Dust of Snow
Thinking about the poem:
The poem “Dust of Snow” teaches us that even simple moments in nature can have a big impact on our emotions. It reminds us that happiness can come from unexpected places and that a small change in perspective can brighten our day.
1. What is a “dust of snow”? What does the poet say has changed his mood? How has the poet’s mood changed?
Ans: A “dust of snow” refers to small, light particles of snow that fall from a tree. The falling dust of snow from the hemlock tree has changed the poet’s mood. The poet was sad and gloomy, but after the snow fell on him, he felt refreshed and uplifted.
2. How does Forest 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 poem? Do you think a crow is often mentioned in poems? What images come to your mind when you think of a crow?
Ans: Birds like nightingale, peacock, dove, swan, and cuckoo are often mentioned in poems because of their beauty and melodious voices. No, a crow is rarely mentioned in poems because it is usually associated with darkness, bad luck, or harsh sounds. A crow reminds me of darkness, mystery, harsh cawing sounds, bad omens, and scavenging behavior. However, in this poem, the crow brings a positive change in the poet’s mood.
(ii) Again, What is ” a hemlock tree”? Why does not the poet write about a more “beautiful” tree such as a male, or an oak, or a pine?
Ans: A hemlock tree is a poisonous tree associated with sadness and negativity.
The poet does not mention a beautiful tree like a maple, oak, or pine because he wants to show that even unpleasant things can bring positivity. The hemlock tree and crow, though symbols of gloom, unexpectedly change the poet’s mood and bring him joy, conveying the idea that small, simple moments can brighten our day.
(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 ?
Ans: The crow and the hemlock tree represent sorrow, sadness, or negativity. However, in the poem, they bring a positive change in the poet’s mood.
The dust of snow that the crow shakes off the hemlock tree symbolizes small, simple moments in life that can bring happiness and relief, showing that even unpleasant things can have a positive impact.
3. Have there been times when you experienced a similar moment that changed your mood that day?
Ans: Yes, there have been times when a small incident changed my mood. One day, I was feeling sad and stressed about an exam, but then a friend told a funny joke, and we both started laughing. That small moment of joy made me feel lighter and happier, just like how the dust of snow lifted the poet’s mood in the poem.