Q1: What do the following phrases mean to you?
(i) Humid shadows: These refer to the dark, heavy clouds in the sky before rain.
(ii) Starry spheres: This could be a poetic reference to the night sky dotted with stars.
(iii) What a bliss: This is an expression of immense pleasure or happiness.
(iv) A thousand dreamy fancies into busy being start: This implies that the sound of the rain brings about various thoughts, dreams, and imaginations in the poet’s mind.
(v) A thousand recollections weave their air-threads into woof: This suggests that numerous memories are intertwined or come together as the poet listens to the rain.
Q2: What does the poet like to do when it rains?
The poet likes to lay in his bed and listen to the patter of the rain on the roof, as it stirs various thoughts, memories, and feelings within him.
Q3: What is the single major memory that comes to the poet? Who are the “darling dreamers” he refers to?
The single major memory that comes to the poet is that of his mother. The “darling dreamers” he refers to could possibly be himself and maybe his siblings when they were children.
Q4: Is the poet now a child? Is his mother still alive?
The poet is reminiscing about his childhood, so he is not a child anymore. The poem does not provide explicit information about whether his mother is still alive.

Q1: How did Kezia’s efforts to please her father result in a situation where he was displeased?
Kezia, in an attempt to surprise and please her father, decided to make a pin-cushion from a beautiful yellow silk. In search of stuffing material, she unwittingly used her father’s crucial speech papers. This caused an uproar in the house when the papers went missing. The act that was supposed to bring happiness resulted in anger and disappointment instead, distancing Kezia even further from her father.
Q2: How did Kezia perceive the difference between her father and Mr Macdonald?
Through her observation, Kezia noticed a stark contrast between her own father and Mr Macdonald, their neighbour. Mr Macdonald was observed as a playful, gentle, and affectionate father, engaging actively with his children. This was in direct contrast to Kezia’s father, who was more authoritative and aloof, and their interactions were more formal rather than affectionate.
Q3: How did Kezia start sympathising with her father?
Kezia’s perception of her father started to shift when he comforted her after a nightmare. She observed his caring and comforting side, which she hadn’t seen before. While lying close to him, she understood his hardness was due to his responsibilities and the fact he worked every day. This understanding brought about a change in how she perceived her father, leading her to see him as a human being with his own struggles and needs, and in turn, evoking her sympathy.

1. Why was Kezia afraid of her father?

Kezia was afraid of her father because he was portrayed as a stern, intimidating figure. His large size, loud voice, sharp tone, and the stern looks he gave her over his spectacles were terrifying to the young girl. His interactions with Kezia also tended to be authoritative, like commanding her to take off his boots or chiding her for stuttering. The fact that she felt relief when he left for work each day highlights her fear and discomfort around him.

2. Who were the people in Kezia’s family?

The people in Kezia’s family include her father, mother, and grandmother.

3. What was Kezia’s father’s routine?

(i) Before going to his office, he would come into Kezia’s room and give her a casual kiss.

(ii) After coming back from his office, he would call for his tea and newspaper, and Kezia would be asked to take off his boots. He would then put on his spectacles and demand various services from the household.

(iii) On Sundays, Kezia’s father would lie stretched out on the sofa with a handkerchief on his face, his feet on one of the best cushions, sleeping and snoring.

4. In what ways did Kezia’s grandmother encourage her to get to know her father better?

Kezia’s grandmother encouraged her to get to know her father better by sending her down to the drawing-room to have a “nice talk with Father and Mother” on Sunday afternoons. She also suggested that Kezia make a pin-cushion for her father’s birthday gift, which could be seen as an attempt to encourage a bonding activity.