CHAPTER-1
DUST OF SNOW
ROBERT
FROST✍
DUST OF SNOW SUMMARY
The
poem "Dust of Snow" by Robert Frost is a short and beautiful poem
that highlights how even a small moment in nature can have a big impact on our
mood.
One day, the poet is feeling upset or gloomy. But suddenly, a small incident
changes his mood. A crow shakes the snow off a hemlock tree, and the light dust
of snow falls on the poet. This simple, natural event lifts his spirits and
makes him feel better. It brings a positive change in his mood and makes him
realize that even small things in life can bring joy and hope.
DUST OF SNOW EXPLANATION
STANZA 1
The way a crow
Shook down on me
The dust of snow
From a hemlock tree
Explanation: The poet was walking by a hemlock tree, which is a
symbol of sadness or death (because it is poisonous). He was in a bad and
hopeless mood — maybe feeling regret or sorrow about something.
At that moment, a crow (which is also a symbol of darkness or bad luck)
suddenly shook the branches of the tree. Because of this, light snowflakes —
like dust — fell on the poet from the tree.
This is a very simple and small incident in nature, but it became important for
the poet.
STANZA 2
Has given my heart
A change of mood
And saved some part
Of a day I had rued.
Explanation: This small action — the snow falling — changed the
poet’s mood. He was earlier feeling hopeless and sad, but now he felt light,
calm, and refreshed. That moment brought some joy and helped him forget his
regrets.
He says it saved some part of the day — that means although the day was bad for
him, this one little moment made it better and meaningful.
DUST OF SNOW POETIC DEVICE
1.
Rhyme
Scheme- ABAB
2.
Alliteration:
Repetition of consonant
sounds at the beginning of nearby words.
Example:
“Has given my heart” → sound ‘h’ is repeated.
“And saved some part” → sound ‘s’ is repeated.
3.
Enjambment: When a line continues to the next line without a pause.
Example:
The way a crow
Shook down on me
The dust of snow
From a hemlock tree
v These lines run into each other without any punctuation
mark, which makes the poem flow naturally.
4.
Tone:
The poet’s attitude or feeling in the poem.
In the beginning – Gloomy or sad
At the end – Hopeful and refreshed
5.
Symbolism: When something represents a deeper meaning.
Crow: Usually seen as a sign of bad omen, but here it brings a positive
change.
Hemlock tree: A poisonous tree, symbol of sorrow or death, but again
used positively here.
Dust of snow: Small and light, but has a big emotional impact — it
symbolizes hope or positivity.
6.
Imagery: Words that create a picture in the reader’s mind.
Example:
“The dust of snow” – creates the image of light snow falling like dust.
“A crow shook down on me” – we can imagine a bird causing snow to fall.
DUST OF SNOW SHORT QUESTION
1.
Rationalise what you think the poet was probably doing
when the dust of snow fell on him?
Answer: The poem doesn’t say clearly,
but the poet was likely sad or upset. He might have been walking outside when
the dust of snow fell on him, suddenly changing his mood and making him feel
better.
2.
What does the presence of a hemlock tree tell you about
the setting of the poem?
Answer: The presence of a hemlock tree
suggests that the poem is set in a cold, snowy, and natural place, likely a
forest. It creates a quiet, wintry mood and shows that the poet is surrounded
by nature.
3.
The dusting of snow on account of the crow helped make
the poet’s day better. How do you think the crow’s droppings might have
impacted the poet?
Answer:
If
the crow’s droppings had fallen on the poet, it would likely have annoyed or
disgusted him instead of lifting his mood. Unlike the soft snow, droppings are
unpleasant and could have made his day worse, not better.
4.
‘Dust of Snow’ is one of Frost’s most loved poems.
Elaborate why you think this is so.
Answer: "Dust of Snow" is
loved for its simple language, deep message, and strong imagery. It shows how a
small moment in nature can change one’s mood. The poem’s short, powerful lines
leave a lasting emotional impact.
5.
The poem evokes a sense of black and white. Justify.
Answer- The poem "Dust of
Snow" shows a black-and-white contrast through images and mood. The crow
and hemlock tree suggest darkness or sadness, while the dust of snow brings
hope and positivity. This shift from dark to light feelings creates a strong
visual and emotional contrast in the poem.
6.
The crow and hemlock are usually used as negative
references in literature. How is this different in this poem?
Answer: In literature, the crow and
hemlock usually symbolize negativity, death, or sorrow. However, in this poem,
they play a positive role. The crow shaking snow from the hemlock tree
unexpectedly lifts the poet’s mood. This shows that even dark or unpleasant
things in nature can bring about joy, hope, and a change in perspective.
DUST OF SNOW LONG QUESTION
1.
As a crow you feel highly injured by the incorrect
perception humans have about your species.
Imagine yourself to be a crow and write your opinion about this prejudice. Make
a case for breaking stereotypes.
Answer- Voice of a Crow: Breaking the Black Stereotype
I’m a crow, and I’m deeply hurt by the way humans look at us. Just because I’m
black, they call me a bad omen, a symbol of sorrow. But have you ever looked
beyond my colour? In Robert Frost’s poem, it was a crow—yes, one of us—who
helped change a man’s sad mood into a hopeful one.
Why then this unfair judgment? Why are white birds like doves seen as peaceful
and lucky, while we are seen as evil? Isn’t it time to stop judging by
appearance?
We crows are intelligent, caring, and part of nature’s balance. Our colour
doesn’t define our value. I appeal to you—break this stereotype. See us for
what we truly are, not what myths say. Let respect fly higher than colour or
superstition.
2.
Imagine that Frost is of present day and has been invited
to write for an ezine - “Teen Talk”.
He chooses to draw upon his experience with the crow and the dusting of snow to
share his thoughts on ‘Every cloud has a silver lining’. As Frost, express your
thoughts for the e-zine.
Answer: Teen Talk: A Note from Robert Frost – Finding Silver Linings
Life isn’t always sunshine and calm skies. Sometimes, it’s heavy with clouds of
sadness and regret. But as the saying goes, “Every cloud has a silver lining.”
I learned this one winter day when I was feeling low, lost in dark thoughts.
A simple moment changed everything—a crow shook some snow off a hemlock tree,
and it gently fell on me. It was such a small event, yet it lifted my mood and
made me smile. That soft dust of snow reminded me that nature, even in its cold
and harsh form, could bring hope and healing.
Through this, I realized that even unpleasant things—like a crow or a gloomy
tree—can carry hidden gifts. Sometimes, we just need to pause, feel, and notice
the little miracles around us.
So to every teen out there: hold on. Your dust of snow moment may come when you
least expect it.
3.
Our attitude towards a situation evokes both negative and
positive response. Analyze this with reference to the poem, ‘Dust of Snow’ to
bring out the inherent valuable lessons.
Answer: Our attitude plays a
powerful role in shaping how we respond to different situations. In the poem
Dust of Snow by Robert Frost, the poet begins the day in a gloomy, sorrowful
mood. However, a simple act—snow falling on him from a crow on a hemlock
tree—changes his outlook. These elements, the crow and the hemlock, are
generally seen as symbols of negativity or bad luck, yet they bring about a
positive transformation in the poet’s state of mind. This shift teaches us that
even unpleasant or ordinary events can bring unexpected joy or relief if we
choose to see them differently. The poet could have been annoyed, but instead,
he found comfort and hope in that small moment. The poem reminds us that life
is full of surprises, and sometimes positivity comes from unlikely sources. Our
attitude determines whether we stay stuck in negativity or embrace a better,
more hopeful perspective.
4.
How many symbols do you find in this poem? What is the
purpose to use those symbols?
Answer: In the poem Dust of Snow, the
poet uses three main symbols: the hemlock tree, the crow, and the dust of snow.
The hemlock tree, often linked with poison and death, symbolizes sorrow or
negativity. The crow, usually seen as unattractive or unlucky, also represents
gloom or bad omens. In contrast, the dust of snow stands for hope, joy, and the
beauty of nature. By using two negative symbols (the crow and hemlock) and one
positive (dust of snow), Frost conveys that even dark or unpleasant things can
bring about positive change. These symbols highlight how a small moment, even
from an unlikely source, can lift a person’s mood and change their outlook. The
purpose of using such symbols is to show that life’s simplest experiences, no
matter how ordinary or dark they seem, can hold deep meaning and emotional
power. Frost’s use of symbolism adds depth and richness to the short poem.
DUST OF SNOW EXTRACT QUESTION
EXTRACT-1
The way a crow
Shook down on me
The dust of snow
From a hemlock tree
Has given my heart
A change of mood
And saved some part
Of a day I had rued.
i.
Of
the many symbols the hemlock tree represents, choose the one that Frost drew
upon in all likelihood, for this poem. Symbol of
a) longevity.
b) togetherness.
c) healing.
d) protection.
ii.
Choose
the option that lists the possible feelings of the poet prior to the experience
shared in the poem.
1) reassured
2) disappointed
3) curious
4) demotivated
5) thankful
6) disheartened
7) impulsive
a) 1, 3 &7
b) 2, 4 & 6
c) 5 & 7
d) 1 & 3
iii.
Identify
the option that DOES NOT use the word ‘rue’ correctly.
a) The film was a disaster and he rued his decision to act in it.
b) I am sure she rued the day she listened to a fortune-teller.
c) It wasn’t long before I rued my disobedience and my deceit.
d) Others finally rue the one who is dishonest and heartless.
iv.
Synecdoche
is a poetic device that uses a part to represent the whole. E.g. That’s a great
set of wheels! (Set of wheels has been used for car.)
Pick an example of synecdoche from the poem.
a) Has given my heart / A change of mood
b) The way a crow/ Shook down on me
c) The dust of snow / From a hemlock tree
d) And saved some part / Of a day I had rued
v.
Choose
the option showing the reason NOT corresponding with “… a crow / Shook down on
me / The dust of snow”.
a) The crow’s landing on the branch of the tree.
b) The shivering of the crow, due to the cold.
c) The readjustment of position of the crow on the branch.
d) The cawing of the crow hidden in the foliage.
EXTRACT-1
The way a crow
Shook down on me
The dust of snow
From a hemlock tree
Has given my heart
A change of mood
i.
Fill
the blank to complete the sentence. 1
Shaking down of dust of snow gave the speaker a change of heart by
___________.
ii.
How
does the interaction between the natural elements (crow, snow, hemlock tree)
contribute to the speaker’s emotional transformation in the poem ? Answer in
about 40 words. 2
iii.
‘Dust
of Snow’ is referred to as : 1
(A) mist (B) dust of
branches
(C) snow residue (D) snowflakes
iv.
The
crow and the hemlock tree represent ___________. 1
1. sorrow
2. Elation
3. hope
4. Anxiety
5. Enthusiasm
(A) 1 only (B)
2, 3 and 5
(C) 4 only (D)
1, 4 and 5
ANSWER
EXTRACT-1
i) c, ii) b, iii) d, iv) a, v) d
EXTRACT-2
i. lifting his spirits and bringing
positivity to his gloomy mood.
ii. The crow, snow, and hemlock tree are generally
symbols of darkness, coldness, and sorrow. Yet, their simple action
unexpectedly refreshes the speaker’s mood. This shows how even ordinary natural
elements can transform despair into hope and cheerfulness.
iii. (C) snow residue
iv. (A)
0 Comments