Notes For All Chapters – English Class 9
(A) Introduction
- The poem “Silver” is written by Walter de la Mare.
- It describes the beautiful effect of moonlight at night.
- The poet uses imagery and personification to show how everything appears silver under the moon’s glow.
- The poem creates a calm, peaceful, and magical atmosphere.
(B) Summary of the Poem
- The moon moves slowly and silently across the sky.
- Its silver light spreads everywhere, covering trees, animals, and houses.
- The trees, fruits, and houses shine in silver light.
- A dog sleeps with silver paws, and doves rest in their small shelter (cote).
- A mouse with silver claws runs quickly, while fish remain still in the silver water.
- The poet repeats the word “silver” many times to create a dreamlike effect.
(C) Theme of the Poem
- Beauty of Nature – The poem highlights the beauty of the moonlight and night sky.
- Peace and Stillness – Everything appears calm and restful under the moonlight.
- Transformation by Light – The moonlight changes the way objects look, making them silver.
- Imagination and Creativity – The poet describes a magical night scene through words.
(D) Important Words and Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Shoon | Old English word for “shoes” (symbolizes the moon moving gracefully) |
| Casements | Windows |
| Cote | A small shelter for birds |
| Moveless | Still, motionless |
| Scampering | Running quickly |
(E) Explanation of Important Lines
1. “Slowly, silently, now the moon / Walks the night in her silver shoon”
- The moon moves quietly and gently, like it is wearing silver shoes.
- The poet personifies the moon by saying it “walks.”
2. “Silver fruit upon silver trees”
- The moonlight makes the fruits and trees look silver.
- It creates a beautiful and magical image of nature.
3. “Couched in his kennel, like a log, / With paws of silver sleeps the dog”
- The dog is sleeping peacefully in his kennel, and his paws shine silver in the moonlight.
- The poet compares the sleeping dog to a log (using a simile).
4. “And moveless fish in the water gleam, / By silver reeds in a silver stream”
- The fish in the water remain still and shimmer under the moonlight.
- The water plants (reeds) and the stream also appear silver.
(F) Literary Devices Used in the Poem
| Literary Device | Example from the Poem | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Imagery | “Silver fruit upon silver trees” | Creates a clear picture in the reader’s mind. |
| Alliteration | “Slowly, silently” | Repetition of similar sounds makes the poem musical. |
| Personification | “The moon walks” | Gives human qualities to the moon. |
| Repetition | “Silver” (many times) | Emphasizes the beauty of moonlight. |
| Rhyme Scheme | AABB (each pair of lines rhyme) | Makes the poem smooth and rhythmic. |
(G) Structure of the Poem
- The poem is written in one single stanza (a 14-line poem).
- It follows a steady rhythm with a AABB rhyme scheme.
- The poet uses simple language but creates a strong visual effect.
Leave a Reply