Chapter 03. Poetry - Rain on the Roof (Chapter Explanation)

 Introduction

The poem ‘Rain on the Roof’ talks about the poet’s varied reactions to the sound of raindrops falling on the roof of his house. He says that the raindrops at night are like tears shed by the sad, dark night. He loves to lie in bed and hear the rain falling on the roof of his room because it brings back sweet memories of the past. He says that the sound of raindrops helps him fall asleep and gives him sweet dreams. He has memories of his loving mother who would put them to sleep. 

Detailed summary

In this poem, the poet describes the arrival of rain by depicting the movement of dark, moisture-laden clouds in the sky. The poet interprets these clouds as "humid shadows" and emphasizes their impending release of rain. The night sky, adorned with stars, serves as the backdrop for this atmospheric transformation.

When the humid shadows hover

Over all the starry spheres

And the melancholy darkness

Gently weeps in rainy tears,

What a bliss to press the pillow

Of a cottage-chamber bed

And lie listening to the patter

Of the soft rain overhead!

The poet metaphorically likens raindrops to tears, suggesting a profound connection between the weather and the poet's emotional perception. The notion of the dark sky weeping is reinforced, portraying a melancholic scene. Finding solace in this natural phenomenon, the poet views lying in bed during the rain as a comforting blessing, relishing the soothing sound of raindrops on the roof.

Every tinkle on the shingles

Has an echo in the heart;

And a thousand dreamy fancies Into busy being start,

And a thousand recollections

Weave their air-threads into woof,

As I listen to the patter

Of the rain upon the roof.

Transitioning to the next part, the poet expresses the emotional resonance he experiences when raindrops fall on his house's roof. Each sound, or "tinkle on the shingles," reverberates in his heart and becomes a part of his dreams. The poet's imagination is sparked by the rhythmic fall of raindrops, generating various fantastical images and evoking memories of the past.

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. 

In the final paragraph, the poet introduces the theme of maternal nostalgia. Rain serves as a trigger for memories of his mother, who is no longer alive. Recollecting her love and care, the poet envisions his mother looking at him as he listens to the rain's song. The sound of raindrops becomes a poignant link between past and present, stirring deep emotions and leaving the poet profoundly moved. Each instance of rainfall rekindles memories of his mother, creating a bittersweet connection between the soothing sound of rain and the cherished moments of the past.

In conclusion, this evocative poem celebrates the joy of listening to raindrops on the roof. With vivid imagery and tender recollections, the poet weaves a timeless narrative that captures the blissful essence of a rainy night. The patter of rain becomes a poetic melody, echoing in the heart and summoning cherished memories, particularly that of the poet's mother. In its simplicity, the poem beautifully highlights the profound connection between nature, emotion, and enduring comfort. 

Theme/Message

Themes:

• Nostalgia: The poem explores the theme of nostalgia through the speaker's memories of their mother and past experiences.
• Comfort in Nature: Finding solace and comfort in the natural world, specifically in the sound of rain, is a prominent theme.

Message:

• The poem conveys the idea that simple, everyday experiences like listening to the rain can evoke deep emotions and memories.
• It emphasizes the importance of finding solace and peace in the midst of life's uncertainties through connecting with nature and memories.

Useful Expressions 

• … starry spheres – An area in the sky where stars appear in a group.
• What bliss — A pleasing movement that the poet is unable to forget.
• … a thousand dreamy fancies’ Into busy starting, — The poet remembers his past and finds himself lost in imagination.
• … a thousand recollections ‘Weave their air-threads into woof, — A chain of memories that visit the poet’s mind during the rainy season.
• … darling dreamers — Refers to children who love and remember their mother equally like the poet.

Glossary

1. Hover: Remain in one place in the air.
2. Melancholy: A feeling of deep sadness or sorrow.
3. Bliss: Extreme happiness or joy.
4. Patter: The sound made by something repeatedly striking a surface.
5. Shingles: Overlapping roofing material.
6. Woof: The threads running from side to side in a woven fabric; the horizontal threads.
7. Refrain: A repeated part of a poem, song, or musical composition.