NCERT Solution of Dust of Snow Class 10 English
NCERT Solution of Dust of Snow Class 10 English of the book “First Flight” will explain Dust of Snow ‘s summary, critical analysis, difficult word meaning, and most important questions.
Line by Line Critical Analysis of “Dust of Snow” by Robert Frost
Line 1: “The way a crow”
- Analysis: The poem begins with an unexpected subject: a crow. Unlike more traditionally poetic birds such as nightingales or robins, the crow is often associated with ominous or negative connotations. Frost’s choice to start with a crow immediately sets a tone of everyday simplicity and realism. This also hints at the poem’s theme of finding beauty and significance in the mundane or overlooked aspects of life.
Line 2: “Shook down on me”
- Analysis: The crow’s action of shaking down snow onto the speaker implies an inadvertent or accidental interaction. This highlights the idea that impactful moments can occur spontaneously and without intention. The use of “shook down” suggests a sudden, possibly jarring, motion, emphasizing the unexpected nature of the event.
Line 3: “The dust of snow”
- Analysis: The phrase “dust of snow” portrays snowflakes as light and delicate. The term “dust” also implies something small and insignificant. This reflects the theme that even tiny, seemingly inconsequential things can have a profound effect. The contrast between “dust” and the transformative impact it has foreshadows the poem’s message about the power of small moments.
Line 4: “From a hemlock tree”
- Analysis: The hemlock tree, like the crow, carries negative associations, as hemlock is a poisonous plant. By choosing the hemlock, Frost continues the theme of finding positivity in traditionally negative or unremarkable elements. This line reinforces the idea that beauty and significance can emerge from the most unexpected sources.
Line 5: “Has given my heart”
- Analysis: This line shifts the focus from the external environment to the internal emotional state of the speaker. The verb “given” suggests a gift or positive contribution, indicating that the speaker has received something valuable from this encounter. This sets the stage for the emotional transformation that follows.
Line 6: “A change of mood”
- Analysis: The poem reveals that the speaker’s mood has been altered by the brief interaction with nature. The simplicity of the phrase “a change of mood” underscores the subtle yet significant impact of the event. It suggests that even a minor change can have meaningful effects on one’s emotional state.
Line 7: “And saved some part”
- Analysis: This line implies that the change in mood has had a restorative or salvaging effect. The word “saved” conveys a sense of rescue or recovery, indicating that the speaker was in need of emotional relief. This builds on the theme of redemption and the healing power of nature.
Line 8: “Of a day I had rued.”
- Analysis: The final line reveals that the speaker was experiencing regret or sorrow earlier in the day. The word “rued” denotes a strong sense of regret or lamentation. By stating that the crow and the dust of snow have “saved” part of the day, the poem concludes with a message of hope and the possibility of finding joy and relief even in the midst of a difficult time.
10 Difficult Words with Meanings, Synonyms, and Antonyms
- Rued
- Meaning: Regretted
- Synonyms: Lamented, regretted
- Antonyms: Celebrated, rejoiced
- Hindi: पछताया (Pachtaaya)
- Hemlock
- Meaning: A poisonous tree
- Synonyms: Poisonous plant, conifer
- Antonyms: (No direct antonyms, as it’s a specific plant)
- Hindi: हेमलॉक (Hemlock)
- Dust
- Meaning: Fine particles
- Synonyms: Powder, particles
- Antonyms: Clumps, masses
- Hindi: धूल (Dhool)
- Mood
- Meaning: Emotional state
- Synonyms: Feeling, temper
- Antonyms: Indifference, apathy
- Hindi: मनोदशा (Manodasha)
- Change
- Meaning: To make different
- Synonyms: Alter, transform
- Antonyms: Preserve, maintain
- Hindi: परिवर्तन (Parivartan)
- Shook
- Meaning: Past tense of shake
- Synonyms: Shivered, trembled
- Antonyms: Stabilized, steadied
- Hindi: हिला (Hila)
- Crow
- Meaning: A type of bird
- Synonyms: Bird, raven
- Antonyms: (No direct antonyms for specific animals)
- Hindi: कौआ (Kauaa)
- Snow
- Meaning: Frozen precipitation
- Synonyms: Ice, frost
- Antonyms: Heat, warmth
- Hindi: बर्फ (Barf)
- Heart
- Meaning: Center of emotion
- Synonyms: Soul, spirit
- Antonyms: Mind, intellect
- Hindi: दिल (Dil)
- Part
- Meaning: Portion
- Synonyms: Segment, piece
- Antonyms: Whole, entirety
- Hindi: भाग (Bhag)
Summary of “Dust of Snow” by Robert Frost
“Dust of Snow” is a short poem by Robert Frost that captures a moment of simple beauty and transformation. The poem describes a seemingly insignificant event: a crow shakes some snow off a hemlock tree, causing the snow to fall on the speaker. This small interaction, however, has a profound effect on the speaker. The falling snow changes the speaker’s mood and helps him overcome the regret or sorrow he had been feeling, salvaging a part of his day that he had initially deemed as lost.
Critical Analysis of “Dust of Snow” by Robert Frost
Theme
The primary theme of “Dust of Snow” is the idea that even the smallest, most mundane experiences in nature can have a significant impact on our emotions and outlook on life. Frost illustrates how an unexpected interaction with nature can bring about a change in perspective, uplifting the spirit and offering a moment of redemption.
Imagery and Symbolism
Frost uses vivid imagery to convey the scene. The “dust of snow” falling from the “hemlock tree” is a simple yet evocative image that captures the delicate beauty of the natural world. The choice of a crow and a hemlock tree is significant. Both are often associated with darker connotations; the crow is typically seen as a symbol of bad omens or death, and the hemlock tree is known for its poisonous properties. However, in this poem, these symbols are transformed into agents of positive change, suggesting that beauty and redemption can be found in unexpected places.
Structure and Form
“Dust of Snow” is composed of two quatrains with an ABAB rhyme scheme, which lends a rhythmic and musical quality to the poem. The brevity of the poem reflects the fleeting nature of the moment it describes, emphasizing how a brief encounter with nature can have a lasting impact.
Tone and Mood
The tone of the poem is contemplative and reflective. Initially, the speaker seems to be in a negative state of mind, suggested by the use of the word “rued,” which means regretted. However, the mood shifts to one of upliftment and relief by the end of the poem, illustrating the transformative power of nature.
Interpretation
The poem can be interpreted as a reminder to remain open to the small moments of beauty and grace that can unexpectedly brighten our days. It encourages a mindset of mindfulness and appreciation for the natural world, highlighting how even the smallest elements of nature can influence our mood and overall well-being.
Conclusion
“Dust of Snow” is a testament to Robert Frost’s ability to find profound meaning in simple, everyday occurrences. Through his use of imagery, symbolism, and concise form, Frost conveys a message of hope and renewal. The poem serves as a gentle reminder that nature, in its quiet and unobtrusive way, has the power to heal and transform our inner landscapes, even in the midst of our sorrows and regrets.
Reading Comprehension Dust of Snow
Dust of Snow
The way a crow
Shook down on me
The dust of snow
- What caused the dust of snow to fall on the speaker?
- Answer: The dust of snow fell on the speaker because a crow shook it down from a hemlock tree.
- Which tree is mentioned in the poem, and what is its significance?
- Answer: The hemlock tree is mentioned. It is significant because it is often associated with poison and death, symbolizing darker aspects of life.
- How does the poem describe the action of the crow?
- Answer: The poem describes the action of the crow as it “shook down on me the dust of snow.”
- What imagery is used in the first stanza to depict the scene?
- Answer: Frost uses visual imagery of a crow shaking down snow from a hemlock tree to depict the scene.
- What role does the crow play in the poem?
- Answer: The crow initiates the action that leads to the dust of snow falling on the speaker, triggering a change in the speaker’s mood.
- How does the use of the crow and hemlock tree contribute to the poem’s overall mood?
- Answer: The crow and hemlock tree, both with dark connotations, contribute to an initial somber mood that contrasts with the uplifting change in the second stanza.
From a hemlock tree
Has given my heart
A change of mood
And saved some part
Of a day I had rued.
by
ROBERT FROST
- What effect does the falling snow have on the speaker’s mood?
- Answer: The falling snow causes a change in the speaker’s mood, uplifting it.
- What does the speaker mean by “saved some part of a day I had rued”?
- Answer: The speaker means that the unexpected event of the snow falling improved a day that he had previously regretted.
- What does the word “rued” suggest about the speaker’s initial feelings about the day?
- Answer: The word “rued” suggests that the speaker initially felt regret or sorrow about the day.
- How does the second stanza reflect a change in the speaker’s perspective?
- Answer: The second stanza reflects a positive shift in the speaker’s perspective, from regret to a more hopeful and appreciative outlook.
- What literary device is used in “Has given my heart a change of mood”?
- Answer: This line uses personification, attributing the heart with the ability to experience a change of mood.
- How does the second stanza contrast with the first stanza in terms of tone and mood?
- Answer: The second stanza contrasts with the first by shifting from a somber and reflective tone to a more positive and uplifting mood, illustrating the impact of the small event on the speaker’s day.
Reading Comprehension Questions and Answers
- What is a “dust of snow”? What does the poet say has changed his mood? How has the poet’s mood changed?
- “Dust of snow” refers to the small particles of snow that fall from the hemlock tree. The poet’s mood changes because this small event gives him a moment of joy and lifts his spirits. His mood changes from regretful to hopeful.
- How does Frost present nature in this poem?
- Frost presents nature as a source of unexpected joy and transformation. Even a crow and a hemlock tree, which are not traditionally associated with beauty, play a crucial role in changing the poet’s mood.
(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?
- Birds like nightingales, sparrows, and swans are often named in poems. A crow is not commonly mentioned in poems and often symbolizes darkness or foreboding. Crows usually bring to mind images of harshness or bad omens.
(ii) Again, what is “a hemlock tree”? Why doesn’t the poet write about a more ‘beautiful’ tree such as a maple, or an oak, or a pine?
- A hemlock tree is a poisonous tree. The poet chooses a hemlock tree instead of a more traditionally beautiful tree to highlight the theme that beauty and positive experiences can come from unexpected and unconventional sources.
(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 hemlock traditionally represent sorrow or death. However, in the poem, they bring about a positive change, representing the idea that joy can come from sorrowful or unexpected sources. The dust of snow symbolizes a moment of beauty and a change in perspective.
- Have there been times when you felt depressed or hopeless? Have you experienced a similar moment that changed your mood that day?
- Personal reflection will vary, but students can think of moments where something small or unexpected brightened their day or lifted their spirits.
NCERT Solution: Textual Solution
Analysis of the Poem “Dust of Snow” by Robert Frost
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” refers to the tiny, light snowflakes that fall from the hemlock tree when the crow shakes its branches. In the poem, this simple act of nature—where a crow shakes down the dust of snow—alters the poet’s mood. The poet describes this change as a shift from a state of regret or sorrow to one of appreciation and upliftment. The dust of snow falling on him lifts his spirits and saves a part of the day he had rued, suggesting that a small incident can have a significant impact on one’s emotional state.
2. How does Frost present nature in this poem?
(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?
Birds often named in poems include nightingales, robins, sparrows, and doves—birds generally associated with beauty, music, and peace. A crow, on the other hand, is less commonly mentioned and often associated with darker, more ominous imagery. When thinking of a crow, images of bleakness, mystery, and sometimes foreboding or bad luck come to mind. However, in this poem, the crow, despite its usual negative connotations, plays a pivotal role in changing the poet’s mood for the better.
(ii) Again, what is “a hemlock tree”? Why doesn’t the poet write about a more ‘beautiful’ tree such as a maple, or an oak, or a pine?
A hemlock tree is a type of coniferous tree that is often associated with poison and death in literature, as it is named after the poison hemlock plant. The poet’s choice of a hemlock tree, rather than a more conventionally beautiful tree like a maple, oak, or pine, is significant. It suggests that beauty and positive experiences can come from unexpected and even seemingly negative or ominous sources.
(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 ‘hemlock’ typically represent sorrow, darkness, and negativity. However, in the context of the poem, they bring about a positive change. The dust of snow that the crow shakes off the hemlock tree stands for an unexpected moment of beauty and grace that changes the poet’s mood, showing that even elements commonly associated with sorrow can bring about joy and transformation.
3. Have there been times when you felt depressed or hopeless? Have you experienced a similar moment that changed your mood that day?
Reflecting on personal experiences can provide insight into how small moments or events can have a profound impact on one’s mood. For example, someone might feel depressed or hopeless due to various life circumstances, but a simple act of kindness from a stranger, a beautiful scene in nature, or a comforting word from a friend can significantly lift their spirits and change their outlook for the rest of the day. These moments, much like the dust of snow in the poem, remind us that hope and beauty can be found even in the most unexpected places and situations.
4o
- What event changes the poet’s mood in the poem?
- The poet’s mood changes when a crow shakes snow from a hemlock tree onto him.
- Why is the crow mentioned in the poem instead of a more beautiful bird?
- The crow is used to show that even things we don’t usually find beautiful can have a positive impact.
- What do you think the poet means by “a day I had rued”?
- It means a day the poet had regretted or felt sad about.
- How does the small act of snow falling change the poet’s day?
- It makes the poet feel better and saves part of his day from being wasted in sadness.
- Why does the poet mention a hemlock tree?
- The hemlock tree symbolizes sorrow, but the poet shows that even from sorrow, something good can happen.
Poetic Devices of Dust and Snow
Robert Frost’s poem “Dust of Snow” utilizes several poetic devices to convey its themes and enhance its impact. Here are the key poetic devices used in the poem:
1. Imagery
- “The way a crow / Shook down on me / The dust of snow / From a hemlock tree”: Frost creates a vivid image of the snow falling from the tree due to the movement of a crow. This visual imagery helps the reader picture the scene clearly.
2. Symbolism
- Crow: Often associated with negativity or bad omens, the crow here symbolizes an unexpected source of change.
- Hemlock Tree: Typically associated with poison and death, the hemlock tree symbolizes the darker aspects of life. Despite its associations, it plays a role in the positive transformation of the speaker’s mood.
- Dust of Snow: Symbolizes a small, natural event that brings about a significant positive change in the speaker’s mood and perspective.
3. Metaphor
- Dust of Snow: Acts as a metaphor for the small, seemingly insignificant actions or events that can have a significant impact on one’s feelings and outlook.
4. Alliteration
- “Shook down on me / The dust of snow”: The repetition of the ‘s’ sound in “shook” and “snow” adds to the musical quality of the poem.
- “Saved some part”: The repetition of the ‘s’ sound here emphasizes the speaker’s relief and the salvaging of the day.
5. Assonance
- “Crow” and “snow”: The repetition of the ‘o’ sound ties these words together, creating a subtle rhyme that enhances the poem’s musicality.
6. Consonance
- “Change of mood”: The repetition of the ‘d’ sound in “mood” and “saved” provides a rhythmic quality to the line.
7. Rhyme Scheme
- The poem follows an ABAB rhyme scheme, which provides a structured rhythm and a musical quality to the poem. The rhyme helps to tie the lines together, making the poem more cohesive and pleasing to read.
8. Enjambment
- “The way a crow / Shook down on me”: The continuation of a sentence without a pause beyond the end of a line creates a sense of flow and movement, mirroring the falling of the snow.
- “Has given my heart / A change of mood”: The enjambment here emphasizes the sudden shift in the speaker’s feelings.
9. Tone
- The tone of the poem shifts from one of regret and gloom to one of upliftment and positivity. This shift is effectively conveyed through the simple yet evocative language and the imagery of the falling snow.
10. Mood
- The mood of the poem transitions from somber to hopeful. The initial mood reflects the speaker’s regret about the day, while the later mood is one of relief and newfound appreciation.
11. Contrast
- The poem contrasts the initial feeling of gloom and regret with the subsequent feeling of upliftment and relief. This contrast highlights the impact of a small, unexpected event on the speaker’s emotions.
12. Personification
- “Saved some part / Of a day I had rued”: The day is personified as something that can be “saved,” indicating that the speaker’s perception of the day has been positively altered.
Conclusion
“Dust of Snow” by Robert Frost is rich with poetic devices that enhance its meaning and emotional impact. Through imagery, symbolism, metaphor, and other literary techniques, Frost conveys a powerful message about the significance of small, natural events in changing our mood and perspective. The poem’s structured rhyme scheme, use of enjambment, and tonal shift contribute to its overall effectiveness and memorability.
Lessons Learned from the Poem “Dust of Snow” by Robert Frost
Robert Frost’s poem “Dust of Snow” conveys several valuable lessons through its depiction of a simple yet profound moment in nature. Here are the key lessons that can be learned from the poem:
- Significance of Small Moments:
- The poem illustrates how a seemingly insignificant event, such as a crow shaking snow from a tree, can have a profound impact on a person’s mood and perspective.
- Lesson: Small moments and simple acts in our daily lives can hold great significance and can positively influence our outlook and emotions.
- Power of Nature:
- Nature’s ability to heal and uplift is a central theme in the poem. The encounter with the crow and the snow helps the poet overcome his negative feelings.
- Lesson: Engaging with nature can have a therapeutic effect, helping to alleviate sadness and restore a sense of peace and well-being.
- Transformation of Mood:
- The poem describes a shift from a bad mood to a positive one, highlighting the potential for change even in a brief moment.
- Lesson: It is possible to transform our mood and outlook through unexpected and small experiences. Keeping an open mind allows us to be receptive to positive changes.
- Perspective on Regret:
- The poet mentions that the moment with the crow and the snow has “saved some part of a day I had rued,” suggesting that it helped mitigate feelings of regret or sadness.
- Lesson: Dwelling on regret can be alleviated by finding joy and meaning in small, unexpected moments. This perspective encourages us to seek out and appreciate positive experiences, no matter how small.
- Unexpected Sources of Joy:
- The crow and the hemlock tree, often associated with negative imagery, unexpectedly contribute to the poet’s uplifted mood.
- Lesson: Joy and positivity can come from unexpected and unlikely sources. Being open to all experiences, regardless of preconceived notions, can lead to pleasant surprises and emotional uplift.
- Resilience and Hope:
- The poem conveys a message of resilience, showing how a minor incident can help overcome negative emotions and provide hope for the rest of the day.
- Lesson: Even when facing difficult times, small moments of beauty or kindness can help us recover and find hope. It underscores the importance of resilience and staying open to positive influences.
- Mindfulness and Appreciation:
- By focusing on a brief, specific moment in nature, the poem encourages mindfulness and the appreciation of the present moment.
- Lesson: Practicing mindfulness and appreciating the present can help us find joy and meaning in everyday life. It teaches us to be more aware and appreciative of our surroundings.
Overall, “Dust of Snow” by Robert Frost emphasizes the importance of finding value and positivity in small, everyday moments. It encourages readers to be open to the unexpected joys of life, to appreciate nature’s influence on our well-being, and to understand that even the simplest experiences can bring about significant emotional change.
20 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) based on the poem “Dust of Snow” by Robert Frost:
- What does the poet describe as “waylaid” in the poem “Dust of Snow”?
- A) A bird
- B) A crow
- C) A squirrel
- D) A leaf
Answer: B) A crow
- What does the dust of snow symbolize in the poem?
- A) Joy
- B) Sorrow
- C) Hope
- D) Gratitude
Answer: A) Joy
- Where does the crow shake the dust of snow in the poem?
- A) On the poet’s coat
- B) On the poet’s head
- C) On a tree
- D) On the ground
Answer: B) On the poet’s head
- What effect does the dust of snow have on the poet?
- A) It fills him with sorrow
- B) It makes him feel joyful
- C) It leaves him indifferent
- D) It makes him angry
Answer: B) It makes him feel joyful
- What is the tone of the poem “Dust of Snow”?
- A) Melancholic
- B) Joyful
- C) Indifferent
- D) Angry
Answer: B) Joyful
- What season is described in the poem?
- A) Winter
- B) Spring
- C) Summer
- D) Autumn
Answer: A) Winter
- What literary device is used in the line “The dust of snow from a hemlock tree”?
- A) Simile
- B) Metaphor
- C) Personification
- D) Alliteration
Answer: B) Metaphor
- What does the dust of snow change for the poet?
- A) His mood
- B) His appearance
- C) His destination
- D) His plans
Answer: A) His mood
- Who is the speaker of the poem?
- A) A farmer
- B) A poet
- C) A crow
- D) A passerby
Answer: B) A poet
- What does the crow symbolize in the poem?
- A) Sorrow
- B) Joy
- C) Indifference
- D) Wisdom
Answer: D) Wisdom
- What is the poet doing when the crow shakes the dust of snow on him?
- A) Walking
- B) Running
- C) Sitting
- D) Sleeping
Answer: A) Walking
- What does the poet’s coat symbolize in the poem?
- A) Sorrow
- B) Protection
- C) Wealth
- D) Joy
Answer: B) Protection
- What emotion does the poet feel before the crow shakes the dust of snow on him?
- A) Sorrow
- B) Joy
- C) Indifference
- D) Anger
Answer: A) Sorrow
- What does the poet consider the “hemlock tree” to be in the poem?
- A) A symbol of sorrow
- B) A symbol of joy
- C) A symbol of indifference
- D) A symbol of wisdom
Answer: D) A symbol of wisdom
- What is the poet’s initial reaction to the dust of snow?
- A) Anger
- B) Joy
- C) Sadness
- D) Indifference
Answer: C) Sadness
- Which of the following best describes the mood of the poem?
- A) Gloomy
- B) Cheerful
- C) Indifferent
- D) Angry
Answer: B) Cheerful
- What does the poet feel grateful for in the poem?
- A) The crow’s action
- B) The dust of snow
- C) The hemlock tree
- D) The winter landscape
Answer: B) The dust of snow
- What aspect of nature does the poet find solace in?
- A) Trees
- B) Snow
- C) Birds
- D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
- What does the crow’s action ultimately symbolize for the poet?
- A) A reminder of nature’s power
- B) A gesture of friendship
- C) A sign of good luck
- D) A source of inspiration
Answer: A) A reminder of nature’s power
- How does the poet’s mood change after the crow shakes the dust of snow on him?
- A) He becomes sorrowful
- B) He becomes joyful
- C) He becomes indifferent
- D) He becomes angry
Answer: B) He becomes joyful
