Class 9 English - CBSE
Poetry: A Legend of the Northland
A Legend of the Northland by Phoebe Cary is a narrative poem that tells the folk tale of a little old woman who angered Saint Peter because of her extreme greed. Set in the cold Northland region where winter nights are long and people cannot sleep through them easily, the poem teaches a powerful moral lesson about the evils of selfishness, greed, and the importance of charity and kindness. For CBSE Class 9 board exams, this chapter is crucial as questions frequently test students' understanding of poetic devices, character analysis of the woman, and the central theme.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Ballad Form
A ballad is a song or poem that tells a story in short stanzas, often passed down orally. This poem is a traditional ballad with four-line stanzas (quatrains) and an ABCB rhyme scheme.
Character of the Little Woman
She represents human greed and selfishness. Despite having plenty of cakes, she refuses to give even a small, thin piece to the tired and hungry Saint Peter.
Saint Peter's Curse
Angered by her stinginess, Saint Peter transforms her into a woodpecker who must bore into hard dry wood for scanty food, symbolizing punishment for greed.
Moral Theme
The poem highlights that selfishness and a lack of generosity are grave sins. It encourages children to cultivate a kind heart and share their blessings with those in need.
Poetic Devices
The poem uses alliteration (e.g., 'faint with fasting'), repetition (e.g., 'bore, and bore'), and hyperbole to make the narrative engaging and musical.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the CBSE Class 9 English Literature exam, this chapter typically carries around 3 to 5 marks. Questions usually include reference to context (RTC) extracts, short answer questions testing the theme or character motives, and long answer questions based on the moral lesson of the poem.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a legend?
A legend is an old, traditional story passed down through generations, which may or may not be completely true, often carrying a moral lesson.
Why did Saint Peter curse the little woman?
Saint Peter cursed her because she was extremely greedy and refused to give him even a tiny piece of cake when he was faint with hunger.
Into what bird was the woman transformed and why?
She was turned into a woodpecker because she had to bore into hard wood all day to get her meager food, just as punishment for her greedy hoarding.
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