Dust of Snow
Thinking about the Poem
1. What is a “dust of snow”? What does the poet say has changed his mood? How has the poet’s mood changed?
Ans: The “dust of snow” refers to the tiny, fine particles of snow that are so light they resemble dust. The poet explains that the sudden, unexpected fall of these snow particles on him—shaken down by a crow—changed his mood. Initially, the poet was in a state of gloom or regret (“rued”), but this simple touch of nature instantly lifted his spirits, saving the remainder of his day from being wasted in sadness.
2. How does Frost present nature in this poem?
(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?
Ans: Traditionally, poets choose birds known for their beauty or melodious songs, such as the nightingale, the skylark, the peacock, or the cuckoo. A crow is rarely mentioned in celebratory poetry because it is often associated with gloom, ill omens, and harsh sounds. When one thinks of a crow, images of blackness, mourning, or “scavenging” typically come to mind, making it a symbol of darkness rather than joy.
(ii) What is a “hemlock tree”? Why does the poet not write about a more “beautiful” tree such as a maple, or an oak, or a pine?
Ans: A hemlock tree is a poisonous evergreen tree with small white flowers. Frost intentionally avoids “beautiful” trees like the maple, oak, or pine because they represent strength and conventional beauty. By choosing a poisonous tree, he aligns the setting with his initial depressed state of mind. He wants to show that even “unpleasant” or “poisonous” parts of nature can be instruments of change and healing.
(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: Both the crow and the hemlock tree traditionally represent sorrow and negativity. However, the “dust of snow” that falls from them stands for joy and a fresh perspective. Frost uses these symbols to break down preconceived notions; he shows that joy can come from the most unlikely sources. By having a “dark” bird on a “poisonous” tree deliver a moment of “pure” white snow, he illustrates that nature is not inherently good or bad—it is our perception that gives it meaning.
3. Have there been times when you felt depressed and hopeless? Have you experienced a similar moment that changed your mood that day?
Ans: Many people experience moments of depression or hopelessness triggered by personal failures, the behavior of others, or general stress. Often, a very small, mundane event—like the wagging tail of a dog, the sight of a flower blooming in a crack of a sidewalk, or a sudden change in the weather—can snap a person out of their negative thoughts. These moments remind us that the world is larger than our immediate problems, much like how the snow reminded Frost to appreciate the present moment.