Dust of Snow (Poem) Question Answer – Class 10 English

Thinking about the Poem

1. What is a "dust of snow"? What does the poet say has changed his mood? How has the poet's mood changed?

A "dust of snow" means fine, powdery particles of snow, as light as dust, resting on the branches of a tree.

The poet says that "the way a crow / Shook down on me / The dust of snow / From a hemlock tree" has changed his mood. It was this small, unexpected event that touched him.

Before this, the poet was sad and depressed; he was regretting ("rued") the day he was spending. The cool touch of the snow refreshed him and lifted his spirits. His sorrow gave way to a lighter, happier feeling, and he felt that "some part" of the day had been saved from being wasted in gloom.

2. How does Frost present nature in this poem? The following questions may help you to think of an answer.

Frost presents nature as a healer and a source of comfort. Even its ordinary, unattractive parts, a crow and a hemlock tree, can bring a sudden change for the better in a person's mood. Nature here works quietly through a small incident that has a "larger significance".

(i) What are the birds that are usually named in poems? Do you think a crow is often mentioned in poems? What images come to your mind when you think of a crow?

Poets usually write about beautiful or sweet-voiced birds such as the nightingale, the cuckoo, the skylark, the peacock, the swan, the dove and the parrot.

No, a crow is not often mentioned in poems. It is black, harsh-voiced and considered an unlucky bird. When we think of a crow, images of darkness, gloom, ill omen, death and sorrow come to mind. Frost deliberately uses such an unlikely bird to show that even a symbol of sorrow can bring joy.

(ii) Again, what is "a hemlock tree"? Why doesn't the poet write about a more 'beautiful' tree such as a maple, an oak, or a pine?

A hemlock is a poisonous plant (tree) with small white flowers, as the glossary explains. Because of its poison, it is linked with death and gloom. (The Greek philosopher Socrates was put to death with a drink made from hemlock.)

The poet does not choose a beautiful tree like a maple, an oak or a pine because he wants to show a contrast. Both the crow and the hemlock are associated with gloom and death, and the poet's own mood is sad. Yet these very things bring him cheer. By choosing them, Frost shows that happiness can come from the most unexpected sources, even from things we think of as unpleasant.

(iii) What do the 'crow' and 'hemlock' represent — joy or sorrow? What does the dust of snow that the crow shakes off a hemlock tree stand for?

The crow and the hemlock represent sorrow. They are symbols of gloom, bad luck and death, and they match the poet's depressed state of mind.

The dust of snow stands for joy, freshness and hope. It is white, cool and pure. When it falls on the poet, it acts like a refreshing touch from nature that wakes him from his sadness. It shows that a positive change can come even out of dark surroundings.

3. Have there been times when you felt depressed or hopeless? Have you experienced a similar moment that changed your mood that day?

Yes, I have felt low many times. One evening last year I came home very upset because I had scored poor marks in a mathematics test. I did not want to talk to anyone and sat alone on our verandah. Suddenly, my little sister ran up and put a paper flower she had made in my hand, saying it was a "prize" for me. Her innocent smile made me laugh. At that moment my sadness disappeared, and I decided to work harder for the next test. Like the poet, I realised that a small, simple moment can save a day that we were ready to regret.

You may also write about the first rain of the season, a pet's playful act, or a friend's kind word that cheered you up.