain’s purpose is to give life and beauty to Earth. The poem shows that this cycle is like poetry—rising, expressing, and returning to its source with meaning and grace.
6. Why does the poet call rain the “Poem of Earth”?
Ans.
The poet calls rain the “Poem of Earth” because rain is both beautiful and meaningful, just like a poem. Poetry brings joy, emotions, and life to readers. In the same way, rain gives water, growth, and freshness to the Earth. It helps plants grow and makes the land fertile. It completes a natural cycle silently and gracefully. Rain rises from the land and sea, goes up into the sky as vapour, forms clouds, and falls again as drops. This process is like the journey of a poem—from the poet’s mind to the world and back. Both rain and poems return to their source with more meaning. They leave behind something valuable—either beauty or life. The poet uses this comparison to show that nature itself creates art. Rain, though natural, is full of purpose and beauty. That’s why the rain proudly says, “I am the Poem of Earth.”
7. What message does the poet give through the personification of rain?
Ans.
The poet gives a powerful message by making the rain speak in the poem. Through personification, rain becomes a living voice with thoughts and feelings. It talks about its journey from the Earth to the sky and back. The message is that rain is essential for life. It is selfless, always working to help nature without expecting anything in return. The poet wants us to respect such parts of nature that silently support our lives. He also shows that everything in nature has a role, a cycle, and a purpose. By listening to the rain’s voice, we understand the deep connection between all living things. The poet also teaches us to value simplicity and service. Rain speaks gently, falls softly, and yet has a great impact. This teaches us humility and responsibility. The message is clear: nature is wise, generous, and should never be taken for granted.
8. How is the rain compared to a song in the poem? What is the significance of this?
Ans.
In the poem, rain is compared to a song or poem. Just like a song comes from deep inside a singer and spreads joy, the rain also rises from the Earth, travels, and returns to give life. A song may not always be noticed, but it still has a purpose—it brings peace, beauty, or meaning. The rain, too, does its duty even if people don’t care. Both rain and song follow a cycle. A song is born, sung, heard, and returns to the soul. Rain is born from land and sea, rises, falls, and returns. The comparison shows that both are eternal and important. They create harmony, serve others, and complete their journey. This makes us understand that natural elements like rain are not just physical—they are emotional and artistic. This comparison helps readers feel the beauty and rhythm of nature, making the poem more touching and deep.
9. What does the poem teach us about the relationship between humans and nature?
Ans.
The poem teaches that humans and nature are closely connected. Rain plays an important role in keeping the Earth alive. It helps plants grow, cleans the air, and gives water to all living things. Humans cannot live without these gifts of nature. But many people forget this and misuse or harm nature for their own gain. The poem reminds us that natural processes, like rain, work quietly but powerfully. They do not expect thanks, yet they give us everything. If humans disturb nature—by polluting water, cutting forests, or wasting resources—it will affect life everywhere. The poem suggests we should learn from rain’s patience, purpose, and kindness. We should respect and protect nature, not destroy it. Just like rain completes its cycle, we too should live in balance with the world around us. The poem encourages us to love, value, and learn from nature’s peaceful and generous ways.
10. How does the structure and style of the poem enhance its meaning?
Ans.
The poem is written in free verse with no rhyme scheme or fixed pattern. This gives it a natural, flowing rhythm—just like the movement of rain. It starts with a question-and-answer style, where the poet speaks to the rain and the rain replies. This makes the poem feel like a calm and thoughtful conversation. The style makes the rain seem alive and wise. The use of personification brings a deeper connection between the reader and nature. By giving rain a voice, the poet helps us understand its journey and purpose. The structure supports the idea that rain, like poetry, rises and returns in a cycle. This open, unstructured form matches the freedom and beauty of nature. The calm tone, simple words, and flowing lines make the message clear and touching. Overall, the style and structure help us feel the poem’s meaning, not just understand it.
