1.3 In Time of Silver Rain – Class 7 – Kumarbharati

Author: Langston Hughes

Genre: Nature Poem / Reflective Lyric

Textbook: English Kumarbharati – Class 7

Board: Maharashtra State Board

English Summary

The poem In Time of Silver Rain by Langston Hughes celebrates the beauty and joy of nature during spring showers. The “silver rain” symbolizes life-giving water, which makes grasses grow and flowers bloom. Butterflies spread their wings, trees put forth new leaves, and the entire earth seems filled with fresh life. Children also join in the joy by singing as they walk on the road. The repetition of “life, life, life” emphasizes renewal, growth, and happiness. The poem conveys that rain not only refreshes the earth but also fills humans with energy, joy, and song. It is a celebration of spring, youth, and the wonder of nature.

Theme / Central Idea

The central idea of the poem is the joy and beauty brought by rain in springtime. It highlights renewal, growth, and the happiness of both nature and people.

Word Meanings

Figures of Speech (with examples)

1. Metaphor – “Silver rain” – rain is compared to something precious and shining.

2. Personification – “Trees put forth new leaves to sing” – trees are given the human quality of singing.

3. Alliteration – “Green grasses grow” – repetition of ‘g’ sound.

4. Repetition – “Of life, Of life, Of life!” – emphasises renewal and joy.

5. Imagery – The poem paints pictures of butterflies, trees, children, and fresh nature.

Rhyme Scheme

The poem is written in free verse – it has no fixed rhyme scheme but follows rhythm and imagery.

Personal Response Questions (5)

1. Why does the poet call it “silver rain”?The poet calls it silver rain because rain appears bright and shining like silver in sunlight. It also suggests that rain is precious and life-giving, like a treasure for the earth.

2. What effect does rain have on nature in the poem?Rain brings freshness and growth in nature. Grasses grow, flowers bloom, butterflies fly, and trees produce new leaves. It transforms the whole earth with beauty and joy.

3. Why do the children sing in the poem?Children sing because the beauty of rain and spring fills them with happiness. They share in nature’s joy and express their delight through song. Their singing symbolises the harmony between humans and nature.

4. What feeling do you get after reading this poem?After reading this poem, I feel a sense of freshness, peace, and happiness. The vivid images of rain and spring remind me of the joy of new beginnings. It makes me appreciate the beauty of nature.

5. What lesson does this poem give us?The poem teaches us to celebrate nature and life. It shows that rain and spring bring renewal and joy to the world. It encourages us to find happiness in simple natural wonders.

   
   

True or False (5)

1. The poem describes winter and snow. → False (It describes spring rain.)

2. Butterflies spread their wings in silver rain. → True

3. The trees are said to sing by putting forth new leaves. → True

4. Children in the poem cry sadly in the rain. → False (They sing joyfully.)

5. The poem repeats the word “life” to stress renewal and joy. → True

   
   

Probable Board / Exam Questions (5)

1. What images of nature are described in the poem?

   The poem describes grasses growing, flowers blooming, butterflies spreading wings, trees with new leaves, and children singing. These images highlight renewal and joy in spring.

   
   

2. How does the poet show that rain brings life?The poet shows it by describing the earth putting forth new life, butterflies flying, and trees producing fresh leaves. The repetition of “life” stresses the power of rain to renew everything.

   
   

3. What role do children play in the poem?Children join nature’s joy by singing as they walk down the road. Their song adds human happiness to the natural celebration of rain. They symbolise innocence and unity with nature.

   
   

4. What message does the poet give through the poem?The poet gives the message that nature and rain are gifts of life. Rain renews the world, and humans must celebrate this joy. It reminds us to value life’s simple beauties.

   
   

5. Why is the poem called In Time of Silver Rain?The poem is called In Time of Silver Rain because it describes the magical effect of rain that shines like silver. It symbolises preciousness, beauty, and life-giving energy.

   
   

Appreciation / Reflection Paragraph

In Time of Silver Rain by Langston Hughes is a short but beautiful nature poem. It describes the magical power of rain to bring freshness, growth, and joy. The imagery of grasses, butterflies, trees, and children makes the poem lively. The repetition of “life” conveys energy and celebration. The free verse style makes it simple yet powerful. The poem is memorable because it reminds us of the value of nature’s wonders and the happiness that renewal brings.

About BhashaLab

BhashaLab is a dynamic platform dedicated to the exploration and mastery of languages - operating both online and offline. Aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Credit Framework (NCrF), we offer language education that emphasizes measurable learning outcomes and recognized, transferable credits.

We offer:

1. NEP alligned offline language courses for degree colleges - English, Sanskrit, Marathi and Hindi

2. NEP alligned offline language courses for schools - English, Sanskrit, Marathi and Hindi

3. Std VIII, IX and X - English and Sanskrit Curriculum Tuitions - All boards

4. International English Olympiad Tuitions - All classes

5. Basic and Advanced English Grammar - Offline and Online - Class 3 and above

6. English Communication Skills for working professionals, adults and students - Offline and Online

Contact: +91 86577 20901, +91 97021 12044

Mail: info@bhashalab.com

Website: www.bhashalab.com