Class 9 English - MP
Poetry: A Legend of the Northland
A Legend of the Northland by Phoebe Cary is a narrative poem based on a legendary folk tale from the cold northern regions of the Earth. The story revolves around Saint Peter and a selfish little woman who baked cakes. When Saint Peter visits her home feeling hungry and weak, the greedy woman repeatedly bakes smaller cakes, refusing to give him even the smallest piece. Angered by her greed and lack of charity, Saint Peter curses her, turning her into a woodpecker who must bore into hard dry wood for scanty food. This chapter teaches the moral values of generosity, kindness, and the evil consequences of greed.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Ballad
A poem that tells a story, usually designed to be sung and passed down orally through generations.
Legend
A traditional story or myth that is popularly believed to have some historical basis but cannot be verified.
Northland
The extreme northern region of the world where the days are short and nights are long, experiencing severe cold.
Saint Peter
A holy apostle who travels preaching religious teachings and tests the generosity of mortals.
Moral of the Poem
Greed, selfishness, and lack of empathy are punished, while kindness and hospitality are virtues.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Madhya Pradesh (MPBSE) Class 9 English board exams, this chapter typically carries around 3 to 5 marks. Questions generally include short answer questions about the storyline, character sketches, explanation of stanzas, and identifying poetic devices like rhyming schemes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central theme of 'A Legend of the Northland'?
The central theme is the importance of generosity and the sin of greed, highlighted through the punishment of the selfish woman.
Why did Saint Peter turn the woman into a woodpecker?
Saint Peter turned her into a woodpecker because she was extremely selfish and refused to share even a tiny cake with a hungry, exhausted traveler.
What is the rhyming scheme of the poem?
The poem follows a standard ballad rhyme scheme of ABCB in each stanza.
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