Dust of Snow by Robert Frost About the

Dust of Snow by Robert Frost

About the author � Robert Lee Frost (March 26, 1874 – January 29, 1963) was an American poet. His work was initially published in England before it was published in America. Known for his realistic depictions of rural life and his command of American colloquial speech. Frost frequently wrote about settings from rural life in New England in the early twentieth century, using them to examine complex social and philosophical themes. Frost was honoured frequently during his lifetime and is the only poet to receive four Pulitzer Prizes for Poetry. He became one of America's rare "public literary figures, almost an artistic institution. " He was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 1960 for his poetic works. On July 22, 1961, Frost was named poet laureate of Vermont.

When was Dust of snow written? � According to one of Frost's biographers, this poem was first published as “Favour” in the London Mercury in Dec. 1920 and later reprinted as “Snow Dust” in the Yale Review in Jan. 1921 before it was collected in the book “New Hampshire” (1923).

Summary of the poem In the poem, the poet says about the power that nature has over human beings. Sometimes seemingly insignificant natural events do bring about change. Being outdoors in nature, with all its unpredictability, can benefit anyone, anywhere and at any time. The man in the poem is upset and sitting under the hemlock tree covered in pure white snow. A crow sitting on the tree shakes the tree and the fine particles of snow from tree falls on the man. The soft and cold touch of snow changes his mood from sad to happy one He starts feeling soothed and refreshed. In this way a simple moment proves to be very significant and saves rest of the day of the man from being wasted in lamentation. The poet reiterates that the little things in life can make huge changes in our future. It also shows that if we can take the hard times of life in stride, eventually something will happen to change our situation into happier times. It means passing through the sad and depressing moments the poet is entering into the time full of joy and optimism.

Analysis of the poem Dust of Snow has as its main themes: � communication between nature and humans. � nature healing and helping with negative human emotions. � the significance of small natural events

� Symbolisms: The bleak atmosphere of the poem is symbolized by the black crow and the hemlock tree. The crow is traditionally given a bad name as a harbinger of doom and fear, while hemlock tree which is poisonous is symbolic of death. The poet sitting under the tree itself depicts about his gloomy and depressed mood and his tendency to bring an end to his life. � Irony: The crow, traditionally given a bad name as a harbinger of doom and fear, becomes a catalyst for positive change. It is the crow that shakes some dust of snow on the poet and rejuvenates his mood. Later the poet regrets of wasting his precious time lamenting unnecessarily and determines to save at least the rest of the day.

Picture of Hemlock Tree

Word meaning: � hemlock- a poisonous plant with small white flowers. � rued- held in regret Poetic Devices/ figure of speech: � Alliteration- saved some � Oxymoron – dust of snow. Dust is dry and not conventionally cold, while snow is wet and cold. � Symbolism- crow and hemlock tree symbolize death, depression, sorrow � Snow symbolizes natural joy and optimism � � Rhyme scheme abab

Questions for practice (to be written in note book) Q 1. Read the extract and answer the questions given below: “The way a crow Shook down on me The dust of snow From a hemlock tree Has given my heart A change of mood And saved some part Of a day I had rued (a) Where was the crow ? (b) What did it shake on the poet ? (c) What does the word, ‘rued’ mean ? (d) What is the poet’s state of mind ?

Questions for practice (to be written in note book) Q 1 and 2 of the text Extra questions Q 1. What has changed the poet’s mood? Q 2. What is the message of the poem? Q 3. positive attitude in life can make the world a better place to live in. express your views in reference to the poem, ‘Dust Of Snow’