The Night Mail Line by Line Explanation: ICSE Class 9 English Poem written by W.H. Auden. The Line by line explanation of any poem provides a clear view about theme as well as Summary. Visit official website CISCE for detail information about ICSE Board Class- 9 English.
The Night Mail Line by Line Explanation: ICSE Class 9 English Poem written by W.H. Auden
| Board | ICSE |
| Publications | Evergreen Publications |
| Subject | English |
| Class | 9 |
| Book Name | Treasure Chest |
| Chapter | The Night Mail |
| Writer | W.H. Auden |
| Topics | Line by Line Explanation |
Line by Line Explanation of The Night Mail Poem
The Line by Line Explanation of any poem is very useful for self study. It help in the answering of extract question as well as MCQs in more easily and effective way.
This is the Night Mail … …. postal order,
In the opening of the poem The poet describe the Night Mail, a train, as it travels across a boundary or border. The train carries various types of mail, including checks and postal orders, indicating its importance in commerce and communication
Letters for the rich ……… ……. girl next door.
The mail serves to everyone, whether it is poor or rich. The train carries letters for businesses as well as individuals, emphasizing its universal service.
Pulling up Beattock …… ….. …. but she’s on time.
Now The train ascent at Beattock, a location in Scotland. Despite the uphill battle, the train remains runs on time.
Past cotton-grass ……… ……. over her shoulder
As The train passes through, highlighting the beauty of the countryside. The engine of steam releases white dense steam, showing its power for movement.
Snorting noisily as she passes …….. ……… wind-bent grasses.
The train’s noise is compared to a creature’s snort, giving it a lively presence. The contrast between the noisy train and the quiet, windswept landscape is highlighted.
Birds turn their heads …… …… … blank-faced coaches.
In this stanza Nature reacts to the train’s presence, showing its effect on the surrounding. Birds curiously observe the passing train, emphasising the interaction between man-made and natural worlds.
Sheep-dogs cannot …….. ……. ….. with paws across.
The train’s path is unyielding, not even affected by animals. The dogs sleep without disturbed, indicating its routine nature of the train’s.
In the farm she passes ….. ….. ….. bedroom gently shakes.
The train’s passage is so regular that it doesn’t disturb in the farm. Its presence is easily felt, as indicated by the slight movement of a jug.
Dawn freshens …….. ……… … Glasgow she descends
When morning approaches, Now the train completes its uphill journey. The train now moves towards Glasgow which is a major city in Scotland.
Towards the steam ……. ……… apparatus, the furnaces
The industrial sounds of the city is just opposite with the earlier natural scenes. The train approaches industrial areas, emphasizing the connection between rural and urban area.
Set on the dark plain ….. …… ……… Scotland waits for her.
Industrial structures are compared to chess pieces, suggesting their its importance. The entire country guess the train’s arrival, showing its importance.
In the dark glens ………. ……… Men long for news
In this line The scenic beauty of Scotland is described. People eagerly await the letters and news of their beloved the train brings
Letters of thanks, ……. ……… girl and the boy,
The train transports a variety of letters, ranging from heartfelt expressions of gratitude to official bank documents, including personal messages brimming with joy from ordinary people.
Receipted bills ….. ………. …. visit relations,
The train delivers paid bills and event invitations. Some letters are business-related, requesting a visit to review new inventory, while others are personal, inviting family members to gather.
And applications …… ……… lovers’ declarations
The mail also includes job applications, reflecting people’s aspirations for employment. Alongside them are love letters, perhaps from those too timid to confess their feelings face-to-face.
And gossip ….. ……… …. news financial,
The train transports letters brimming with news and gossip from different places, sharing both personal updates and financial information.
Letters with holiday ……. …….. ………. scrawled in the margin,
Vacation photographs, possibly awaiting development or enlargement, are also sent. Some letters may feature doodles or sketches, adding a unique personal touch.
Letters from uncles ….. ……… South of France
The train delivers family letters from various relatives, keeping loved ones connected. It also carries international mail, bridging distances across the world.
Letters of condolence …….. ………. overseas to Hebrides
Sympathy letters are sent across different regions of Scotland, reaching even remote islands like the Hebrides, which also receive international mail.
Written on paper …….. ……… white and the blue,
The letters arrive in a variety of colors, enhancing the diversity of the mail. Their specific hues are described, creating a vivid and picturesque image.
The chatty, the catty ….. …… ……. heart’s outpouring,
The letters contain a range of messages, from lighthearted conversations to heartfelt love notes. Some are formal and official, while others are deeply emotional.
Clever, stupid, …… ………. spelt all wrong.
The letters differ in intelligence, length, and content. They are written in various styles, from typed to handwritten, with some containing spelling mistakes.
Thousands are still ……… …….. terrifying monsters,
Many people remain asleep, unaware of the train’s passage, while some may be lost in troubling dreams.
Or of friendly tea beside ……. ……… well-set Edinburgh,
Others dream of joyful moments, such as enjoying tea at well-known cafe’s. Meanwhile, people in major cities like Glasgow and Edinburgh remain asleep.
Asleep in granite ……. ……. their dreams,
Even in Aberdeen, famous for its granite architecture, people are still asleep, lost in their dream worlds.
And shall wake …….. ……….. postman’s knock
Soon, they will wake up, eagerly expecting their mail. The arrival of the postman is awaited by all.
Without a quickening …… ………. feel himself forgotten?
The postman’s arrival stirs excitement and anticipation. The poem concludes by highlighting the universal longing for connection and the fear of being forgotten.
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