Chapter 13

                                            Running Through The Rain


A. Comprehension Questions – Detailed Answers

1. What is the poet fond of?
Answer: The poet likes both sunshine and rain. Although most people prefer sunny days, he enjoys the charm and happiness that rain brings. He takes delight in running through the rain, watching nature, and experiencing the refreshing atmosphere it creates.

2. Why does the poet like running through the rain?
Answer:The poet enjoys running through the rain because it fills him with joy and a sense of freedom. He finds pleasure in the excitement of getting wet, feeling the cool raindrops, and experiencing the vibrant and lively surroundings created by the rainfall.

3. What month is mentioned in the poem and why is it significant?
Answer: The poem refers to the month of April, describing it as “merry.” This month is important because it marks spring, a time when flowers blossom, the land looks fresh, and light showers enliven the hills and plains. April represents freshness and joy, which is why the poet enjoys running in the rain.

4. How does the poet describe April in the first stanza?

Answer: The poet depicts April as “tripping over hill and plain,” which conveys energy, cheerfulness, and liveliness. This description portrays the month as playful, bringing rain showers that make the hills and plains lively and beautiful, inviting everyone to enjoy the freshness and beauty of nature.

5. What does the poet say to the little blossoms?
Answer: The poet talks to the bright little blossoms along the path, laughingly telling them that the rain has caught them and trying to escape is pointless. By speaking to the flowers, he gives nature human-like qualities and expresses his joy in the falling rain.

6. How is the rain described in the second stanza?
Answer: In the second stanza, the rain is depicted through its sound and visual effects. The raindrops “pitter-patter softly,” producing a gentle rhythm, while sunbeams peek through, shining on the scented ground. This imagery shows that the rain is light, creating a pleasant and enjoyable atmosphere.

7. What does “pitter-patter” mean in the poem?
Answer: In the poem, “pitter-patter” describes the gentle, soft sound of raindrops hitting the ground. It highlights the soothing and calming nature of the rain and adds a musical quality that makes the poet enjoy the rainy surroundings even more.

8. Why is the ground described as “scented”?

Answer: The ground is called “scented” because the rain brings out the natural fragrance of the soil, plants, and flowers. The wet earth gives off a fresh, pleasing smell, adding to the poet’s enjoyment and making the environment feel more lively and delightful.

9. What does the poet mean by “shelter nowhere near us”?

Answer: By “shelter nowhere near us,” the poet means that there is no nearby place to take cover from the rain. Even without shelter, he does not complain because he finds running through the rain so enjoyable that being exposed to it feels delightful rather than uncomfortable.

10. Why doesn’t the poet complain about getting wet?

Answer: The poet does not complain about getting wet because he enjoys the experience. The light rain, the lively surroundings, and the playful mood of nature make running through the rain a pleasurable and exciting activity instead of a cause for discomfort.

11. How does the poet combine rain with sunshine in his description?

Answer: The poet blends rain with sunshine by mentioning a sunbeam that “gilds the scented ground.” This imagery illustrates how sunlight and rain occur together, creating a bright, magical atmosphere that adds charm and beauty to the rainy scene.

12. What literary device is used in “trips o’er hill and plain”?
Answer: The phrase “trips o’er hill and plain” uses personification. April is given human-like qualities by describing it as “tripping,” which conveys a sense of liveliness, playfulness, and the cheerful energy that the month brings to nature.

13. What is the significance of addressing the blossoms in the poem?
Answer: By speaking to the blossoms, the poet adds a playful and intimate element to the poem. It reflects his connection with nature and appreciation for its beauty, highlighting the joy and wonder found in small details during the rain.

14. How does the poet show that the rain is light and enjoyable?

Answer: The poet conveys that the rain is gentle and pleasant by using words such as “softly,” “pitter-patter,” and “peeping sunbeam.” The combination of the soft raindrops, sunlight filtering through, and the fresh fragrance of the ground makes the rain feel light, enjoyable, and delightful.

15. What emotions does the poet express in the poem?
Answer: The poet conveys feelings of joy, delight, and playful excitement. He takes pleasure in the rain, the blossoming flowers, and the lively surroundings. The poem reflects a sense of freedom, happiness, and deep appreciation for the beauty and charm of nature.

16. What does “escape is vain” mean in the poem?
Answer: In the poem, “escape is vain” means that avoiding the rain is impossible once it begins. The poet accepts this with happiness, suggesting that it is better to enjoy the rain instead of trying to run away from it.

17. How does the poet describe the effect of the rain on the natural surroundings?

Answer: The poet portrays rain as bringing life and freshness to the hills, plains, and blossoms. The wet ground releases a pleasant fragrance, sunlight filters through, and the surroundings look cheerful. The rain rejuvenates nature and adds beauty and charm to the entire scene.

18. Which words in the poem show that the rain is not heavy?
Answer: The rain is shown as light through words such as “softly,” “pitter-patter,” and “peeping sunbeam.” These expressions suggest a gentle, pleasant rainfall, and the sunlight shining through emphasizes that the rain is mild and enjoyable rather than heavy or harsh.

19. What role do sunbeams play in the poem?
Answer: Sunbeams bring light and charm to the rainy setting. By “gilding the scented ground,” they create a magical and beautiful effect, enhancing the poet’s enjoyment. The combination of sunlight and rain makes the scene lively, cheerful, and visually captivating.

20. What lesson does the poem teach about enjoying nature?
Answer: The poem conveys that we should take pleasure in nature’s offerings, like rain, with gratitude and joy. Even when situations are uncomfortable, such as getting wet, fully experiencing and appreciating them can lead to happiness and a closer bond with the beauty of the natural world.

B. True or False – Answers

21. The poet doesn't like sunshine but he likes rain. – False (He likes both sunshine and rain.)
22. He calls the month of April merry. – True
23. The poet doesn't enjoy the rainfall. – False
24. Bright-eyed blossoms are large in size. – False (They are small, delicate buds.)
25. The poet succeeds in saving himself from being drenched. – False (He enjoys getting wet.)
26. It was a heavy rain. – False (The rain was light and gentle.)
27. The ground becomes scented because of rain. – True
28. The poet found shelter everywhere to save himself from rain. – False
29. He didn't complain because he enjoyed running through the rain. – True

C. Short Answer Questions

30. Where does the rain fall?
Answer: The rain falls on the hills, plains, blossoms, and the ground as the poet runs through it.

31. Which line in the first stanza shows that the poet enjoys running through the rain?
Answer: The line “Isn't it delightful, Running through the rain?” clearly shows the poet’s enjoyment.

32. What did the poet say to the bright little blossoms?
Answer: He laughed and said that the rain had caught them and escaping was useless.

33. Which words in the last stanza show that the rain was not very heavy?
Answer: Words like “softly,” “pitter-patter,” and “peeping sunbeam” indicate that the rain was light and gentle.

34. Apart from the rain, what does the poet like?
Answer: Apart from rain, the poet enjoys sunshine, flowers, and the freshness of nature during spring.

D. Long Answer Questions (50 words)

35. Why has the poet used the word “merry” for April?
Answer: The poet describes April as “merry” because it is a lively and cheerful month of spring. During this time, flowers bloom, the land looks fresh, and light showers enliven the hills and plains. April brings joy, freshness, and beauty to nature, which makes the poet feel happy and excited.

36. Why does the poet say escaping from rain is vain?
Answer: The poet says escaping from the rain is vain because once it begins, there is no way to avoid it. Rather than trying to run away, it is better to enjoy the experience. The poet finds joy in getting wet, showing that resisting nature’s gifts is unnecessary.

37. During rain, the poet doesn’t get any shelter. Why doesn’t he complain?
Answer: The poet does not complain about having no shelter because he takes great pleasure in running through the rain. The fresh air, fragrant ground, blossoming flowers, and sunlight peeking through make the experience enjoyable, so he focuses on the happiness it brings rather than any inconvenience.

38. What effect does rain have on nature according to the poem?
Answer: According to the poem, rain refreshes and enlivens nature. It makes the hills, plains, and flowers look fresh and vibrant, adds fragrance to the ground, and enhances the glow of sunbeams. The gentle rain creates a joyful, cheerful environment that delights the poet and showcases nature’s beauty.

39. How does the poet combine rain and sunlight in the poem?
Answer: The poet blends rain and sunlight by mentioning a sunbeam that “gilds the scented ground.” This illustrates the coexistence of rain and sunshine, creating a bright, magical, and cheerful atmosphere, reflecting the poet’s playful and joyful experience in nature.

40. What lesson about enjoying nature can we learn from the poem?
Answer: The poem teaches that we should enjoy and appreciate nature with happiness. Even if we get wet in the rain, it can be a joyful experience. By noticing flowers, feeling raindrops, and seeing sunlight through the rain, we learn to value the beauty and playful charm of the natural world.


Answer by Mrinmoee