NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English Chapter 1 - Dust Of Snow [Poem]

'Dust of snow' could refer to two things:

1) The fine particles of snow that are on the hemlock tree. 2) It could also refer to the tiny white flowers of the hemlock tree.

In a metaphorical sense, the dust of snow could refer to an unlikely and joyful event which turned the poet's mood around.

The dust of snow falling on the poet has changed his mood. The soft, cold touch of the snow changed the poet's mood from rueful to joyous. A day that began with regrets changed into one of happiness after the dust of snow fell on him.

Birds usually named in nature poems are song birds like the nightingale; beautiful white birds like the swans and doves; and other pleasant birds like the swallows, robins and linnets.

However, Robert Frost writes about a crow which a scavenging bird that is not associated with goodness. Instead, it is associated with fear, sorrow and sometimes even death. The hemlock is a poisonous tree with small white flowers.

The poet does not write about trees like the maple, the oak or the pine - trees that bring out the beauty of nature. He seems to be in a depressed mood full of regret and so he uses the poisonous 'hemlock' to convey to the reader his state of mind.

Both the crow and the hemlock represent 'sorrow'. The 'dust of snow' that the crow shakes off represents the sudden 'joy' that comes to the poet and changes his mood.

The poet may also want to convey the message that a crow, which is not usually associated with happiness and goodness, can bring joy when one is sad and full of regrets.

This is a model answer just for reference. Students are recommended to answer this question based on their interpretation.

Here are some hints the students could use for their answers:

Yes I have felt depressed /hopeless when

• I did badly in my exams.

• I lost in a competition for which I practiced really hard.

• I was blamed for something I did not do.

• I fought with my best friend.

What experience changed your mood;

• Support and advice from my family and teachers.

• Encouragement from friends and family.

• Someone listened to what I had to say.

• A call/message from my friend after we fought.

Encouraging words like: you can do it; there is always a second chance; time will tell;time is the greatest healer etc.