A Legend of the Northland Class 9 English Beehive Poem 5 Summary is available here. This summary is created by the subject experts of CBSE Wale. The poem is included in the Beehive reader book, which is the main English textbook for CBSE Class 9 students. By reading this summary, students can better understand the poem and improve their English language skills.
A Legend of the Northland Class 9 English Beehive Poem 5 Summary
A Legend of the Northland Short Summary
The poem “A Legend of the Northland” tells a story about an old lady who was very greedy and made Saint Peter angry. Saint Peter visited the woman’s cottage while he was travelling and felt very hungry. He asked the woman for a piece of cake, but she didn’t want to give him any because the cakes she made were too big. The woman kept making smaller and smaller cakes, but she still wouldn’t share them with Saint Peter. This made him very angry, and he cursed her by turning her into a woodpecker. The woodpecker had to search for food by pecking at hard, dry wood all day long, and she can still be seen doing this today.
A Legend of the Northland Short Summary In Hindi
“A Legend of the Northland” कविता एक बूढ़ी औरत की कहानी बताती है जो बहुत लालची थी और सेंट पीटर को गुस्सा दिलाती थी। जब वह यात्रा कर रहा था तब संत पीटर ने महिला की कुटिया का दौरा किया और उसे बहुत भूख लगी। उसने महिला से केक का एक टुकड़ा माँगा, लेकिन वह उसे कुछ भी नहीं देना चाहती थी क्योंकि उसके द्वारा बनाए गए केक बहुत बड़े थे। महिला छोटे और छोटे केक बनाती रही, लेकिन फिर भी वह उन्हें सेंट पीटर के साथ साझा नहीं करती थी। इससे वह बहुत क्रोधित हुआ, और उसने उसे एक कठफोड़वा में बदलकर श्राप दिया। कठफोड़वा को दिन भर कड़ी, सूखी लकड़ियों पर चोंच मारकर भोजन की तलाश करनी पड़ती थी और आज भी उसे ऐसा करते देखा जा सकता है।
A Legend of the Northland Summary
The poem “A Legend of the Northland” is written by Phoebe Cary. This story is related to a place called Northland, where the days are short and the nights are long, and people ride on sledges pulled by swift reindeers, they tell a curious story. The tale speaks of Saint Peter, who was preaching around the earth and was tired and hungry when he came across a woman baking cakes. He asked her for a piece of cake, and the woman attempted to bake a smaller cake each time, but they all appeared to be too big for her to give away. She finally made a wafer-thin scrap of dough, but still, she could not bear to part with it. Saint Peter was furious at her selfishness and decided to curse her by turning her into a woodpecker, who would have to work hard to find her scanty food by boring into the hard, dry wood all day long. The woman transformed into a woodpecker, and to this day, she can be seen wearing a scarlet cap, boring and boring for food. Although it may be a curious story, one can learn a valuable lesson from it.
A Legend of the Northland Summary In Hindi
“A Legend of the Northland” कविता फीबे कैरी द्वारा लिखी गई है। यह कहानी नॉर्थलैंड नामक स्थान से संबंधित है, जहां दिन छोटे और रातें लंबी होती हैं और लोग तेज बारहसिंगों द्वारा खींची गई स्लेज पर सवार होकर एक विचित्र कहानी सुनाते हैं। कहानी सेंट पीटर की बात करती है, जो पृथ्वी के चारों ओर उपदेश दे रहा था और जब वह एक महिला को केक पकाते हुए आया तो वह थका हुआ और भूखा था। उसने उससे केक का एक टुकड़ा मांगा, और महिला ने हर बार एक छोटा केक बेक करने का प्रयास किया, लेकिन वे सभी उसे देने के लिए बहुत बड़े प्रतीत हुए। अंत में उसने आटे का एक वेफर-पतला टुकड़ा बनाया, लेकिन फिर भी, वह इसे अलग नहीं कर पाई। संत पीटर उसके स्वार्थ पर क्रोधित थे और उसे एक कठफोड़वा में बदलकर उसे शाप देने का फैसला किया, जिसे दिन भर कठोर, सूखी लकड़ी में बोर करके उसके अल्प भोजन को खोजने के लिए कड़ी मेहनत करनी होगी। महिला एक कठफोड़वा में तब्दील हो गई, और आज तक उसे लाल रंग की टोपी पहने देखा जा सकता है, जो भोजन के लिए उबाऊ और उबाऊ है। हालाँकि यह एक जिज्ञासु कहानी हो सकती है, लेकिन इससे एक मूल्यवान सबक सीखा जा सकता है।
The Explanation of the Poem “A Legend of the Northland”
Stanza 1
Away, away in the Northland,
Where the hours of the day are few,
And the nights are so long in winter
That they cannot sleep them through;
Important Word Meaning
Northland: Northland refers to the northern region of a particular area or country. In the context of the poem “A Legend of the Northland,” it likely refers to the region where the story takes place, which could be a fictional or mythical location based on the author’s imagination.
Explanation
This stanza of the poem “A Legend of the Northland” describes the Northland, which is a place where the winter nights are very long, and the days are short, with only a few hours of daylight. It suggests that the people who live there may have trouble sleeping through the long winter nights. The stanza creates a sense of isolation and darkness that may be associated with the Northland.
Poetic Devices
Assonance: There is a prominent sound of the vowel ‘a’ in the first line.
Imageries: The stanza creates an image of the Northland, where the days are short and the nights are long in the winter.
Alliteration: It is the repetition of a letter at the start of closely placed words. The repetition of the letter ‘th’ in “That they cannot sleep them through”.
Repetition: The poet has repeated the word ‘away’ in the first line.
Enjambment: The sentences are being continued to the next line without a break. Last two lines of the stanza show enjambment.
Stanza 2
Where they harness the swift reindeer
To the sledges, when it snows;
And the children look like bear’s cubs
In their funny, furry clothes:
Important Word Meaning
Harness: “Harness” typically refers to the act of attaching a horse, reindeer, or other draft animal to a vehicle or load so that it can be pulled.
Swift: “Swift” means moving very quickly or fast. In the context of the stanza it means that the reindeer used by the people of the Northland are fast and can move quickly, even in snowy conditions.
Reindeer: Reindeer are a species of deer that live in the Arctic and subarctic regions of the world, including the Northland referenced in the poem.
Sledges: A sledge is a vehicle that moves over snow or ice and is typically pulled by animals such as reindeer, dogs, or horses. In the context of the stanza it refers to the vehicle that the people of the Northland use for transportation in snowy conditions.
Snows: In the context of the stanza “snows” refers to the snowy weather conditions in the Northland.
Bear’s cubs: “Bear’s cubs” refers to the young of a bear, which are commonly known as bear cubs. In the context of the stanza it suggests that the children of the Northland wear clothing that resembles the fur of a bear cub.
Furry Clothes: “Furry clothes” refers to clothing that is made from or lined with fur, usually from an animal with thick fur like a bear, wolf, or fox. In the context of the stanza it suggests that the children of the Northland wear warm, insulated clothing that is made from or lined with fur to keep them warm in the extreme cold of winter.
Explanation
This stanza of the poem “A Legend of the Northland” describes the way of life in the Northland. It suggests that the people there use swift reindeer to pull sledges when it snows. The line “And the children look like bear’s cubs in their funny, furry clothes” describes how the children in the Northland dress in warm, furry clothing to protect themselves from the harsh winter climate. The stanza creates an image of a place where people live in harmony with nature and adapt to its challenges. It also shows the cultural uniqueness of the Northland, where people dress differently than in other places due to the extreme weather conditions.
Poetic Devices
Assonance: The repetition of the “e” sound in “Where they harness the swift reindeer” and “when it snows” creates an assonance.
Alliteration: It is the repetition of a letter at the start of closely placed words. The repetition of the letter ‘Th’ in “they harness the”, ‘S’ in “sledges, when it snows”, ‘L’ in “look like” and ‘F’ in “funny, furry”.
Enjambment: The sentences are being continued to the next line without a break throughout the stanza.
Simile: The poet has compared the children with bear’s cubs using ‘like’. Metaphor: The comparison of the appearance of the children to bear’s cubs is a metaphor that suggests the children are cute, playful, and well-protected in their furry clothes.
Imagery: The use of vivid and descriptive language such as “swift reindeer,” “sledges,” “bear’s cubs,” “funny,” and “furry clothes” creates imagery and helps the reader to visualise the scene.
Stanza 3
They tell them a curious story –
I don’t believe ’tis true;
And yet you may learn a lesson
If I tell the tale to you.
Important Word Meaning
They: In the context of the poem, the word “they” is used to refer to the people of the Northland, where the story takes place. The poem describes how “they” tell a curious story about Saint Peter and a woman who is turned into a woodpecker.
Them: In the context of the poem, the word ‘them‘ refers to children. To whom the parents tell a story.
Tis: In the context of the poem, the word “’tis” is a contraction of “it is”. The use of “’tis” is a colloquial way of saying “it is” that was more common in past eras.
Tale: In the context of the poem, the word “tale” refers to a story that is being told about a woman who was turned into a woodpecker by Saint Peter.
You: In the context of the poem, the word “you” is used to refer to the reader or listener of the poem.
Explanation
In the stanza of the poem “A Legend of the Northland” the speaker suggests that there is a curious story that is told in the Northland, but he doesn’t believe that it is true. However, the speaker also suggests that there is a lesson that can be learned from the story if it is told. The stanza is introducing the idea that there is a story that is not necessarily based in reality but may have a deeper meaning or lesson that can be learned from it. The speaker is open to the possibility that even if the story is not true, it can still have value in teaching a lesson or providing insight. This sets up the idea that the following stanza will tell the story and that the reader should be open to learning from it, regardless of its factual accuracy.
Poetic Devices
Alliteration: It is the repetition of a letter at the start of closely placed words. The repetition of the letter ‘T’ in “ They tell them a curious story”, ‘Y’ in “yet you”, ‘L’ in “learn a lesson” and ‘T’ in “tell the tale”.
Repetition: The repetition of the word “tell” in the first line emphasises the act of storytelling and highlights the importance of the story being told.
Enjambment: The sentences are being continued to the next line without a break. Last two lines of the stanza show enjambment.
Rhetorical question: The final line of the stanza, “If I tell the tale to you,” is a rhetorical question that emphasises the importance of listening to the story in order to learn a lesson.
Stanza 4
Once, when the good Saint Peter
Lived in the world below,
And walked about it, preaching,
Just as he did, you know,
Important Word Meaning
Saint Peter: In the poem, Saint Peter is depicted as a tired and hungry preacher who encounters a woman baking cakes.
World below: In the context of the poem, “world below” refers to the earthly realm where humans live and Saint Peter, according to Christian tradition, came to preach the message of Jesus Christ. It is a reference to the physical world, as opposed to the spiritual realm of heaven.
Walked about: In the context of the poem, “walked about” means that Saint Peter travelled around the earth preaching the message of Christianity to the people.
Preaching: In the context of the poem, “preaching” refers to the act of sharing religious teachings, specifically the teachings of Christianity.
Explanation
This stanza of the poem “A Legend of the Northland” is introducing the character of Saint Peter and providing some context for the story that follows. The first two lines state that Saint Peter used to live in the world and walked around preaching, setting up his character as a holy figure with a mission to spread the word of God. The stanza then ends with the line “Just as he did, you know,” which suggests that the reader is already familiar with Saint Peter’s story and his role as a preacher. Overall, this stanza serves to establish Saint Peter as a figure of importance and to set the stage for the story that follows.
Poetic Devices
Assonance: The repetition of the “a” sound in “And walked about” creates an alliteration.
Metaphor: The phrase “world below” is a metaphor that suggests that the earthly realm is inferior or less important than the spiritual realm.
Enjambment: The sentences are being continued to the next line without a break. First two lines of the stanza show enjambment.
Stanza 5
He came to the door of a cottage,
In travelling round the earth,
Where a little woman was making cakes,
And baking them on the hearth;
Important Word Meaning
Cottage: A cottage is a small, cozy dwelling, often located in rural or semi-rural areas. It is typically made of natural materials like wood, stone, or thatch and has a simple, rustic design.
In travelling round: “In travelling round” means while he was travelling or journeying around the earth, moving from place to place.
Little woman: “Little woman” means a woman who is small in size or stature. In this context, it suggests that the woman is physically small and possibly elderly or frail.
Hearth: A hearth is the floor of a fireplace, usually made of stone or brick, which extends into the room. It is used for heating, cooking, or as a decorative element. In this context, the woman is baking the cakes on the hearth, which means she is using the fireplace as an oven.
Explanation
This stanza of the poem “A Legend of the Northland” talks about Saint Peter’s journey around the world, during which he arrived at a cottage where a woman was making cakes on a fireplace. The stanza describes how Saint Peter went to the door of the cottage and found the woman inside. The woman was busy baking cakes on the hearth, and Saint Peter was tired and hungry after preaching and walking around the earth.
Poetic Devices
Alliteration: It is the repetition of a letter at the start of closely placed words. The repetition of the letter ‘W’ in “woman was” and ‘Th’ in “them on the hearth” and “T” in “travelling round the earth”.
Assonance: There is a prominent sound of the vowel ‘o’ in “to the door of a cottage”.
Imagery: The use of sensory details to describe the scene of the little woman making cakes and baking them on the hearth.
Stanza 6
And being faint with fasting,
For the day was almost done,
He asked her, from her store of cakes,
To give him a single one.
Important Word Meaning
Faint: Faint is a word used to describe a lack of strength, energy, or intensity. It can also mean to lose consciousness or to become weak or feeble.
Fasting: Fasting refers to the act of abstaining from food and, in some cases, drink for a certain period of time.
Explanation
This stanza of the poem “A Legend of the Northland” is referring to the good Saint Peter who, while travelling around the world, came across a cottage where a woman was making cakes. It is said that he was tired and weak due to fasting and asked the woman if she could give him a single cake to eat from her store. This stanza emphasises the fact that Saint Peter was so weak from fasting that he needed food to keep going, and he relied on the kindness of the woman to provide him with a single cake to sustain him.
Poetic Devices
Assonance: There is a prominent sound of the vowel ‘i’ in “being faint with fasting” and “give him a single”.
Alliteration: It is the repetition of a letter at the start of closely placed words. Like repetition of the letter ‘F’ in “faint with fasting” and ‘D’ in “day was almost done”.
Stanza 7
So she made a very little cake,
But as it baking lay,
She looked at it, and thought it seemed
Too large to give away.
Important Word Meaning
Baking lay: “Baking lay” in this context means that the cake was in the process of being baked and was lying on the hearth.
Give away: “Give away” means to give something as a gift or to donate it without receiving anything in return. In the context of the poem, the woman was making a cake to give to Saint Peter, who was asking for food because he was fasting and tired.
Explanation
This stanza of the poem “A Legend of the Northland” describes how the little woman made a small cake for Saint Peter, but as it was baking, she felt that it was too big to give away to a stranger, even though he was a holy man. This shows her hesitation to give away something she had worked hard on, even for a good cause, and the conflict between her kindness and her practicality. It also sets up the tension and moral dilemma of the story.
Poetic Devices
Enjambment: The sentences are being continued to the next line without a break. Last two lines of the stanza show enjambment.
Irony: The irony lies in the fact that the woman made a very small cake for the Saint, but then thinks it is too large to give away, which is unexpected and contrary to the reader’s expectations.
Stanza 8
Therefore she kneaded another,
And still a smaller one;
But it looked, when she turned it over,
As large as the first had done.
Important Word Meaning
Kneaded: “Kneading” refers to the process of mixing and working dough with one’s hands to make it smoother and more elastic.
Turned it over: In this context it means to flip the cake so that both sides can be cooked evenly.
Explanation
In this stanza of the poem “A Legend of the Northland” the woman, feeling hesitant to give away the first cake she made, decides to make a smaller one. However, even though she made a smaller cake, when she turned it over, it still seemed to be as large as the first one. This suggests that despite her efforts to make a smaller cake, it still appeared too big to give away. The stanza highlights the woman’s reluctance to part with something she made with her own hands, even though she knows it is for a good cause. It also creates a sense of irony because despite the woman’s attempts to make a smaller cake, it still appeared large.
Poetic Devices
Assonance: There is a prominent sound of the vowel ‘e’ in “Therefore she kneaded”.
Alliteration: It is the repetition of a letter at the start of closely placed words. The repetition of the letter ‘s’ in “still a smaller”.
Irony: The irony lies in the fact that the woman’s effort to make a smaller cake results in a cake that appears to be as large as the first one. This creates a humorous effect.
Stanza 9
Then she took a tiny scrap of dough,
And rolled and rolled it flat;
And baked it thin as a wafer –
But she couldn’t part with that.
Important Word Meaning
Scrap: The term “scrap” generally refers to a small piece or fragment of something, often leftover or discarded.
Dough: Dough refers to a mixture of flour, water (or other liquids), and other ingredients such as yeast, salt, sugar, or fat, that is typically used as a base for baked goods like bread, cakes, and pastries.
Rolled and rolled: “Rolled and rolled” refers to the act of rolling dough, which is a process of flattening it by repeatedly rolling it with a rolling pin. This is done to create a smooth, even layer of dough that can be cut or shaped as desired.
Wafer: A wafer is a thin, crisp, and often sweet or savory food item that is typically made from flour, water, and some type of fat or oil.
Explanation
In this stanza of the poem “A Legend of the Northland” the woman attempts to make an even smaller cake by rolling out a tiny scrap of dough and baking it until it becomes thin like a wafer. However, despite her efforts to make it small enough to give away, she cannot bring herself to part with it. This highlights the woman’s reluctance to give away even a small amount of her food to Saint Peter, as she may be afraid of running out of provisions.
Poetic Devices
Alliteration: It is the repetition of a letter at the start of closely placed words. The repetition of the letter ‘t’ in took a tiny.
Repetition: The poet has repeated the word ‘rolled’.
Simile: The poet has compared the thin cake with a wafer using ‘as’.
Anaphora: It is the repetition of a word at the start of two or more consecutive lines. Like the repetition of the word ‘and’ in “And rolled and rolled it flat” and “And baked it thin as a wafer”.
Stanza 10
For she said, “My cakes that seem too small
When I eat of them myself
Are yet too large to give away.”
So she put them on the shelf.
Important Word Meaning
Seem too small: In this stanza, “seem too small” means that when the woman eats her own cakes, they don’t seem to be enough for her.
Yet too large: The phrase “yet too large” in this stanza means that despite the cakes being small in size, the woman still feels that they are too big to give away.
Shelf: A shelf is a flat horizontal surface, usually attached to a wall or a piece of furniture, that is used to hold objects or display items.
Explanation
In this stanza of the poem “A Legend of the Northland” the woman is still struggling to part with her cakes, even the smallest one she had made. She is hesitant to give away her cakes, despite Saint Peter’s request, because in her mind, the cakes that seem small to her when she eats them are still too large to give away. She decides to put the cakes on the shelf and not give them to Saint Peter. This emphasises the woman’s attachment to her possessions and her reluctance to let them go, even if it means helping someone in need.
Poetic Devices
Assonance: There is a prominent sound of the vowel ‘e’ in the second line “When I eat of them myself”.
Alliteration: It is the repetition of a letter at the start of closely placed words. The repetition of the letter ‘s’ in “seem too small”.
Enjambment: The sentences are being continued to the next line without a break. First three lines of the stanza show enjambment.
Irony: The irony in this stanza lies in the fact that the little woman makes cakes to give away to the hungry stranger, but she ends up keeping them for herself as she thinks they are too small to give away.
Stanza 11
Then good Saint Peter grew angry,
For he was hungry and faint;
And surely such a woman
Was enough to provoke a saint.
Important Word Meaning
Grew angry: In this stanza, “grew angry” means that Saint Peter became upset and irritable. This could be because he was hungry and tired.
Faint: In this context, “faint” means feeling weak or dizzy due to hunger or exhaustion. Saint Peter was hungry and had not eaten anything all day, which caused him to feel faint.
Provoke: To provoke means to cause someone to become angry or irritated, typically deliberately. In the context of the stanza, it means that the woman’s actions were enough to make Saint Peter, who was already hungry and tired, feel angry and frustrated.
Explanation
In this stanza of the poem “A Legend of the Northland” the speaker describes the reaction of Saint Peter, who becomes angry because he is hungry and faint, and the woman refuses to give him any of her cakes despite his dire need. The description of Peter as a “good” saint and his subsequent anger at the woman’s behavior create a sense of irony. The final line, “And surely such a woman was enough to provoke a saint,” is also ironic, as it suggests that even a saint like Peter has his limits and can be pushed to anger by the woman’s selfishness.
Poetic Devices
Repetition: The poet has repeated the word ‘saint’.
Alliteration: It is the repetition of a letter at the start of closely placed words. The repetition of the letter ‘h’ in “he was hungry”.
Hyperbole: The exaggeration of the statement “enough to provoke a saint” is a hyperbole.
Enjambment: The sentences are being continued to the next line without a break. Last two lines of the stanza show enjambment.
Stanza 12
And he said, “You are far too selfish
To dwell in a human form,
To have both food and shelter,
And fire to keep you warm.
Important Word Meaning
Too selfish: In this stanza it is implied that the woman is being accused of being too selfish because she was unwilling to share her food with those in need.
Dwell: The word “dwell” in this context means to live in a particular place or to reside in a particular state or condition.
Human form: In this context, “human form” refers to the physical body of a human being. Saint Peter is suggesting that the woman’s selfish behavior is not worthy of a human form, implying that she should be transformed into a different being.
Explanation
This stanza of the poem “A Legend of the Northland” is about Saint Peter’s reaction to the woman’s behaviour. Saint Peter expresses his anger at the woman’s selfishness and refusal to share her cakes. He accuses her of being too selfish to deserve the comforts of a human life, such as food, shelter, and warmth. He implies that her behaviour is unworthy of a human being and that she deserves to be punished for it.
Poetic Device
Assonance: There is a prominent sound of the vowel ‘o’ in “To have both food”.
Alliteration: The repetition of the “f” sound in “far too selfish” creates alliteration.
Enjambment: The sentences are being continued to the next line without a break. First two lines of the stanza show enjambment.
Stanza 13
Now, you shall build as the birds do,
And shall get your scanty food
By boring, and boring, and boring,
All day in the hard, dry wood.”
Important Word Meaning
You shall build: “You shall build” means that the person being addressed is instructed or required to construct something, in this case, their own shelter.
Scanty food: “Scanty food” means very little or not enough food. In the context of the stanza, it means that the woman will have to work hard to find enough food to survive by boring holes into wood.
Boring: In this context, “boring” means to make a hole in something, typically with a tool like a drill or an auger. So it means that the woman will have to search for her own food by drilling into trees to find insects and other small creatures to eat. It emphasises the idea that the woman’s life will be much harder now, as she will have to work hard every day just to survive.
In the hard: In this context, “in the hard” means that the woman will have to drill holes into the tough and dry wood in order to find food, which will require a lot of effort and hard work.
Dry Woods: “Dry wood” refers to dead or dried-out trees. The woman is instructed to bore into these trees to find her food.
Explanation
In this stanza of the poem “A Legend of the Northland” Saint Peter is telling the woman that she will have to build her own shelter and find her own food. He compares her to birds, who build their own nests and look for food by boring holes in wood. The woman will have to work hard to survive, and the food she finds will be very little. She will have to spend all day working hard to find enough food to live on. Saint Peter is punishing her for being too selfish and not showing kindness to others.
Poetic Devices
Assonance: There is a prominent sound of the vowel like ‘A’ in “And shall get your scanty food” and ‘O’ and ‘i’ in “By boring, and boring, and boring”.
Alliteration: It is the repetition of a letter at the start of closely placed words. Like the repetition of the letter ‘B’ in “build as the birds” and “By boring, and boring, and boring”.
Repetition: The word “boring” is repeated three times for emphasis and to convey the tediousness of the task.
Metaphor: The comparison of the woman’s future to that of a bird’s way of life is a metaphor.
Enjambment: The sentences are being continued to the next line without a break. The second and third lines of the stanza show enjambment.
Stanza 14
Then up she went through the chimney,
Never speaking a word,
And out of the top flew a woodpecker,
For she was changed to a bird.
Important Word Meaning
Chimney: A chimney is a vertical passage or pipe that conducts smoke and combustion gases away from a fireplace, stove, furnace, boiler or any other source of combustion or fireplace.
Woodpecker: A woodpecker is a type of bird that has a long beak and uses it to peck holes in trees to find insects.
Out of the top: In this stanza, “out of the top” refers to the top of the chimney. It means that the woodpecker, which was formerly the woman, flew out of the chimney through the top after she had been transformed into a bird by Saint Peter.
For she: The phrase “for she” is a conjunction that connects the two clauses. It means that the reason or explanation for what happened in the second clause is the woman’s transformation into a bird, which is stated in the first clause.
Explanation
This stanza of the poem “A Legend of the Northland” describes the woman’s transformation into a bird. She went up through the chimney without saying anything and was changed into a woodpecker when she emerged from the top. This is a consequence of her selfishness, as Saint Peter punished her for her lack of kindness to others. The woman is no longer able to live as a human being and is now forced to live as a bird, drilling holes in wood to find her food and building her own shelter. The stanza signifies a sudden transformation and highlights the power of Saint Peter’s punishment.
Poetic Devices
Imagery: The stanza creates a vivid image of the woman turning into a woodpecker and flying out of the chimney.
Assonance: There is a prominent sound of the vowel like ‘e’ in “Then up she went through the chimney” and ‘o’ in “out of the top flew a woodpecker”.\
Stanza 15
She had a scarlet cap on her head,
And that was left the same;
But all the rest of her clothes were burned
Black as a coal in the flame.
Important Word Meaning
Scarlet: “Scarlet” is a bright red color that is often associated with passion, love, and energy. In the context of the stanza, it refers to the color of the cap that the woman was wearing before she went up the chimney and turned into a bird.
Left the same: In this context, “left the same” means that the scarlet cap on her head was not burned and remained the same as it was before the fire.
Explanation
This stanza of the poem “A Legend of the Northland” describes the appearance of the woman who was turned into a woodpecker. It states that she was wearing a red cap, which was unaffected by the transformation. However, the rest of her clothes were burnt and turned black, just like a piece of coal in a flame. The stanza uses imagery to create a vivid picture of the woman’s appearance after the transformation, emphasizing the dramatic change in her appearance.
Poetic Devices
Assonance: There is a prominent sound of the vowel ‘e’ in the first line.
Alliteration: It is the repetition of a letter at the start of closely placed words. The repetition of the letter ‘h’ in “her head”.
Simile: The phrase “Black as a coal in the flame” is a simile which compares the blackness of the burnt clothes with that of coal in the flame.
Imagery: The use of descriptive words such as “scarlet”, “burned”, “black” and “flame” creates a vivid picture in the reader’s mind.
Enjambment: The sentences are being continued to the next line without a break. Last two lines of the stanza show enjambment.
Stanza 16
And every country schoolboy
Has seen her in the wood,
Where she lives in the trees till this very day,
Boring and boring for food.
Important Word Meaning
Country schoolboy: “Country schoolboy” refers to a boy who lives in the countryside and attends a school there. The phrase is used here to indicate that the story of the woman who was turned into a woodpecker is well-known and familiar to everyone, including young children who live in rural areas.
Till this very day: The phrase “till this very day” refers to the present time, indicating that the woman who was transformed into a woodpecker is still living in the woods, boring into trees for food. This suggests that the transformation was permanent and that the woman will continue to live the rest of her life as a woodpecker.
Explanation
This stanza of the poem “A Legend of the Northland” is talking about the woodpecker who was once the selfish woman. It suggests that even to this day, the woodpecker can be seen by schoolboys in the woods, where she lives in the trees. The stanza describes the bird’s behaviour, which is to bore into the wood to find food. The reference to “every country schoolboy” implies that the bird is a well-known and common sight in the woods.
Poetic Devices
Assonance: There is a prominent sound of the vowel ‘O’ in the last line and ‘E’ in the third line.
Consonance: There is a prominent sound of the consonants ‘r’ and ‘y’ in “And every country schoolboy”.
Alliteration: It is the repetition of a letter at the start of closely placed words. The repetition of the letter ‘f’ in “for food”.
Repetition: The poet has repeated the word ‘boring’ in “Boring and boring for food”.
Enjambment: The sentences are being continued to the next line without a break. First two lines of the stanza show enjambment.
Poet of the Poem “A Legend of the Northland”
The poem “A Legend of the Northland” was written by the American poet Phoebe Cary.
About the Poet of the Poem “A Legend of the Northland”
Phoebe Cary was an American poet born on September 4, 1824, in Ohio, USA, and died on July 31, 1871. Along with her sister, Alice Cary, Phoebe was part of the “Cary sisters,” who were known for their poetry and prose. Phoebe Cary’s poetry was known for its emotional depth and its themes of social justice and compassion. She was also involved in the women’s suffrage movement and was a strong advocate for women’s rights.
Theme of the Poem “A Legend of the Northland”
The theme of the poem “A Legend of the Northland” is the consequence of selfishness and lack of compassion towards others. It tells the story of a woman who refuses to share her food with a stranger, despite the stranger’s pleas for help. As a result, she is punished by being transformed into a woodpecker, and must work hard to survive by boring holes in trees for food.
Main Idea of the Poem “A Legend of the Northland”
The main idea of the poem “A Legend of the Northland” is to convey a moral lesson about the consequences of selfishness and the importance of kindness and generosity towards others. It tells the story of a woman who refuses to share her fire with a cold, hungry traveller, and as a result, she is punished by being transformed into a woodpecker and forced to fend for herself in the harsh winter wilderness. Through this narrative, the poem emphasises the importance of compassion and generosity, while warning against the dangers of selfishness and greed.
Moral of the Poem “A Legend of the Northland”
The poem ‘A Legend of the Northland’ tells us that we should always be kind and helpful to others instead of only thinking about ourselves. We should be willing to share what we have with others, especially if they are in need.
Message of the Poem “A Legend of the Northland”
The message of the poem “A Legend of the Northland” is that selfishness leads to destruction, while kindness and generosity bring about positive change. It emphasises the importance of helping others and working together for the common good. The poem also highlights the value of perseverance and determination in the face of challenges, as seen in the woodpecker’s tireless efforts to survive and thrive in the harsh environment of the Northland.
Conclusion of the Poem “A Legend of the Northland”
The conclusion of the poem “A Legend of the Northland” is that selfishness and greed can lead to unfortunate consequences, while generosity and selflessness can bring blessings and rewards. The protagonist, the little bird, becomes a symbol of selflessness and kindness, inspiring others to follow in her footsteps. The poem also emphasises the importance of perseverance and hard work, as seen in the woodpecker’s determination to find food in the dry wood. Overall, the poem leaves a message of hope, resilience, and the power of kindness to overcome challenges.
Rhyme Scheme of the poem “A Legend of the Northland”
The rhyme scheme of the poem “A Legend of the Northland” is ABCB.
Frequently Asked Questions Related To The Poem A Legend of the Northland
Question 1. What is the title of the poem?
Answer. The title of the poem is “A Legend of the Northland”.
Question 2. Who is the author of the poem “A Legend of the Northland”?
Answer. The author of the poem “A Legend of the Northland” is Phoebe Cary.
Question 3. What is the poem about “A Legend of the Northland”?
Answer. The poem “A Legend of the Northland” is about a legend from the Northland that tells the story of a woman who becomes a woodpecker.
Question 4. Who is the main character of the poem “A Legend of the Northland”?
Answer. The main character of the poem “A Legend of the Northland” is the woman who becomes a woodpecker.
Question 5. What happens to the woman in the poem “A Legend of the Northland”?
Answer. The woman turns into a woodpecker in the poem “A Legend of the Northland” .
Question 6. What lesson can we learn from the poem “A Legend of the Northland”?
Answer. The poem “A Legend of the Northland” teaches us to be kind and generous to others, especially those in need.
Question 7. What is the rhyme scheme of the poem “A Legend of the Northland”?
Answer. The poem “A Legend of the Northland” has an ABCB rhyme scheme.
Question 8. What is the moral of the poem “A Legend of the Northland”?
Answer. The moral of the poem “A Legend of the Northland” is that we should always be kind and helpful to others and share what we have with those in need.
Question 9. What is the woodpecker’s daily activity according to the poem “A Legend of the Northland”?
Answer. According to the poem “A Legend of the Northland” the woodpecker spends its day boring and searching for food in the trees.
Question 10. What is the overall tone of the poem “A Legend of the Northland”?
Answer. The overall tone of the poem “A Legend of the Northland” is moralistic and cautionary, with a focus on the consequences of selfishness and the importance of generosity.
Question 11. What does the poem “A Legend of the Northland” teach us about selfishness?
Answer. The poem “A Legend of the Northland” teaches us that selfishness can lead to our downfall and that we should avoid it.