Class 9 English - UP
Poetry: A Legend of the Northland
A Legend of the Northland is a narrative poem by Phoebe Cary that tells the story of a greedy little woman who angered Saint Peter because she refused to share her simple cakes. Set in the cold Northland region where days are short and nights are long, this poem conveys a powerful moral lesson against selfishness and greed. For UPMSP Class 9 students, this chapter is crucial for board preparations as questions frequently test narrative comprehension, poetic devices, and the central theme. Scoring well requires understanding the storyline, character motivations, and the ultimate transformation of the woman into a woodpecker.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Legend
A traditional story handed down from the past, which is popularly believed to be historical even though it cannot be proved true.
Rhyme Scheme
The poem follows a consistent ABCB rhyme scheme across its stanzas, which gives it a musical, ballad-like quality.
The Motif of Greed
The central theme of the poem highlights how selfishness and unwillingness to share lead to harsh punishment and downfall.
Poetic Transformation
A fantasy element in the legend where Saint Peter turns the selfish woman into a woodpecker that bores into hard wood for food.
Alliteration
A poetic device used in the poem where consecutive words begin with the same consonant sound to create a rhythmic effect.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Uttar Pradesh (UPMSP) Class 9 English examinations, this chapter typically carries around 4 to 6 marks. Common question types include reference to context (RTC) from stanzas, short answer questions about Saint Peter's visit and the woman's greed, and long answer questions based on the moral lesson of the poem.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central message of A Legend of the Northland?
The poem teaches us the importance of kindness, generosity, and hospitality, warning us that selfishness and greed bring punishment.
Why did Saint Peter turn the woman into a woodpecker?
He turned her into a woodpecker because of her extreme greed and refusal to give him even a tiny piece of cake when he was faint with hunger.
What is a ballad and how does this poem fit the description?
A ballad is a song or poem that tells a story in short stanzas. This poem narrates the legend of the Northland in simple four-line stanzas with a musical rhythm.
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