The Voice of the Rain - Summary Interpretation & Reading Comprehension Exercise for NEB Class - 10

Poem: The Voice of the Rain

And who art thou? said I to the soft-falling shower,
➡️ मैले नरम वर्षालाई सोधेँ – "तिमी को हौ?"
Interpretation (English): The poet is addressing the rain directly, as if it were a living being. This personification creates a sense of conversation between nature and humanity.
Interpretation (Nepali): कविले वर्षालाई सजीव मान्दै यसको वास्तविकता सोधिरहेका छन्। यसले प्रकृति र मानवबीचको संवादलाई दर्शाउँछ।

Which, strange to tell, gave me an answer, as here translated:
➡️ अचम्म मान्नुपर्छ, वर्षाले मलाई उत्तर दिइन्, जसलाई मैले यसरी अनुवाद गरेँ:
Interpretation (English): The poet is surprised that the rain "responds," indicating a deep connection between nature and humans.
Interpretation (Nepali): कविलाई आश्चर्य लाग्छ कि वर्षाले उनलाई जवाफ दिन्छ, जसले प्रकृतिको चेतनशीलता देखाउँछ।

I am the Poem of Earth, said the voice of the rain,
➡️ वर्षाले भन्यो – "म पृथ्वीको कविता हुँ।"
Interpretation (English): The rain describes itself as the "Poem of Earth," suggesting that, like poetry, it is an expression of nature’s beauty and rhythm.
Interpretation (Nepali): वर्षाले आफूलाई "पृथ्वीको कविता" भनेर परिभाषित गर्छ, जसरी कविता मानव मनको भावनाको अभिव्यक्ति हो, वर्षा पनि प्रकृतिको सौन्दर्यको अभिव्यक्ति हो।

Eternal I rise impalpable out of the land and the bottomless sea,
➡️ म अनन्त रूपमा अदृश्य रूपमा पृथ्वी र अथाह समुद्रबाट माथि उठ्छु।
Interpretation (English): The rain explains that it is part of a never-ending cycle. It rises invisibly as water vapor from land and sea.
Interpretation (Nepali): वर्षा जलचक्रको हिस्सा हो। पानी वाष्प बन्छ र पृथ्वीबाट आकाशतर्फ उठ्छ।

Upward to heaven, whence, vaguely form’d, altogether changed, and yet the same,
➡️ स्वर्ग (आकाश) तर्फ जान्छु, जहाँ म अस्पष्ट रूपमा रूप बदल्छु, तर फेरि पनि उही नै रहन्छु।
Interpretation (English): The rain undergoes transformation—it changes into clouds but retains its essence.
Interpretation (Nepali): पानी वाष्पमा रूपान्तर हुन्छ, बादल बन्छ, तर वास्तविक रूपमा फेरि पनि उही पानी नै रहन्छ।

I descend to lave the droughts, atomies, dust-layers of the globe,
➡️ म पृथ्वीको सुख्खा भाग, धूलो कणहरू, र मरुभूमिलाई नुहाउन झर्छु।
Interpretation (English): When the rain falls, it nourishes dry lands, cleanses dust, and refreshes the earth.
Interpretation (Nepali): जब बादलबाट पानी झर्छ, यसले जमिनलाई भिजाउँछ, वातावरण सफा गर्छ, र जीवनका लागि आवश्यक चिस्यान दिन्छ।

And all that in them without me were only seeds, latent, unborn;
➡️ र मेरा बिना, ती सबै (बालीका बिउहरू) केवल सुप्त र अजन्मिएका रहन्थे।
Interpretation (English): Without rain, seeds would remain dormant and never sprout. Rain gives life.
Interpretation (Nepali): पानीबिना बीउ उमारिँदैन। वर्षाले मात्र बीउलाई जीवन दिन्छ, जसरी ज्ञानले चेतनालाई उमार्छ।

And forever, by day and night, I give back life to my own origin,
➡️ र म सधैं, दिनरात, आफ्नै उत्पत्तिलाई जीवन फर्काइरहन्छु।
Interpretation (English): The rain continuously replenishes the earth and maintains the cycle of nature.
Interpretation (Nepali): वर्षा जलचक्रको निरन्तर प्रक्रिया हो, जसले पृथ्वीलाई पोषण गर्छ।

And make pure and beautify it (for song, issuing from its birth-place, after fulfillment, wandering,
➡️ र म यसलाई शुद्ध र सुन्दर बनाउँछु (जसरी एउटा गीत आफ्नो जन्मस्थलबाट निस्किएर, आफ्नो उद्देश्य पूरा गरेर,)
Interpretation (English): Rain purifies and beautifies the earth, just as a song or poem fulfills its purpose and spreads its influence.
Interpretation (Nepali): वर्षा पृथ्वीलाई सफा गर्छ, पोषण दिन्छ, र यसले प्रकृतिको सौन्दर्यलाई बढाउँछ। यहाँ वर्षालाई एउटा गीतसँग तुलना गरिएको छ।

Reck’d or unreck’d, duly with love returns.
➡️ सुने पनि नसुने पनि, आफ्नो यात्रापछि प्रेमपूर्वक पुन: फर्किन्छ।
Interpretation (English): Whether humans appreciate it or not, rain continues its cycle selflessly.
Interpretation (Nepali): मानिसले वर्षाको महत्त्व बुझुन् वा नबुझुन्, वर्षा निरन्तर आफ्नो चक्र पूरा गरेर पृथ्वीमा फर्कन्छ।

This poem beautifully conveys the eternal cycle of rain and its selfless contribution to the earth. The poet draws a parallel between rain and poetry—both originate from a source, spread, fulfill their purpose, and return, continuing the cycle of nourishment and inspiration. Rain symbolizes renewal, purity, and the beauty of nature, just as poetry rejuvenates the human soul.

Word List with Meanings and Pronunciations

1. Thou /ðaʊ/
   
   • Meaning: You (old English)
   • Nepali: तिमी, तँ
2. Soft-falling /sɒft ˈfɔːlɪŋ/
   
   • Meaning: Falling gently and smoothly
   • Nepali: हल्का झर्ने
3. Strange to tell /streɪndʒ tu tɛl/
   
   • Meaning: Surprisingly, unexpectedly
   • Nepali: अचम्म मान्नुपर्छ
4. Impalpable /ɪmˈpælpəbəl/
   
   • Meaning: Cannot be touched or felt
   • Nepali: छुने नसकिने, अस्पष्ट
5. Bottomless /ˈbɒtəm.ləs/
   
   • Meaning: Very deep, without a bottom
   • Nepali: अथाह, अनन्त
6. Vaguely /ˈveɪɡ.li/
   
   • Meaning: Not clearly, indistinctly
   • Nepali: अस्पष्ट रूपमा
7. Form’d (Formed) /fɔːmd/
   
   • Meaning: Shaped, created
   • Nepali: बनेको, निर्माण भएको
8. Altogether /ˌɔːltəˈɡɛð.ər/
   
   • Meaning: Completely, entirely
   • Nepali: पूरै, पूर्ण रूपमा
9. Descend /dɪˈsɛnd/
   
   • Meaning: Come down from a higher place
   • Nepali: तल झर्नु
10. Lave /leɪv/
    
    • Meaning: Wash, bathe
    • Nepali: धुनु, नुहाउनु
11. Droughts /draʊts/
    
    • Meaning: A long period without rain
    • Nepali: खडेरी, सुख्खा
12. Atomies /ˈæt.ə.miːz/
    
    • Meaning: Tiny particles
    • Nepali: साना कणहरू
13. Latent /ˈleɪ.tənt/
    
    • Meaning: Hidden, inactive but present
    • Nepali: सुप्त, लुकेको
14. Unborn /ʌnˈbɔːrn/
    
    • Meaning: Not yet born or developed
    • Nepali: अजन्मिएको
15. Reck’d (Recked) /rɛkt/
    
    • Meaning: Cared for, considered important
    • Nepali: ध्यान दिइएको, महत्त्व दिइएको
16. Unreck’d (Unrecked) /ʌnˈrɛkt/
    
    • Meaning: Ignored, not cared for
    • Nepali: बेवास्ता गरिएको
17. Duly /ˈdjuː.li/
    
    • Meaning: Properly, as expected
    • Nepali: उचित रूपमा
18. Fulfillment /fʊlˈfɪl.mənt/
    
    • Meaning: Completion, achieving something
    • Nepali: पूर्ति, पूरा हुने प्रक्रिया
19. Wandering /ˈwɒn.dər.ɪŋ/
    
    • Meaning: Moving around without a fixed destination
    • Nepali: भौतारिने, घुम्ने

Detailed Summary of "The Voice of the Rain" by Walt Whitman

"The Voice of the Rain" is a symbolic and philosophical poem by Walt Whitman, where the poet personifies rain and presents it as a selfless and eternal force of nature. The poem highlights the cyclical journey of rain, its role in sustaining life, and its deeper connection to poetry and human creativity.

Introduction

The poem begins with a conversation between the poet and the rain. The poet asks the falling rain, "Who are you?" Surprisingly, the rain responds, explaining its journey and purpose. This exchange establishes a mystical and introspective tone, where nature itself is given a voice to express its significance.

Journey of the Rain

1. The Eternal Cycle of Rain

The rain describes its own lifecycle, saying that it rises from the land and the sea in an invisible form (water vapor). It moves upward toward the sky, forming clouds. Although it changes its form during this process, it remains the same in essence. Eventually, it returns to the earth as rain, nourishing the land and enabling life to flourish.

Meaning: This represents the natural water cycle, where water evaporates, forms clouds, and comes back as rainfall, continuing an eternal process. The rain emphasizes that it gives back to the earth, replenishing what it took. This reflects the idea of selfless giving and renewal.

2. The Role of Rain in Nature

Once it falls back to the earth, the rain quenches the thirst of dry land, washes away dust, and purifies the environment. More importantly, it helps seeds that lie dormant in the soil to sprout and grow into plants.

Meaning: Without rain, seeds would remain "latent" (inactive) and "unborn" (lifeless). The rain, therefore, plays a crucial role in giving life to the earth, making it fertile and productive.

3. Rain as a Metaphor for Poetry

The rain says that it continuously gives back to its origin (earth), just as a poem originates from the poet, spreads into the world, and returns as inspiration. The poet suggests that both rain and poetry are eternal forces that nurture life in their own ways.

• Rain nourishes the earth, helping plants grow.
• Poetry nourishes the human soul, inspiring and enlightening people.

Meaning: This comparison between rain and poetry suggests that poetry, like rain, is an essential force of nature. A poem may travel far, but it always comes back to its source, completing its journey with love and purpose.

4. Selfless and Unnoticed Contribution

The poem ends with an important message: whether people recognize the rain’s importance or not, it continues its journey with love and dedication. Similarly, poetry remains timeless and influential, whether or not it is acknowledged by society.

Meaning: This highlights the selflessness of both rain and poetry—they do not seek recognition but continue to serve their purpose. The poet subtly reminds us to appreciate and respect nature, creativity, and all things that contribute to our well-being.

Themes in the Poem

1. The Cycle of Life and Nature

The rain’s journey—from the earth to the sky and back—symbolizes the natural cycle of life, death, and rebirth. Everything in nature follows this pattern of renewal and regeneration.

2. Selfless Contribution

Rain nurtures the earth without expecting anything in return. This highlights the theme of giving without seeking recognition, just as poets create art without always expecting fame.

3. Connection Between Nature and Art

The comparison between rain and poetry suggests that both are forms of natural expression. Rain brings life to plants, while poetry brings wisdom and inspiration to humanity.

4. The Unnoticed Beauty of Nature

The poem suggests that many essential things in life, like rain and poetry, are often taken for granted. However, their impact is profound and long-lasting.

Conclusion

Walt Whitman’s "The Voice of the Rain" is a reflective poem that celebrates the beauty, power, and selflessness of rain while drawing a parallel to the timeless nature of poetry. The rain symbolizes the cycle of life, renewal, and the unseen contributions that sustain the world. Through this simple yet profound dialogue between the poet and the rain, Whitman reminds us to appreciate nature’s wisdom and the eternal essence of poetry.

Exercise

Exercise 1: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. What is the rain's primary role in the poem?
   a) To make clouds
   b) To provide water to the earth
   c) To create storms
   d) To dry the land

   Answer: b) To provide water to the earth

2. In the poem, what does the rain describe itself as?
   a) The voice of the earth
   b) A source of music
   c) The Poem of Earth
   d) The energy of nature

   Answer: c) The Poem of Earth

3. What is the rain’s journey in the poem?
   a) From the ocean to the earth
   b) From the earth to the sky and back again
   c) From clouds to the earth
   d) From seeds to trees

   Answer: b) From the earth to the sky and back again

4. How does the rain help the earth in the poem?
   a) It makes the earth cold
   b) It provides life to seeds
   c) It creates storms
   d) It cleans the atmosphere

   Answer: b) It provides life to seeds

Exercise 2: True or False

1. The poet believes that rain is just an ordinary event without much significance.
   Answer: False (The poet sees rain as a vital, eternal force that sustains life.)
2. The rain rises from the sea and land, changes form, but remains the same in essence.
   Answer: True
3. The rain is portrayed as selfish and seeks recognition from humans.
   Answer: False (The rain is selfless and continues its cycle without seeking recognition.)
4. Rain plays a role in purifying the earth and enabling seeds to grow.
   Answer: True

Exercise 3: Short Answer Questions

1. What does the rain mean when it says, "I am the Poem of Earth"?
   Answer: The rain is personifying itself as the "Poem of Earth" to symbolize that it is an essential, beautiful, and cyclical part of nature, much like a poem that expresses life, meaning, and continuity.
2. What does the rain describe as its 'purpose' or role on earth?
   Answer: The rain’s role is to nourish and cleanse the earth, provide water to the land, and help seeds grow. It ensures life’s continuity by returning to the earth after transforming in the sky.
3. How does the poet compare the rain to poetry?
   Answer: The poet compares the rain to poetry by suggesting that both are expressions of nature that return to their source, continuing an eternal cycle of nourishment and creation. Poetry, like rain, spreads its influence, nurtures the soul, and always completes its journey.
4. Why does the rain say that it “gives back life to its own origin”?
   Answer: The rain gives back life to its origin (the earth) because it nourishes the land, replenishing what was taken during the evaporation process. This reflects the cycle of renewal in nature, where life is continuously created and sustained.

Exercise 4: Fill in the Blanks

Fill in the blanks with the correct words from the poem:

1. "I am the _______ of Earth, said the voice of the rain." (Poem)
2. "I rise _______ out of the land and the bottomless sea." (Impalpable)
3. "I descend to lave the _______." (Droughts)
4. "And all that in them without me were only _______." (Seeds)
5. "I give back life to my own _______." (Origin)

Exercise 5: Identify Literary Devices

1. Personification:
   
   • Example: "I am the Poem of Earth"
   • Explanation: The rain is given human characteristics by calling itself the "Poem of Earth," as if it can speak and understand itself in poetic terms.
2. Metaphor:
   
   • Example: "I am the Poem of Earth"
   • Explanation: The rain is compared to a poem, suggesting it has the same power to express beauty and meaning in nature.
3. Repetition:
   
   • Example: "I give back life to my own origin"
   • Explanation: Repetition of the idea of returning to the origin emphasizes the cyclical, eternal process of life and renewal.
4. Symbolism:
   
   • Example: The rain symbolizes nourishment, life, and the eternal cycle of nature.
   • Explanation: The rain acts as a symbol for renewal and inspiration in both nature and art.

Exercise 6: Paraphrasing

Paraphrase the following lines:

• Original: "I descend to lave the droughts, atomies, dust-layers of the globe."
• Paraphrase: "I fall down to wash the dry areas, tiny particles, and the dust of the world."

Exercise 7: Discussion/Essay Questions

1. What does the poem suggest about the relationship between humans and nature?
   Answer: The poem suggests that humans and nature are deeply interconnected. The rain, as an essential part of nature, continuously serves the earth and its creatures selflessly, much like poetry nourishes and inspires the human soul. The poem emphasizes the importance of recognizing and appreciating nature's contributions to life.
2. Do you think the poet uses rain as a metaphor for life? Justify your answer.
   Answer: Yes, the poet uses rain as a metaphor for life because, like rain, life is cyclical, involves transformation, and brings nourishment and renewal. Both rain and life have a process of change, return, and renewal, symbolizing continuous growth and regeneration.