Dust of Snow - NCERT Class 10, First Flight, Chapter 1, Poem 1 - Summary, Explanation, Questions, Answers, Extra Questions, MCQ
Detailed summary and explanation of the poem 'Dust of Snow' by Robert Frost, with important question answers, extra questions, and MCQs from NCERT Class X, First Flight.
Updated : 4 weeks ago
Introduction
The poem "Dust of Snow" by Robert Frost is a short but powerful poem from the NCERT Class 10 English book, First Flight. It captures a small moment that makes a big impact on the poet’s mood, turning a seemingly gloomy day into one filled with hope and positivity. In just eight lines, Frost paints a vivid picture of how nature can influence human emotions and change perspectives.
Explanation
In the poem, the speaker describes how a crow, by shaking snow off a hemlock tree, transforms the poet's mood. The falling snow, referred to as "dust of snow," symbolizes a moment of pure, natural beauty that breaks the speaker's negative thoughts and lifts his spirits. The crow and the hemlock tree, both often associated with darkness or negativity, play a role in bringing about a positive change in the speaker’s day. Frost uses this simple imagery to illustrate that even the smallest occurrences in nature can lead to profound changes in our mood and outlook on life.
About the Author
Robert Frost (1874–1963) was an American poet known for his realistic depictions of rural life and his command of colloquial speech. He is one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, having received four Pulitzer Prizes for Poetry. Frost’s poetry often explores complex themes of human emotion, nature, and existence, using simple and relatable imagery. "Dust of Snow" reflects his ability to find meaning and transformation in everyday moments, demonstrating his deep appreciation for the natural world.
Dust of snow explanation in Hindi
कविता "Dust of Snow" (बर्फ के कण) में कवि रॉबर्ट फ्रॉस्ट एक साधारण लेकिन प्रभावशाली घटना का वर्णन करते हैं, जिसमें एक कौआ एक हेमलॉक पेड़ से बर्फ के कण झटकता है। यह घटना कवि के मन की उदासी को दूर करती है और उनके दिन को सकारात्मकता से भर देती है। यहाँ, कौआ और हेमलॉक पेड़, जो अक्सर नकारात्मकता या अंधकार से जुड़े होते हैं, एक सकारात्मक परिवर्तन लाने में सहायक बनते हैं।
इस कविता में कवि दिखाते हैं कि किस प्रकार प्रकृति की एक छोटी-सी घटना भी हमारे विचारों और मनोस्थिति को बदल सकती है। बर्फ के छोटे-छोटे कण कवि के दिल में आशा और प्रसन्नता भर देते हैं, और उनका दिन, जो पहले बर्बाद हो गया था, अब कुछ हद तक बच जाता है। रॉबर्ट फ्रॉस्ट इस कविता के माध्यम से यह संदेश देते हैं कि कभी-कभी जीवन में छोटी-छोटी घटनाएँ भी गहरे प्रभाव डाल सकती हैं और हमें नई दृष्टिकोण से जीने की प्रेरणा दे सकती हैं।
Dust of Snow - Thinking About the Poem: Questions and Answers
This poem presents a moment that seems simple, but has a larger significance. [Compare this to another quotation from Robert Frost: “Always, always a larger significance... A little thing touches a larger thing.”]
1. What is a “dust of snow”? What does the poet say has changed his mood? How has the poet’s mood changed?
The “dust of snow” refers to the fine particles of snow that fell on the poet from the hemlock tree. This seemingly small act of snow falling has a larger significance as it changes the poet’s mood from one of regret and sadness to one of upliftment and hope. The poet’s mood shifts from feeling downhearted to feeling refreshed, as the dust of snow brings a positive change to his day.
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?
Birds often mentioned in poems include nightingales, robins, and doves, which are typically associated with beauty and melodious sounds. A crow, however, is not commonly mentioned in poems and is usually associated with negative or ominous imagery. When thinking of a crow, images of darkness, harsh sounds, and perhaps bad omens come to mind. Yet, in this poem, the crow plays a role in bringing about a positive change, breaking its typical associations.
(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 poisonous tree, often symbolizing death or darkness. Instead of choosing a traditionally ‘beautiful’ tree like a maple, oak, or pine, Frost deliberately chooses a hemlock to convey that even things associated with sorrow or negativity can lead to a positive outcome. The choice of the hemlock adds depth to the poem's message — that beauty and joy can come from unexpected 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 the hemlock tree both symbolize sorrow and darkness in traditional imagery. However, in this poem, they become instruments of change and redemption. The dust of snow that the crow shakes off the hemlock tree stands for the small, seemingly insignificant moments in life that can shift our mood and perspective, bringing relief or joy even in difficult times.
3. Have there been times when you felt depressed or hopeless? Have you experienced a similar moment that changed your mood that day?
Yes, there are often moments when we feel depressed or hopeless, but just like in the poem, a small, unexpected incident — a kind word, a beautiful sunset, or a light snowfall — can transform our mood. These moments remind us that even when things seem tough, positivity and hope can be found in the smallest details of life.
