NCERT Solutions for Dust of Snow Class 10 First Flight English
Book Solutions1
What is a “dust of snow”? What does the poet say has changed his mood? How has the poet’s mood changed?
Answer
The "dust of snow" means the fine partides of snow. The falling of the snow on the poet has changed his mood. The soft and cold touch of the snow changed his mood from sad to happy. Now he feels revived and obliged to the beauty of nature.
2
How does Frost present nature in this poem? The following questions may help you to think of an answer.
(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?
(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?
(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?
Answer
Frost presents nature in a very different manner in the poem. Generally, poets take the birds and trees which are known for their beauty and good qualities like peacock, parrot, cuckoo, mynah and trees full of beautiful flowers and fruits as the subjects or themes of their poems etc. But here Frost has chosen a crow, a bird which is black in colour with very harsh voice and believed to be a bad omen to be the subject of his poem. The poet wants to convey to the readers that after every sorrowful moment, ajoyful moment waits for us and each dark doud has a silver lining. He also used to enjoy the little moments of happiness and joy. Happiness doesn't come from big things only. Likewise, hemlock tree is a poisonous plant with white flowers. Actually the poet has done so to present his mood and feelings. The crow and hemlock tree represent sorrow and depression felt by him in this materialistic world. On the other hand the dust of snow is the symbol of natural joy and energy. It means after passing through the sad and depressing moments, the poet is entering into a phase full of joy and optimism.
3
Have there been times when you felt depressed or hopeless? Have you experienced a similar moment that changed your mood that day?
Answer
To be done by the students themselves.