Poem 2. Night Mail “W.H. Auden” : Book 3

 

 Poem 2.    Night Mail

“W.H. Auden”

 

Word	Meaning	Synonym
1.      Border	the edge or boundary of something	Boundary line, frontier, edge
2.      Gradient	an inclined part of a road or railway	Degree of slop, rising, incline
3.      Moorland	an area of moor	Uncultivated land, wasteland
4.      Boulder	Heavy stones	Large stones
5.      Shoveling	put or push	Ejecting, throwing
6.      Snorting	make a sudden explosive sound	Blowing, whistling, screeching
7.      Slumber	to sleep lightly	Sleep, nap, doze

 

 Reference:

This poem is taken from the poem, “Night Mail” written by “W.H Auden”

Context:

The poet describes the journey of a railway coach that travels the whole night to convey the mail. It brings letters, postal orders, and money orders for the rich and the poor, male and female. It is as regular as our life. It symbolizes the blessing of Allah Almighty for the whole of humanity.

Explanation:

In this poem, the poet says that sheepdogs are kept to drive near the railway track. They take no notice of its arrival. the grass of these fields sways as the wind blows through it or moves over it. The birds sitting in their nests also stare at its plain and simple coaches as it passes by nests. But the night coach continues its journey towards its final destination.

 

Write Down the Answers to the Following Questions:

Q.1: What sort/kind of letters does night mail bring?

ANS: Night mail brings all kinds of letters. These include cheques, postal orders, formal and informal letters to people of all walks of life. It establishes communication without any discrimination.

Q.2: Does the Night Mail (disturb) create any problem for the people on the farm?

ANS: The Night Mail does not create any problem for anyone. It brings the people their letters; cheques and postal orders, so they wait for it. No one wakes from slumber. Only a jug gently shakes as the night mail passes by the farm.

Q.3: What is the reaction of the sheepdogs towards night mail?

ANS: The sheepdogs remain unmindful of the noise of the Night Mail and they continue to sleep because they cannot change its course. They continue to sleep putting their paws across their heads.

Q.4: What is the attitude of birds towards night mail?

ANS: The birds stare at the approaching coach of Night Mail with blank faces and an emotionless attitude. The birds look at the Night Mail without any reaction or feeling.