Back to: Karnataka Board Class 6th English Guide and Notes
Table of Contents
Introduction
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote the poem ‘Rain In Summer,’ because he was thrilled by the rainfall on a scorching day. “How wonderful is the rain!” he exclaims, exhibiting his delight and enthusiasm for rain. He describes how the rain and shower soothe him from the summer’s heat and pollution.
About The Poet
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was a poet and educator from the United States. He was born in Portland, Massachusetts, on February 27, 1807. He was one of the New England fireside poets and was the first American to translate Dante Alighieri’s Divine Comedy.
Theme Of The Poem
The value of rainfall after a blazing hot day is the theme of the poem “Rain in Summer.” The poet highlights his joy after a strong downpour.
Stanza 1
How beautiful is the rain! After the dust and heat, In the broad and fiery street, In the narrow lane, How beautiful is the rain!
“How beautiful is the rain!” the poet, Longfellow exclaims, as he is enchanted by the rain drops washing away all the dust and heat existing in the narrow lanes and broad streets of the city. The serenity raindrops provide after a scorching day is reflected in the poet’s portrayal of rainfall.
Stanza 2
How it clatters along the roofs, Like the tramp of hoofs How it gushes and struggles out From the throat of the overflowing spout!
Raindrops falling on rooftops have a rhythmic charm, according to the poet. He compares it to the sound of horses’ hooves in order to illustrate the rhythm and sound of rainfall on the rooftop. He describes how the rain falls from the sky as though it is liberating itself from the overflowing clouds in the sky.
Stanza 3
Across the window-pane It pours and pours; And swift and wide, With a muddy tide, Like a river down the gutter roars The rain, the welcome rain!
When rain pours on a windowpane, the poet recounts how the gutters appear to be full of water and sludge, and how swift and large they appear to be. It almost resembles a turbulent river. The poet is ecstatic about the rain and greets it with welcoming arms.
