DUST OF SNOW
- Robert Frost
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 1923
Genre: Sonnet
Poet: Robert Frost, American poet (March 26, 1874- January 29, 1963)
SETTING: The poem is set in the winter season.
Poet’s PURPOSE: It tells us about the curative power of nature.
TONE: light and cheerful
MOOD: Depressive mood of the poet changes to cheerful one.
Theme
The main themes predominant in the poem are communication between nature and
humans, healing power of nature and helping with negative human emotions and the
significance of small natural events. It juxtaposes two fundamentals - human complexity and
animal simplicity. Frost has used simple language to drive home a very significant message,
that little things sometimes, have a big impact.
The message is clear enough. Sometimes seemingly insignificant natural events do bring
about a change. Being outdoors in nature, with all its unpredictability, can benefit anyone,
anywhere at any time. Today, when all of us live in stressful atmospheres, the poem teaches
us to gain happiness from little things and infuse the element of positivity in one’s life and
pass it on to the others.
Vocabulary:
Hemlock
Rued
Idiomatic expressions:
Good things come to those who wait- to be patient
Keep your chin up- stay positive despite challenging situations or when you're feeling down.
Short Answer Questions
1. What are the symbols of sadness or sorrow in the poem? Give reasons.
Crow and hemlock tree could be seen as symbols of sadness because a crow is black like a
'black mood' and the hemlock tree is considered poisonous. However, they become
catalysts for positive change.
2. How has the poet observed nature in the poem ‘Dust of Snow’?
The poet has observed nature as a positive medium of change for him. The poet had been in
a sorrowful and depressive mood in the poem. But then the way a crow shook snow dust off
brought about a change in his mood. In the end of the poem the poet feels relaxed and
thankful to nature for saving his day from being wasted.
3. What does 'dust of snow' represent in the poem? Why?
'The dust of snow' is the symbol of natural joy and energy. It is white, the opposite of the
black colour of the crow. The soft and cold touch of snow changed the poet’s mood from
sad to happy. Now he feels revived and obliged to the beauty of nature.
Long answer question
What is the underlying message for us in our hectic life with reference to the poem, ‘Dust of
Snow’?
Robert Frost, in ‘Dust of Snow’, talks of how an otherwise bad day is altered into a not so
bad one, due to the action of a crow. The way a crow shakes down the dust of snow on the
poet inspires and gives him the idea to shake off his depressive thoughts, become cheerful
and do something useful. It was a seemingly disconnected occurrence that brought about a
change of mood in the poet. One lesson that can be learnt from the poet, is to see the
brightness amidst the gloom. The crow, the hemlock and the snow are all dark images, and
yet, the poet sees the colour of happiness. Another lesson is that life is made up of small
joys. It is through them that one can always manage to see positivity in negativity.
HOTS (Attempt any one)
1. 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
values.
2. Write a short poem (using the rhyme scheme: abab/aabb) on a similar theme.
3. Write about your experience when you felt depressed or hopeless. How did your
mood change then?
